Tears of Gethsemane: A Pastor's Journey through Leukemia

Life is an exciting journey filled with moments of delirious laughter, family, and accomplishments. Along the way, the unexpected jolt of a critical illness can stop us dead in our tracks. Such an experience happened in the life of Earl Spivey Jr. After years as pastor serving churches in Indiana, North Carolina, and South Carolina, a new ministry had begun, helping single mothers overcome tremendous obstacles to become loving, godly mothers who could engage successfully in society. His journey included caring for parents suffering with dementia, a major move, and adoption of two children.

Then the journey took a catastrophic turn. A routine visit to the doctor for a sore throat led to the diagnosis of acute myeloid leukemia. Life as he knew it stopped, and a new journey began. Earl J. journeyed through devastating rounds of chemotherapy and brushes with death. The first night in the hospital set the stage for his journey as he wrestled with God in his Garden of Gethsemane. Tears led to a release of his will to that of his Heavenly Father.

Earl J. details the stories of many of the people who walked with him along his journey through leukemia. His own personal struggles and the miracles he experienced are shared without restraint. Life has changed, but his faith and praise for each new day has deepened. His story brings encouragement to those who need hope as they or a loved one struggles with a devastating diagnosis and to those who need a reminder that God is a God of love and grace. Join this pastor's journey through the Tears of Gethsemane and his life after AML.