How I Became #NotConsumed
For the most recent updates on Luke, scroll to the bottom of the post.
Whether you’ve landed on this blog for the very first time today or been reading along for five years, you might not know the story behind it all. So, may I tell you?
The year was 2011. From my spot on the couch the blessings were overwhelming. God had provided a place for us to live despite a foreclosure, impending/unwanted divorce, and deep sorrow that rarely found words adequate. I felt so very grateful and yet so afraid. The road ahead of me was long and promised loneliness, sleeplessness, and great uncertainty.
The silence in that moment was deafening. My four children (ages 1, 3, 6, and 7) were all sleeping soundly and it was more than I could handle. The tears began to flow and my heart cried out for help, “Oh God, what do you want me to do?”
I knew it was only a matter of time before I had to find some kind of work. I had paid a year of rent in advance by selling literally every possession we had, but after this year there would be nothing to sell. I trusted God fully to provide; my cries weren’t of unbelief, but of a desire to know what direction I should pursue. I knew it was likely I would need employment as part of God’s plan. I just didn’t know how, when, or what I should do about it.
The idea of starting a blog had been tossed around and prayed over, but I didn’t have a clear answer. In that moment I found myself asking God again to show me what He would have me do. I looked back down at my Bible and began to read again. I can’t tell you why I was reading Lamentations. Maybe I was just wanting to lament and felt comfortable doing it with those very words. Maybe it was God’s leading. Either way, the words of the third chapter fell on my soul like a warm blanket on a restless baby.
Because of the Lord’s great mercies… we would not be consumed.
What a hope and promise. What a future we had because God’s compassion would never fail us. That night I texted my friend what God had finally revealed in my heart. I would indeed blog and the name of the blog would be “Not Consumed.” Although I had no idea how to start a blog and honestly felt inept with even small technology tasks like checking email, I believed God would one day provide through this blog.
I knew that day our circumstances were far from over. I knew I’d have to continue to trust God in ways unfathomable to me. I knew that someday God would use this pain that we couldn’t escape to bless others with the same promise of not being consumed by their circumstances. But I’ll be honest. There was a lot I didn’t know.
I didn’t know then I’d be sitting in an oncology clinic many years later with my baby, clinging to the very same promises. I didn’t know how precious the words of Lamentations 3:22-23 would become to me and how easily they would flow from our lips in even the smallest of trials. I didn’t know those words and that phrase (#NotConsumed) would literally become the very breath of God poured into our hearts.
#NotConsumed Meets Cancer
Barely over a month ago God changed our lives forever. (Read the whole story here.) It was an ordinary day and I had my usual wardrobe planned. #NotConsumed T-shirt, yoga pants, and flip flops. I had to drop off the girls, but other than that, I was planning to be home sitting behind a computer for most of the day. When the pain in Luke’s head suddenly became an emergency, changing my shirt was the last thing on my mind. That one thing would end up becoming the most valuable thing.
When they told me it was a tumor, I looked down to see those words. #NotConsumed
When they showed me the images on the MRI and told us of the dangers of the surgery, those words brought peace into my heart. #NotConsumed
When we were readmitted several times for complications, the shirt became a tool to remind me of the truth. #NotConsumed
When they said it would be a year of chemo, the message of God’s unending faithfulness blared across my chest. #NotConsumed
In fact, I’m glad I have a few colors because I think this shirt will follow us into every clinic visit, hospital stay, and chemo treatment for a long time. Not because the shirt has special powers or changes the outcome of anything we do. Because it reminds me to stay focused on the truth.
We are #NotConsumed by cancer and anything and everything else. It will always be true. No circumstance, situation, trial, will ever consume us. That’s a promise. And isn’t it beautiful? Isn’t that what you want to remember when things are hard?
I know I do. It’s my natural tendency to think that I can’t handle it. That the situation is out of control. Or that the circumstances are so overwhelming there’s no reasonable resolution or action on my part.
The funny thing is–all of that is true. I’m not in control. I can’t handle the situation. And there’s really nothing I can do. Nothing aside from trust God, the One who does control the situation and the One who can handle any and every circumstance. The One who’s not surprised or playing catch-up. The One who has a plan that is ONLY and always good.
As we’ve frequented the ER, hospital rooms, and facilities, I’ve become known for my shirt and I love it. It provides an opportunity for conversation, which is an open door for witnessing both to medical staff and other patients we come into contact with. But even if that were not true, the promise it holds for us is one worth wearing.
Today was one of those days. When Dr. Bryant walked into the room, she smiled and said, “I see you are becoming rather fond of that shirt.” All I could do was smile back and bask in the graciousness of such a good God. As we sat and discussed results, made chemo plans, and talked through side effects there wasn’t a moment of doubt that our family was #NotConsumed. Today. Next week. Years from now. Always.
One Year Update (Nov. 2017)
If you’ve been following our journey in our Facebook group you know that it’s now been a year since Luke was diagnosed. God has been so gracious. Luke has kept most of his hair and experienced minimal side effects considering the possibilities. We so appreciate your prayers for the last several months of chemo, the future of the tumor (which is not growing, but not removable), and the neuropathy in his legs.
Luke’s sweet spirit has blessed so many nurses, doctors, our family and even the readers of #NotConsumed. We are so very grateful for every single prayer sent on our behalf. It’s a HUGE thing to do and we are blessed by you.
God is only and ALWAYS good. I know that whatever you are facing right now may seem difficult, but His promises remain true. You are #NotConsumed because of HIS great love and unending mercies! (Lam. 3:22-23)
One year OFF Chemo Update (Sept. 2019)
This picture says it all. This is Luke’s oncologist. She’s tough but laid back. She’s hilarious, the absolute best in her field, and she loves him to pieces. Words could never adequately describe how thankful we are to have her.
This week’s MRI is showing a small regrowth of Luke’s tumor. At this point, it’s not substantial enough to change anything, but something we need to watch closely and plan for. We would love for you to join us in prayer that it stays that way.
We are also going to see a neurologist to try and get more help with his headaches as they seem to be the biggest issue for him right now.
Two Years OFF Chemo Update (Sept. 2020)
This week we got our official “STABLE” report from the oncologist. Woohoo! There is still that bit of tumor growth that they saw a year ago, but that growth has been stable (unchanged) since September 2019.
Headaches are also now completely under control. There is a good bit of medicine in play to make this happen, which I don’t love, but I’m thankful that something is working.
Hypothalamic issues seem to be the biggest pest right now. He’s gained another 15 pounds since May and there are several labs that came back with abnormal levels. Please pray as we determine what steps need to be done to help with this.
CHEMO ROUND 2 (March 2022 Update)
In May of 2021, we got the bad news that Luke’s tumor was again growing. We are thankful for the break from chemo, but not surprised by this news since the tumor is aggressive and grows in juvenile cells. Luke started oral chemo in June of 2021 and has been stable since that time. His hypothalamic issues remain. So far the oral chemo is keeping the tumor from growing, but sadly, it’s not shrinking. For now we wait on the Lord to show us what’s next.
Chemo continued (June 2023 update)
We’ve now been on oral chemo for about two years. The tumor remains stable. It’s still there, but not growing. I asked Dr. Bryant how long we’d continue like this and she said, “At least for now.” So we wait and see what God will do. The chemo doesn’t have many obvious symptoms aside from some toe pain that ends up looking like ingrown toenails and some skin rashes. Luke still has metabolic issues from his original rounds of chemo and the tumor removal which includes hypothalamic dysfunction leading to excessive weight gain. We are working to try and combat those.
Through practical tools & Bible-based resources, Kim Sorgius is dedicated to helping your family GROW in faith so you can be Not Consumed by life’s struggles. Author of popular kid’s devotional Bible studies and practical homeschooling tools, Kim has a master’s degree in education and curriculum design coupled with over 2 decades of experience working with kids and teens. Above all, her most treasured job is mother and homeschool teacher of four amazing kiddos.
Love you, Kim. Love the way you are letting God’s light shine through you – completely NOT Consumed and willing to be a light for others
Love you, too, friend!
We are following you in thoughts, hugs, and prayers. I can’t wait to order a T-shirt (or four), but how do we specify long sleeves? I’m chronically cold. Brrrr
Thank you so much! Unfortunately, we don’t have any long sleeves at this time. Sure wish we did!
That’s OK! I will order anyway and look forward to wearing them in the summer!
You could layer a long sleeve shirt under the t-shirt. Just a thought. =)
Praying for you and your family, Kim! You are a beautiful picture of #notconsumed.
As a recently divorced and homeschooling mom of four kiddos (ages 1, 3, and 5 yr old twins when he left) I follow you closely and you are so very often in my thoughts and prayers. Xo
Oh girl, praying for you in this journey, too!
Will be praying for all of you. So thankful God has all the answers because we do not! Ordering a shirt now and look forward to wearing it to my oncology appointments!
Praying for you!
Love you much, sweet Kim. God brought the words Not Consuned to you and it’s so beautiful how you have grabbed ahold of these words and this scripture…weaving them into your lives and hearts. Praying for precious Luke, you, your sweet children, and the medical team. All of us will be praying you guys through this year of chemo and through the healing and recovery. Love you!
Thank you, my friend!
I ordered one for my sister who is fighting cancer. She will appreciate the sentiment, because it is hard not to be consumed.
Absolutely. VERY hard. But so worth it! Thank you for sharing with her. I’ll be praying for your family.
I am a cancer surviver myself. We are are praying over your children, your family, and your journey! We are grateful to bring our requests to the Lord according to His will. <3 Thank you for sharing your heart with all of us.
Praise the Lord! Praying for you and thankful for your prayers.
I have read your story – courageous lady – been there also – but God does change the unchangeable – God Bless you and your son – with love and prayers – chrissie UK xx
My heart aches for you. Prayers for you and your sweet family!
Prayers,prayers and more prayers for Luke to beat this monster. Thinking of you and all of the family.
Marion and family
Praying for Luke and your family. Just ordered a t-shirt. Thank you!
Yes yes yes! Our daughter is at the tale end of aggressive cancer treatment. She is now 6 diagnosed at 5. This has been our mindset from the beginning. God’s grace has been poured out over us these last few months. In the cancer community there is so much anger and I understand that. But I am grateful that we are covered by a loving God that gives up Hope that others don’t have.
Absolutely! Praying for you all!
My son also has cancer. He turned 11 yesterday and is near the end of his treatment. God has walked with is every step and we have definitely been #notconsumed!
Prayers!
Julie
He is so good! Thank you for sharing your testimony. Praying for your son and your family.
I love you, friend. Thank you for having the courage to trust our Lord with all you have been given. Continued prayers for Luke, the family, and all involved in his treatment. Definitely buying a shirt today, too. xoxo
I was recently diagnosed in October 2016 with uterine cancer and I may not get to have children. I am 26 and me and my husband currently don’t have that blessing. I needed this post after a long stressful week. Thank you for reminding me of God’s graciousness in all things. I will be praying for y’all!
Oh friend, so hard. I’m glad you were encouraged and I’ll be praying for you.
Am praying for you and your family. I am from a family of 7, two of which are in heaven from their cancers, two are in remission. Your #not consumed takes on special meaning for me that not the whole family will be consumed by cancer. And even if we are–God is still greater than cancer. A phrase God gave me two years ago while going through some deep waters came from a choir song we were learning: “God is good, He is always good, He is only good to me. When my eyes can’t see, help my heart believe, You are always, only good.” May you know and see God’s goodness through this time.
Wow Rhonda, that’s so much to handle. I’ll be praying for you! Thank you for your sweet encouragement.
Praying for your family and looking forward to wearing my new t-shirt. <3
Have been faithfully praying for you all and also about a way to bless you and your family during this time. Ordering a shirt right now and will wear it proudly to remind myself and others of His great love!! Continue in strength and peace!!
I’m not sure when or how I stumbled across this blog (I suspect Pinterest since I spend a lot of time on there – unintentionally) but I have truly been blessed by the treasures of faith, hope , and love I have received from your posts. I am a new stay-at-home mom of four after working full-time for 35 years. I am always encouraged and inspired. Yes, I’ll be praying over you, Kim, and your family. Nothing is a mystery to God and we know that ALL things work together for His perfect plan. We will trust Him, obey Him, walk with Him moment by moment knowing that He is sovereign, holy and loves each of us with an unfailing and an unending love. Living #notconsumed.
Dearest Kim,
I wish I could share my deepest personal thoughts regarding how I came to browse your website. I have checked in on and off for a year. Completed your email study as well. You are precious. I am praying for you along with my 10 year old daughter. My Daddy was diagnosed with (Glioblastoma 4 )Sept.2,2016. I know some of what your going through, yet what is remarkable is your FAITH. God bless you sweet girl. Thank you for blessing me and sooo many others.Praise Him for your example. I love being a Christian. I’ m buying Tshirts today,and I’m pressing on to reach the goal He has called me too.
So much love, Tami
I’m sorry about your dad, Tami. I’ll be praying for your family. And I’m so glad you’ve found encouragement here. God is faithful!
God bless you! We are praying….
Please look into The Truth About Cancer website or book by Ty. Lots of natural methods to support chemo treatment to help against the side effects. God bless.
You are living every mama’s worst fear. I am so sorry it has happened! But Though you walk through the valley of the shadow of death, HE WILL NEVER LEAVE YOU NOR FORSAKE YOU! And you are, indeed, Not Consumed. Praying for you and precious Luke.
Prayers continuing for Luke’s healing and for his family’s strength. God Bless Luke and his family.
Marilyn
Oh prayers for you all right now. So amazed and inspred by your beautiful faith and what God is doing through you!
Sending hugs and prayers for your family during this journey!
Wow Kim! What an encouragement! You and your family are in my prayer. We serve the God of the impossible.
LOVE the T-shirt. I have a trailing time coming up it is a great reminder. Thank you ?
My daughter is 5 years cancer free, diagnosed at 13. Will definitely be praying for your family. God is our sustainer and ever present help in time of trouble.
Praise the Lord. I appreciate your prayers and will be praying for you as well.
We are praying for you and your family, Kim. Thank you for allowing us to be a part of your journey, and thank you for blessing us with your example of tremendous faith (and your awesome site). May God bless you richly.