I started playing soccer when I was four-years-old. My team was called “The Gremlins,” and we were pretty good. I absolutely loved playing soccer. I wish I had stuck with it because it’s the one sport that I was ever any good at.
However, I don’t think I was as good then as this guy.
That’s Sterling, son of Roger and Becca Davis. I got to go to his soccer game on Sunday afternoon, and I’ve got to tell you, boy’s got skills. Like serious skills. He can control the ball but isn’t afraid to let it get away from him for a moment. He drives hard. His footwork is good. Plus, he genuinely enjoys playing. It’s like he doesn’t know how good he is, and he doesn’t get frustrated with any of the other kids who, honestly, aren’t near as good. I mean, he scored 7 goals alone. If you know soccer, you know that’s pretty good.
Anyway, watching this game was a great privilege because of how excited Sterling was to be playing. He didn’t get to play last week, because there were some medical questions being asked about him at the time, some that have since been answered.
You see, Sterling has a tumor in the middle of his brain. It’s about the size of a ping-pong ball, and today a group of medical professionals are going in to get it.
So, today, in the midst of everything else I might have going on in my day, I’m going to be practicing “praying without ceasing,” perhaps like I never have before. I’d like to invite you to join me.
Here’s a few things you can be praying for specifically:
- A successful surgery. - What’s the definition of “successful” here? Well, according to Roger, one simply where Sterling comes out of it. I know that sounds serious, but that’s because it is.
- Getting the whole tumor. - The doctor has told them that he expects to get about 85% of it with the chance to get the whole thing. Evidently, there’s 15% that’s in a blind area, and the doctor isn’t willing to risk going into that blind area. Totally understandable. However, the way they’ll remove the tumor, evidently, is by “drilling” into it so that it collapses on itself. Hopefully, the hidden 15% will collapse with the rest so that it can come on out. Roger equated it to a gummy worm being stuck in your kid’s car seat. You pull on it hoping the whole thing comes out, but there’s a chance the end breaks off. So, pray for the whole worm.
- Good recovery. – They say that kids bounce back a lot better than adults. So, that’s good. And Sterling’s a strong, active kid (as you can tell from how good he is at soccer). So, I fully expect this one to be easy. However, we definitely want the Lord’s hand fully in Sterling’s recovery. They’re expecting a seven-day hospital stay followed by about three weeks at home. However, he could be up and going after a couple of days. There’s just a number of factors on which that depends.
- A benign tumor. – This is just the beginning of a bit of a journey for Sterling, Roger, Becca and their family. The prayer is that the journey isn’t made any more serious.
- Strength for Sterling. – I can’t imagine having to process this for myself, much less being a four-almost-five-year-old. It’s a lot to deal with for sure, but I know that with God, Sterling can get through it for sure.
- Peace for Roger and Becca. – Probably the hardest thing for them to have right now.
- Guidance and empowering for Dr. Wellons. – This is Sterling’s main doctor, at least the one that’s going to be holding the instruments in the O.R. However, we’re seeking the help of the Great Physician. I want Him to be the one working in and through all the doctors and nurses.
It’s obviously going to be a long day. But you can keep up with updates I’m sure by following @jrogerdavis and @davisbecca on Twitter.
Prayer is effective. I believe it, and I know it. Thanks for joining me and all the many others lifting up Sterling today.
i am praying for Sterling. I lost my son to a Brain tumor at age 42
Joe, I’m so sorry to hear about your loss. I can’t imagine what that must be like to endure. I’ll pray for you as well. And thank you so much for praying for Sterling. There are few people who understand their situation like you do. Sincerely, thank you.
The Lord doesn’t promise to give us something to take (as a prescription) so we can handle our weary moments. He promises us himself. That is all. And that is enough. They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strenght; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. Isaiah 40:31 KJV
Thanks, Ray. So true.
I will be praying for Sterling and for your family.
“And God will Raise you up on Eagles Wings, bear you on the breath of dawn, make you shine like the sun, and hold you in the palm of his hand.”
Thanks, Julie.
My prayers have gone up for Sterling, my husband and I experienced an eight year old with a tumor, and it went very well. I give the praise to God for his healing. We want to know of his progess as this goes along, we are friends of Jeremy W. and he can tell us, meanwhile we will continue to pray for him, his family, and the doctors. In Christ – Sandee
Thanks, Sandee. I join you in praising God for your own son’s healing. Thanks for joining us in prayer. I’ll be doing an update post later today.
Praying for all the Davis’ and the friends and family that are there with them. The staff and pastors at Christ Fellowship (about 120 people) prayed together for Sterling and his surgeons this morning and my momma and cousin are praying in Texas. Love ya’ll
Thanks so much, Dori.
Just heard about Sterling through Vicky B’s posting on Twitter. Have been and will continue to pray for this precious boy and his parents. God is faithful, this I know. Shalom.
Thanks, Lynn.
Thank you for ministering in this way. I can’t imagine how overwhelming it would be on their family to inform those praying without you and others helping.
The Scott Dawson staff is joining you guys in lifting him up to our Father!
I just got an email from my friend, Christy Parvin, with a link to your blog. My husband and I will be praying for precious little Sterling and his family. My best friend had to have emergency surgery to remove a brain tumor that was discovered a week before her wedding. I can remember the feelings of true helplessness and a mighty hope as we waited and prayed. All I know is God did amazing things through that situation. She was completely healed but also so many of us gained a deeper trust in our almighty God… not because of the outcome so much but because we learned to fully rely on Him and place all our hope in the Lord. We are praying first for Sterling, but we know that God will show up and show Himself strong to everyone there. He is faithful.
Thanks, everyone. Know that I’m passing all of your comments along to Roger and Becca. It’s wonderful to see the body of Christ rallying in this way. Thank you.
I am the mother of a friend of Roger and Becca. I am lifting them up as well as the doctors and nurses. May the peace that passes all understanding wrap them in His arms and may they feel the prayers of family, friends, and even those that have never met them.
And may I quickly add that Sterling is adorable, all the thumbs up pictures are precious!
Thanks, Debbie. And you’re right about his pictures. They’re great.
getting late, but i am still looking for updates and praying as specifically as i can! may the blessing of rest find you all tonight as your body prepares for this marathon you have started.
I have prayed for Sterling and his family since learning of his situation on Facebook this am. An 8 y/o dear friend to us, Zach Little, underwent a brain tumor resection in July: http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/zachlittle/mystory
Just as I have seen with Zach’s situation, I know that, “ALL things work together for the good of those that love Him.” I pray for complete healing of sweet Sterling and that God will be glorified through such a difficult situation. Prayers will continue in abundance from south MS!!!
Thanks, Tanya.
Praying for Sterling, you and your family. Praying for Sterlings healing and you and your family’s comfort, from the God of all Comfort.