Prayers Needed For Actor Jeff Bridges As He Announces His Lymphoma Diagnosis

Actor Jeff Bridges, known by many as 'The Dude' thanks to The Big Lebowski, announced he's battling lymphoma. But Jeff is remaining positive in the face of the diagnosis and lots of prayers are going up!

The award-winning performer has appeared in plenty of acclaimed films over the years. But for many, cult classic The Big Lebowski forever solidified actor Jeff Bridges as The Dude.

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And so, after doctors diagnosed the star with lymphoma, Jeff borrowed a line from this iconic character as a way of bringing some levity to the grim announcement on social media. 

As the Dude would say.. New S**T has come to light.

I have been diagnosed with Lymphoma. Although it is a serious disease, I feel fortunate that I have a great team of doctors and the prognosis is good.

I’m starting treatment and will keep you posted on my recovery.

— Jeff Bridges (@TheJeffBridges) October 20, 2020

Lymphoma Diagnosis For Actor Jeff Bridges

Lymph nodes usually work as filters for the body, keeping foreign organisms and cells out of the bloodstream to protect against infections. They are a part of the lymphatic system, as are the spleen, thymus gland, and bone marrow. This system is the body's network for fighting disease.

Lymphoma is a type of blood cancer that attacks the immune system. It occurs when lymph-node cells or lymphocytes (a kind of white blood cell that helps fight infection) start multiplying uncontrollably. This overactivity produces cancerous cells that can invade other tissues throughout the body.

While actor Jeff Bridges didn't indicate what kind of lymphoma he has, there are two main types -- Hodgkin’s lymphoma and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. The difference between the two basically comes down to certain unique characteristics of the lymphoma cells.

And while the cancer diagnosis is certainly daunting, actor Jeff Bridges, age 70, is entering treatment with a positive attitude

"Although it is a serious disease, I feel fortunate that I have a great team of doctors and the prognosis is good. I’m starting treatment and will keep you posted on my recovery," he said on Twitter.

Reactions To Lymphoma Diagnosis

As actor Jeff Bridges battles lymphoma, he will have his wife, Susan Geston (67), by his side. The two have been married since 1977 and have raised 3 daughters: Isabelle, 39, Jessie, 37, and Haley, 35.

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But Jeff's announcement revealed it won't just be family cheering on The Dude!

Messages of encouragement and support immediately began pouring in after the news hit social media. And one thing is clear. Actor Jeff Bridges has so many people standing by him!

"You have such a joyful spirit that I know you will overcome this temporary blip," singer Barbara Streisand wrote on Jeff Bridges' Instagram page. "Sending lots of love and light."

You are not alone! There is a whole community here for you. 💪💪💪

— Lymphoma Research Foundation (@lymphoma) October 20, 2020

#JeffBridges is absolutely loved by every person who has ever crossed his path. In my heart I know he’ll beat this thing, Against All Odds. https://t.co/B1QlOwiBFJ

— James Woods (@RealJamesWoods) October 20, 2020

Keeping the faith with you love!

— Rosario Dawson (@rosariodawson) October 20, 2020

pic.twitter.com/sIlzHe3ZN3

— FX Networks (@FXNetworks) October 20, 2020

The flood of support had a huge impact on Jeff.

"I’m profoundly grateful for the love and support from my family and friends," he replied. "Thank you for your prayers and well wishes."

WATCH: Actor Jeff Bridges Lymphoma Diagnosis

Bible Verses For Uncertain Times

The future will always be a mystery to us. And its uncertainty can often cause us fear. But we can always cling to God's word for assurance.

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Here are 4 Bible verses to help remind us God is in control!

"I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you." Psalm 32:8

"When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you; when you walk through fire you shall not be burned, and the flame shall not consume you." Isaiah 43:2

"For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope." Jeremiah 29:11

"You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you." Isaiah 26:3

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h/t: Yahoo

Featured Image: GMA/Youtube

Mel is the senior writer for GodUpdates, finding, writing and sharing Christian, uplifting, and health-related stories from around the world. Mel has a passion for writing and graduated with a degree in English from Randolph-Macon College in Virginia. When she’s not researching and writing stories, Mel is very active in her church. You can usually find Mel playing board games with her husband and two young girls, giving someone a hug, or hunting down a good cup of coffee!