Faith~Hope~Courage

I wrote this September 26, 2016 on the 5th anniversary of my mastectomy due to Breast Cancer. I updated this on September 26, 2021, the 10th anniversary of my surgery.

TEN SHORT YEARS

3,650 days ago I was being wheeled into surgery after being diagnosed for the second time in my life with breast cancer. When we wake each morning we never know what the day ahead will bring. While I was aware of what was planned for the day as far as the procedure to be performed, there were plenty of ‘what ifs’ stealing my attention: Has the cancer spread? What other treatment(s) will be needed? How will I feel following such a radical surgery? What if this surgery isn’t enough?

As I faced such uncertainty that morning, THE ONE THING I was sure of was that I knew WHO was/is in control! My certainty of that stems from a decision I made as a child. That decision of FAITH ~ John 3:16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” brought me great HOPE ~ Romans 15:13 “Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost”; and gives me COURAGE ~ Philippians 4:13 “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”

I read once that ‘pain is inevitable, but misery is optional’. Indeed, when I respond my way it can end up making me, as well as others, most miserable!

The only thing I had control of that day 10 short years ago, and every other day for that matter, is HOW WILL I RESPOND TO WHAT THE DAY AHEAD WILL BRING? My selfish human nature can and does at times cause me to be an angry, self-centered, grumbly, indignant, self-righteous, complaining, unlovable, unlikable human being. That is what happens when I take control and lose sight of that God of hope, who gave his only begotten Son, who strengthens me to the point that I can get through anything! I read once that ‘pain is inevitable, but misery is optional’. Indeed, when I respond my way it can end up making me, as well as others, most miserable! Before I respond my way, I must consider the who, what, where and why using God’s perspective: Who might be going through something similar that God can use my situation to encourage or strengthen? What is God trying to teach me through this situation? Where might God use my testimony? Why – not a ‘why me?’ attitude, but Why would God choose me and how will He use me to impact others? I’m far from perfect, but I have been so blessed! I pray He can work in me and through me, despite my failures, to further His kingdom.

So as I reflect on what God has brought me through, I am thankful for each tear – whether of joy or of sorrow, for 3,650 sunsets and 3,650 sunrises, for a loving husband, 2 beautiful daughters and their husbands, 6+1 awesome grandchildren, a wonderful extended family, special friends, and a praying, supportive church family! I am so grateful that the additional health issues I have faced have not come with the unsettling diagnosis of cancer!! I’m constantly blessed by the promises of God’s Word and the blessing of music that brings such comfort and praise. Ten years ago this morning before leaving home to go to the hospital, I spent time re-reading some favorite promises in God’s Word and I listened to the song “Hold on to Jesus” which says, ‘when the storms of life are crashing wild and waves prevail… hold on to Jesus!’ Holding on to Him has brought me through!

Thank you, Lord, for holding on to me, and for the grace, peace, and hope that only you can give!

Woven and abounding in hope, holding on to Jesus…