Story of the Week: Joy in the Midst

In the midst of so much unknown, Bobby and Sheri Underwood find joy in trusting God's plan one day at a time.

“Your life changes when you know the end is near,” says Bobby Underwood. “No one knows when they’ll pass away — only God knows that. But when you have Glioblastoma, you have a better idea than most.”

At the age of 47, after a brain bleed and a surgery that removed most of his tumor, Bobby was told he likely had less than a year to live. This month marks five years since Bobby’s surgery.

JOY IN THE STRUGGLE

From day one, Bobby and his wife, Sheri, decided to walk this season with a “One day at a time” mindset. Sheri often says, “Every day I’m thankful for Bobby.” And Bobby shares, “I’ve learned to be present — to really be present and enjoy life. I see more, I feel more, I love more.”

Bobby and Sheri met through friends in 1995, and were married a couple years later. Their three kids came along in 1999, 2001, and 2004. They lived in Colorado Springs until 2019, when a job opportunity moved them to Phoenix.

In April 2020, Bobby had his first brain bleed. He was rushed to a local hospital and then helicoptered to St. Joseph’s Barrow Neurological Institute in downtown Phoenix. COVID restrictions made it nearly impossible for Sheri and the kids to visit him, but even in the chaos they could see God’s hand in the details — like the fact that they “just happened” to live near one of the top brain-tumor centers in the country.

ABIDING PEACE

And that was only one of the ways God helped them navigate difficult days. Their radiologist was a believer who encouraged them deeply. Friends brought meals. Bobby’s company showed incredible support. Their kids were home during key hospital stays. Again and again, they saw reminders of God’s faithfulness. Sheri says, “Some days come with more fear, but there’s a deep, abiding peace because God is in control.”

In 2021, Bobby and Sheri moved back to Colorado Springs to be close to their extensive community and so their daughter could enjoy her senior year surrounded by dear friends.

NOT ALONE

In 2023, an MRI revealed new tumor growth, leading to a second surgery and the placement of gamma tiles for radiation. Even then, Bobby stayed steady: “I could ask God ‘why,’ but His ways are not our ways. I know He has a purpose.” Even in the hard times, Bobby has sensed God telling him, I’m walking this with you. You’re not alone.

Bobby’s perspective is simple, but profound: “Let’s live every day, because we don’t know what tomorrow holds.” He admits, “There have been days I’ve been ready to go home, but most of the time, I want to be here with my family and enjoy them.”

He resonates deeply with Paul’s words in the letter to the Philippians, expressing the tension between wanting heaven and wanting to stay for the sake of those he loves: “ If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me. Yet which I shall choose I cannot tell. I am hard pressed between the two. My desire is to depart and be with Christ, for that is far better. But to remain in the flesh is more necessary on your account.”

PURPOSE AND PERSPECTIVE

Chronic pain is now part of Bobby’s life. His memory and capacity aren’t what they used to be, and he’s unable to work. But he’s found a new purpose in investing in people. He says, “For as long as I’m here, my purpose is to be here for my family first — and to keep walking with men.”

Bobby is passionate about encouraging other men to be authentic and to experience God’s grace. He has led eight men’s groups through the book, The Cure, and continues meeting one-on-one with men to help them grow in their faith. He’s also been able to offer real hope to others facing cancer.

Sheri says, “Even when he’s in pain, Bobby is so curious about others. He’s so others-focused.”

WALKING AFTER JESUS

Bobby made a bucket list, and he’s checked off quite a few items, including traveling to Israel to walk where Jesus walked. He and Sheri invited friends to join them, and 33 people came along. John Lynch, author of The Cure, came as their speaker. Experiencing the Holy Land in community was deeply meaningful, especially because these people have carried Bobby and Sheri through so much joy and sorrow.

When Bobby was worried about his kids, God spoke clearly to his heart: I’ve got them. Be joyful and encourage others. Be a good husband and a good dad. That’s what Bobby is committed to doing. One day at a time, until God calls him to his true and eternal home.

The Underwoods continue to anchor their hearts in the abiding joy that comes only from trusting God, even in the midst of deep hardship. Sheri shares, “Our hope is eternal. These afflictions can feel anything but light, but that doesn’t change God’s character.” She’s honest about the uncertainty, grief and changes brought on by Bobby’s illness: “There’s joy and sorrow mixed together. Scripture is full of that beautiful mix.”

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