After 40 years on T.V., in 3 different Western cities, I’ve become a blue-fingernailed, beanie-wearing celebrity overnight…thanks to cancer. Don’t get me wrong, I love the status upgrade but wish the circumstances were slightly different. My new-found-fame has meant well-wishes from thousands of people I don’t know personally, many of them have been religious in nature.
I’m going to cross a path here that has been the ruin of far bigger celebrities than me…I’m gonna talk about God. The risk is many of you will immediately log off (God talk has a way of doing that to some). Others of you will find my conversation blasphemous, irreverent or just reason to debate.
First, some background: Since making my cancer diagnosis public you’ve been kind enough to send me prayers and healing based on your beliefs. I thank you for that. My friends, the Gennusos, arranged for a Mass to be said in my honor, many of you have organized prayer circles and my Mormon relatives tell me cobalt blue nail polish is sold out in their Utah town. I even received a phone call from Southern India, where my Buddhist buddy, Lama Phuntsho, offered my name as part of an eight-thousand monk prayer festival. Wow. That’s all overwhelming.
Here goes the part where I should probably just say “thank you” and move on…but it’s not my nature. I am not a terribly religious guy. I’m part of that new big group of Americans that refer to themselves as spiritual but not religious. So what’s that mean? I find wonder in sunrises and sunsets, the relationship between a bee and a flower makes my eyes wide. And did you know that every single orchid on earth is designed as a runway to attract the insects that help in pollination? The workings of this world mystify me daily. That kinda stuff can be a powerful argument for God or for science. Till now, I just have happened to come down on the side of science. Your kind thoughts help me better understand what it’s like being a person of faith. I’m a modern man faced with Pascal’s Wager.
Funny thing happened to me the other day, a wonderfully talented writer from the UT, Karla Peterson, stopped by for an interview about what’s been going on. I shared with her one my recent revelations: learning that I need to be more engaged with the people around me by attending “birthdays, bar mitzvahs and weddings.” When Karla’s article appeared in Saturday’s paper, my comment had some of you wondering “Is Loren Nancarrow Jewish?” We know you’ve been wondering this through the marvel of technology (as we’ve been keeping an eye on search terms that lead you to my blog) and it turns out that more than a few of you have asked Google this question. So, let me answer it now: nope. Raised a Methodist and spent a life trying to live by the Golden Rule, failing too often but working harder at it now that I know, if there is a God, he’s watching more closely these days. Ironically, I have a longtime friend in Mark Larson, a conservative talk show host and occasional preacher. He asked me to look for meaning in everything I’m experiencing. Sound advice. Rest assured Mark, I’m looking.
The Nancarrow Project 
Wow, wonderful blog format! How lengthy have you ever been blogging for? you make running a blog glance easy. The overall glance of your website is fantastic, as well as the content!
Hi Loren,
Was flipping the tv control last night looking for something to watch and saw the news regarding the healing garden. I hadn’t heard you were sick so I quickly googled it and saw this posting.
I used to watch the news channel you were on all the time. You were an excellent newscaster. Intelligent, well spoken, kind, and I too have a deep love of nature.
My heart goes out to you and your family. I am soooo very sorry to hear of your cancer. I know the road of cancer too well, my Beloved husband is in Heaven waiting for me.
We used to live in Olivenhain as well and knew you and Suzie were neighbors.
I have been praying for you as God brings you to mind regarding your illness and what you and your precious family must be going through. This morning as God brought you and yours to mind I felt I must write a note, I would regret it if I didn’t.
when we accept Jesus into our hearts He gives us the Holy Spirit to guide, comfort and counsel us. And I was reminded this morning to pray for you.
There is only one way to heaven dear Loren and that way is through Jesus…”Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.” Acts 4:12
You are a very open minded person, just consider it, let God show you He is real.
I always figure what do people have to lose being open to considering Jesus, not listening and accepting will cost us eternity.
Once we accept and have a personal relationship with God He promises to never leave us, never forsake us, He will be with us always. That is what is getting me through this very, very difficult time.
Take good care, In Gods Love to you and your family. Diane
When I arrived in San Diego in Sep 1979, I always told people it was because of the Palm trees ! … when I heard you Loren on your audio blog mention that … I thought , wow, there was another one like me ! Recently I have gotten news about my own health issues, and it reminded me, that we are only here for a short time … and we all will leave this earthy life, with the hope and promise of Eternal Life in the next part of our journey! God Bless You Loren …
That hits the target perfectly. Thanks!
Continue sending healing love & light to Loren~~~~~
Loren, I have been a fan since 1991/1992 ish. I am so sorry for you to deal with this. As said in previous comments your are a great writer, but more importantly a great person who has inspired many, many people in so many ways. I pray for you & your wife for love, strength, & healing. You were raised Methodist, you see the wonder and beauty of God everywhere. You know living by the golden rule isn’t the answer. You may or may not soon face God & answer for your life. We ALL will someday. What will save you is simply your belief in Jesus a God’s son & your saviour.
Thank you for all you have given & continue to give to the rest of us here.
Loren, as I read your blog, God reminded me of this verse, I believe He is trying to get your attention.
Revelation 3:19-21 New King James Version (NKJV)
“As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Therefore be zealous and repent. Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me. To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne.”
There is a door to our hearts that only we can open, and it was meant for God alone to enter in. When we make the decision to answer His knock, it becomes the greatest event in our lives. You see, because it opens the door to eternal life with Him. Jesus is reminding us that He overcame the world, a world of sin and death, and that we can overcome it, too. Eternal life, with Your Heavenly Father, a hope and a future. Those are big promises, only He can keep them all. So, when you hear that knock, ask Him to enter into your heart and receive the grace that He has for you. It is a free gift of love from the Creator of heaven and earth. God loves you and is making Himself known to you.
Loren,
Our friend Mark Larson is a great source of truth and inspiration to many. His sound advice is not simply because much of what Mark shares on the air is not only from the wisdom of his years but because of the Biblical truth which he relies on to add clarity. Believers and non-believers alike appreciate his perspective even if they feel differently.
A lot of people face adversity in life. These events either force us to demonstrate who we are. Will we continue fighting for our lives against a disease relying on their own strength or humble ourselves to accept the truth. Reality check, there is one true God and we are not it.
As a Christian I will faithfully join others in praying for you to seek Him more and more. Accepting Jesus Christ again as your Savior would bring peace even in the chaos, encouragement even in the darkest of days and joy beyond measure. The hardest prayer to do is to simply say, not my will but Yours be done Lord. This is exactly what Jesus faced in the garden before the betrayal and crucifixion. Neither of us know or can understand what for what purpose battling cancer may serve. Perhaps the many viewers of San Diego who have come to know you as a TV personality are beginning to see you in a whole new light…as someone that they can identify with as a cancer survivor. The fabric of who you are as a man, a husband, Father and friend is reflected in how you respond to God’s Will…He will never leave you or forsake you for His love endures forever. I pray more than anything that by simply acknowledging this truth would create a life changing opportunity for many. Perhaps this is the microphone God has called you to hold at a time when a whole generation lost on their own spiritual journey is watching. Question is will we deny God the Glory or embrace His love?
Blessings,
Brett
Spiritual but not religious is to me the most important place to live. Appreciation for everything and everybody good or bad, right or wrong with acceptance and tolerance. All faiths are fascinating and I tend to me most drawn to Buddhism… Loren, sounds like you’re in a great space… After losing friends and having them visit me from beyond in many ways, there is no question our spirits/souls live on past this planet, and when your time comes so will you. No doubt you will be part of those bees, flowers and gardens you love. Continued healing thoughts your way…. Gina xo
Thanks for sharing your thoughts in a blog Loren. You don’t know me, but you’ve been one of my favorite newscasters since moving to SD 20 yrs. ago. I like the pretty cloudy sky that surrounds your writings because it reminds us to look up & know so much out there is bigger than our circumstances plus you gotta love the beauty of creation. I’m praying for your healing & strength as you begin treatment, plus more beautiful memories to be made with your loved ones. I admire your courage & look forward to hearing more of your fun dreams & thoughts. By the way, love your son’s music… just discovered it through your blog.
Hi Loren. I moved here 9 years ago from Chicago and you have been one of the icons of the city to me all along. Even my mom who visits occasionally knows who you are (not by my encouragement, either!). I’m not religious, but I want you to know I am sending you good thoughts. And there’s scientific proof to back up the concept of psychic energy. So whatever you are pondering, know we’re with you on all sides! I’ve always admired how you educated us when you did weather, and how you did even more after you left Channel 10. I wish great things for you!
In your spare time you should read “Proof of Heaven.” an amazing book about a neurosurgeon’s near death experience. It’s amazing, Loren. Heal well.
enjoy reading your comments and will continue to pray for your healing, so you can continue to enjoy the events with your family and friends, be it a bar mitzvah or a confirmation! DAF
Enjoyed seeing you today and reading your new thoughts. I bet you are a gastronomic Jew! Haha, much love, Cara and Don
We need more insights like this in this thread.
Thanks for taking the time to post. It’s lifted the level of debate
I enjoy reading your thoughts even though I hate the reason for it. I am a non-practicing Jew. In the past 5 years I have spent more time at my daughter’s church Calvary Chapel (Christmas, Easter, and listening to my granddaughter Alicia lead worship) than I have in the local synagogue. But I have a deep love of God and I don’t think it is important how you worship Him. I think your faith, your sense of humor, your positive attitude, and the support of your loved ones, friends, and many wellwishers will help you get this successfully. Good luck and bless you – Barry…
Does it really matter, as long as you are at peace with who or whatever you percieve to be your higher power.
be yourself, be kind to others and walk in the light.
Hi Loren, I’m sure it’s obvious that I am a woman of faith. My license plate cover alone says it. However, even as a Christian, in the past I had doubts about the existence of God when there is so much suffering. When the doubt set in, I would smack myself on the head (a should of had a V8 smack) and ask myself, how could everything work so perfectly together without a God? Our bodies alone are so complex and it just didn’t make sense to me that science could somehow be involved and we have no purpose for being here. Our emotions are a huge part of why I believe. The power of love is so strong and you are loved Loren. Just sharing my humble opinion with you and praying for you.
God bless Loren. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. I’ve really enjoyed and appreciate all you given to me through the years. So much entertainment and valuable, useful info. Take care And look forward to seeing you back on tv soon!
we all love you Loren . we all have you in our prayers
However you choose to travel through this life, you will still receive the prayers, good thoughts, good vibes, good karma, whatever people wish to send to you. I choose to believe that all good feelings sent out into the universe will help. God bless you and heal you. And thanks again for letting us journey with you.
Well Loren, the fact that you are searching is great! I will tell you, that in the bible Jesus healed people who did not believe in him…as well as those who did. I am gonna keep up the prayers for healing for you!
Loren,
The fact that you may not believe in God doesn’t mean our prayers don’t work. I, too, love the things in nature you mentioned, but when I see them, I see them as God’s handiwork & gifts. Not trying to convert you, just sayin’. Arlo sends you a loving “WOOF!” It sounds like you are absolutely doing this, but live as Arlo does: in the moment, enjoying every new friend, scent, sight, touch & sound that comes your way.
Joyce Ward & my furkids
Loren: Julian & I are sending along our sincere warm, healing thoughts + my prayers for you, Susie, and your dear children. Might you recall, you let your Channel 10 audience know of a luscious pie shop in Julian, Ca. We took a Harley ride up, one weekend, walked into the shop – and there you sat, enjoying a slice of their pie! Yes, we purchased an Apple-Boysenberry pie, that day + a couple others later. Sorry they are now gone. Oh well, another time, you & Susie were coming out of Jake’s in Del Mar, laughing & very happy, we were walking in for dinner. We chatted a few minutes (recall, I too worked at Dyson & Dyson, during Susie’s time there?) We love you and hope you’ll enjoy all the World has to offer you and embrace things, great and small. You are daily in our thoughts, dear friend. Susan & Julian Wise
Thinking of you everyday. My daughter had a brain tumor removed on Jan. 5th. 2013. It’s been a very hard year. She has had some complications & is still in the Hospital. What a nightmare! Wishing you all the best in your journey ahead.
Loren…it is good you see the wonder in things…and can live by the golden rule..I guess that means you believe in a “higher power”….I used to listen to Mark Larson all the time…funny how small the world is. Still praying you can beat this…it just wouldn’t be the same without you.
Universal spirituality goes beyond the boundaries of earthbound religions….. God is in every form, including us. Keep blogging; there are many reading your insightful postings.
I’ll try to put this to good use immediately.
Of the panoply of website I’ve pored over this has the most vearyitc.
It is not If there is a God. There IS a God and He is pleased with your search and loves you beyond measure. If you were the only one on earth. He would have sent His son Jesus to die for any wrong doing you would do in life and to be your guide through life. He wants to live with you forever and forever. Praying for you. Carol
From what I’ve seen, you’ve pretty much always looked for the meaning in things. I hope your journey of wonder can last for a long time!
Thanks for letting us be part of your journey… a witty, poignant, and pragmatic take on that which we call the present.
I wish you well Loren!
Awww, I think these people have loved and supported you all along, now they’re just showing it more and in different, more public ways. I’ve learned so many things over the years… If it wasn’t for you, my chickens wouldn’t be as happy as they are ha ha!
I have just received the news that my sister beat her cancer! I’m sure you’ll get the good news soon, unfortunately the universe is gonna make you work for it first, lol.
As for religion, I figure it’s ok to believe what I want and worship the world and all it’s wonders the way I want. If there is a God, he’ll understand as long as I’m being the best person I can be and living (mostly) morally.
I wish you luck.
You are a wonderful writer.
I will be praying for you. Cancer of any type is the pits and your diagnosis and pending regimen are tough. One thing I have learned is that projected diagnosis don’t necessarily come to pass. I have had three kinds of cancer: Seminoma [testicular] in 1976, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma [most of the 80’s, and prostate in 2005. The lymphoma gave me a prognosis similar to you, but I’m 71 and just like Timex, “still tickin”.
I am a Christian and my faith in God and his son Jesus is what keeps me going. This life has joy and so much that bring us happiness but it also has pain and suffering. In God’s kingdom, we will have NEW bodies, and know only love and joy. AND, that lasts FOREVER. Yes FOREVER. Hang in there, so many of us who you don’t even know love and care about you.
Beautiful.