"Strength and honor are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come."
Proverbs 31:25
She called me right after her and daddy left our house...Mama that is. She told me to step outside and look into the sky. How active is the Lord in our everyday life, you ask? I say...VERY much so. No detail goes unnoticed by Him. Moving in and through us; caring for our every need. As Dana and I did as mama said and my gaze went upward I was staring at the most beautiful rainbow, reminding me of God's promise, which always fills me up with His unending love and a hope only He can provide.
Why is this so important for me to write about, you ask? Well, when my parents drop by after an important doctor's appointment I know there is something they need to tell us about that can't be said over the phone.
The cancer is rearing its ugly head again. I think she knew it well before the doctor or any of us knew (her and God are tight like that). She had talked to me with concerns about her health recently and we agreed to pray that the cup would pass her by. Her news was that they have caught it early, no surgery, just aggressive chemo treatments would be needed.
Mama is strong. Stronger than any woman I know. She is ready to fight her fourth battle with this demon. I know that she is strong because the Lord is strong in her. He will fight this battle for her and she will cling to Him. Mama trusts fully in His power and knows the outcome is His making. She will rejoice in the Lord and will not be ruled by fear. Mama can walk boldly because she knows the One who knows the end of the story.
Trusting in God doesn't give us a pass on suffering. Some days or even years are hard, but they hold holiness if we will open our hearts for God to work. No, I have never fought cancer myself but what I have learned by watching mama is, grace wins over any fear or anger. She layers herself in His grace and cloaks her spirit in His promise that He will never leave her or forsake her. As Jesus Christ as her identity she is grounded in the supernatural power of His strength.
Psalm 23
"The Lord is my shepherd;
I shall not want.
He makes me to lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside the still waters.
He restores my soul;
He leads me in the paths of righteousness
For His name's sake.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of
The shadow of death,
I will fear no evil;
For You are with me;
Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me in the
presence of my enemies;
You anoint my head with oil;
My cup runs over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
All the days of my life;
And I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever."
This prayer I pray for Mama as she walks the next six months on this battle ground. I understand more and more that strength and dignity are not ours to put on by ourselves, because our strength will wear thin and our dignity will be chipped away if not grounded in Jesus Christ as our identity.
I ask you to please pray with me for Mama, her treatments start this morning. She faces six treatments in all, one every three weeks. I know she would welcome your prayers during this time. I am so thankful we know the Physician who heals. Oh, and if you would like to give her a call, go ahead, you'll hang up feeling uplifted and encouraged. You will experience a brightness to the rest of your day, I promise.
I love you & He loves you more!
Dear heavenly Father, Heal my sweet mama's body. Cleanse her of this disease and make her new again. Wrap her in Your love and may Your grace and mercy fall easy on her each and everyday. Remind her of Your promise when she is weak and carry her when she cannot stand. Thank You, Lord, for hearing my prayer. In Jesus' name. Amen.