Alabama sports medicine guru: ‘There is no substitute for the power of prayer’

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May 11, 2015

(Video above: Dr. Larry Lemak shares his testimony on the power of prayer)

HOOVER, Ala. — Sports medicine pioneer Dr. Larry Lemak told the story of his battle with throat cancer, sharing a stirring testimony on the power of friendship and prayer at the Hoover Mayor’s annual prayer breakfast last week.

Speaking to a crowd of more than 600, Dr. Lemak told the story of how three men who also suffered from throat cancer “shepherded” him through the illness, and how the prayers of those men, along with the prayers of his friends and family, gave him the strength to persevere.

“Life is extremely unpredictable,” Dr. Lemak said. “Obstacles are always going to fall in the way, and no one ever invites adversity into their life. But a good friend of mine years ago told me, when faced with adversity, don’t fight it. Don’t explode it. Use it as an opportunity. Use it to find solutions … In my journey, I clearly think I became a better doctor. I learned how to be a shepherd, and I experienced the full force of the power of prayer and faith in God … There is no substitute for the power of prayer.”

Considered a sports medicine “guru,” Dr. Lemak has been the medical director for Major League Soccer for 17 years, is currently medical director for the United Football League, and was the medical director for NFL Europe for 15 years. He remains the team physician for many Alabama colleges and high schools.

Dr. Lemak said he is certain that the guidance and prayers of his friends have helped him become a better doctor, and he now feels called to be a shepherd to other people suffering from throat cancer.

Dr. Lemak closed his time at the podium by asking those in the audience to pray for him, saying that he’s close being through with the “struggle” of his cancer, but he’s not there yet.

“But more importantly,” he said,” there are people in this room who are undergoing treatment. People in this room whose family and loved ones have been diagnosed with cancer, and this is a struggle, this is a very difficult time. I ask all of you… to please put them on your prayer list.”

(H/T AL.com)