This month, one year ago, many things in my life changed. My Mom went in for a mammogram one day, and within no time she had a diagnosis of an aggressive form of Stage I-II breast cancer. Upon receiving that news, the thoughts that went through my usually calm, slow-to-panic brain were wildly different than normal. I remember sitting, shaking my head, and thinking, 'Not my mom, there's no way.' I'm sure many people are in denial when receiving life-changing news, and I was the same way. I am not naive enough to think we'll never have a serious disease strike someone in our family, but my Mom is so healthy, and takes such good care of herself, that it really took me off-guard. However, her calm spirit and assurance that whatever happened would be o.k. just never failed, through surgeries, chemo, healing, hair loss, and all the other adjustments she had to make to the life she'd had pre-cancer. She has truly become a stronger woman through this, and I believe our family is also much better as a result of the past year's pain. We celebrate daily that God has given us another year with my incredible mother, and the fact that she has been such a witness to His loving, divine plan for her life has impacted hundreds of people. Her email updates throughout the entire process, and the total lack of complaining or negativity was so inspiring to me and others, including many people who have never met her. I truly believe even if she hadn't made it through and beaten this disease, that her testimony would've been the same. That is true faith. The scrapbook I compiled to give to Mom the week she completed chemo was filled with hundreds of responses to my request for comments from friends who had journeyed with all of us through her treatment. It was an awe-inspiring testament to how God can use a willing soul to profoundly touch lives. Thank you, Mom. I'm so proud to be your daughter, and love you tremendously. The verse that I tho
ught of many times last year, and to this day, about Mom's testimony is one I'm teaching the kids right now in our Bible time--Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. Matthew 5:16
6 comments:
I love reading your posts! Count your blessings, girl. To be able to have such an amazing relationship with your mom, even through life-changing illness, is wonderful. I do know about sickness, but I don't know that. God has a different plan in mind for me with my mom's illness. I look forward to the day of that reveal. Your mom sounds like a strong woman of God. Thanks for the post...
Isn't amazing to look back at what was an insurmountable obstacle and see that you are over the hill and far away. I am so glad you made it over the hill together as a family.
Jennifer I have prayed for your mother and the whole family. I know this has been a long year. So happy to hear all is going well for you and your mother.Praise the LORD!!!
Hello to the family for us.
Daphne Foote
I've read this post several times and didn't have words to say, but I am so thankful to God for your mom in your life. It seems like she has raised up a new generation who will let their light shine. I hardly know you but your good deeds have definitely glorified God in my life. You don't even know you are doing it...which is what makes it so beautiful. I'm sorry about what a difficult time this must of been, very scary I'm sure. I am glad she is doing so well!
Hey...I am sipping a Lite Mocha Frap and thinking thru this post. It has been a memorable year...kind of like the Georgia Cyclone at Six Flags...fast, scary and it moves you in many different directions without warning. Thru it all I am amazed at so many things and realize we are often chosen to bear things...so your Mom was allowed..is that okay to say that? Not too spiritual, but the way I see it we should all be glad we are not afflicted with all manner of things and we should thank God that we are basically pain free and especially living in the pardon of our sin. HIS grace is sufficient, we have found. So, I thought of a song..ha. You know it...
Bound to come some trouble in your life, but that aint nothing to be afraid of. I know there's bound to come some trouble in your life, but that aint no reason to fear. Bound to come some trouble in your life, just reach out to Jesus, and hold on tight. He's been there before and He knows what its like. You'll find He is there.
We did, He is.
Wonderful song by Rich. And, yes, that reminds me of a great thing Stan Givens once said - we all want God to give us what we think we deserve- wrongly thinking that would be peace and prosperity and joy all the time, and instead He DOESN'T give it to us, but instead blesses us with true mercy, when our reward for our sinful ways should be grief, hardship and death. How can we complain over the few trials we do have? It's actually pretty shameful. So many things to be thankful for, like an incredible loving Dad. Thanks! I love you Father Dear!
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