Tomorrow will be two weeks since we first received the news. Two weeks of ups and downs, of highs and lows, of thinking good things and bad things.
My prairie woman remains strong and hopeful, buoyed by her faith and family, her inner strength giving others strength, her outer calm relaying a message to those that love her that all will be well.
We've both been uplifted by small things. A reassuring hug and confident prayer given by our priest last week. A snail mail note sent by someone at the church who beat this same diagnosis some years ago. Quick words of encouragement from family and friends at opportune times.
We've also been carried by much bigger things. Being told repeatedly by members of the RCIA leadership team that they're praying for us. Scheduling to meet our priest on Tuesday for the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick. Meeting Christ in Holy Communion and asking Him for healing as His cells meet our own in the mystery that is the Eucharist.
It's all so interesting and personally awe-inspiring given that less than two years ago, we were in essence homeless spiritually. No church to draw strength from, no church to call home, no body of believers from which to be comforted or consoled.
Yet today, facing what is undoubtedly the biggest challenge of our lives, we belong to a body that acts as if we've been there all along.
I write this post for a variety of reasons.
One, to give folks a bit of an update. Two, to let people know we continue to covet your prayers (and to express here and now how much we appreciate them). But really, in the end, I write this to encourage those of you who aren't connected to a local body of believers to get connected.
Some of you may be feeling like you don't belong. Some of you might be facing challenges and trials that are scary, even paralyzing. Not belonging while facing frightening stuff is just something I can't fathom dealing with.
Find a body. Christ is there. My preference is a Catholic church where literally Christ's presence is real and tangible but I'm a little biased.
Bottom line is don't face these things alone.
Belong... and know hope.
I echo Mr. BH's gentle nudge to find your limb of the body of Christ. Currently, we are undergoing a similar (but not nearly so serious) situation in our lives, and if not for the support of the people in our (orthodox) Anglican church, I'm not sure where my emotional state would be right now. Between having the prayer team lay hands on me last Sunday during communion before the biopsy on Monday, several prayer warriors from our church praying for me/us through the week and my friend and fellow praise & worship leader Janet spontaneously offering prayer at the passing of the peace today in church (as I await the results of the biopsy which will be given on 2/27)....let's just say, I am literally bouyed by the prayers of believers. (Side note: at the time of the biopsy my doctor said his immediate impression was that everything was OK, which is why I say "not nearly so serious.")
And Mr. BH, I am constantly amazed (although I shouldn't be) at how perfect God's timing is. The fact that your family received this news AFTER returning to His fold is just affirmation of that. Prayers continue for you and yours, of course.
Posted by: allyHM | Sunday, February 19, 2012 at 04:18 PM
Thank you Rick, for your courageous witness and encouragement for the rest of us.
Posted by: Anya | Sunday, February 19, 2012 at 08:59 PM
IT's truly an international and interdenominational thing. Today prayers were offered for Linda at St. Margaret's Anglican Church in Edmonton. And will continue to be while this thing is going on.
Time and distance cannot separate those whom Christ has joined together. Dare I say, even left and right can't do it!!!!
Posted by: Tim Chesterton | Monday, February 20, 2012 at 01:40 AM
I shudder to ponder how folks go it alone, without a spiritual fellowship for support?
Continued in prayers and petitions.
Posted by: chuck aka xtnyoda | Tuesday, February 21, 2012 at 12:07 AM
All,
The wife had her 6+ month check up yesterday with the Oncologist and I'm most happy to report that all is well.
There will be one more related procedure in the coming days to undergo and then I think we can officially put this behind us and hope and trust that going forward, all will be well.
Thanks for your thoughts and prayers.
They've sustained us, surely.
I may put something up on its own and expound given time.
Thanks again.
Posted by: Rick | Wednesday, September 19, 2012 at 10:21 AM
That's good news, Rick. God is so good.
Posted by: Leslie | Saturday, September 22, 2012 at 12:01 AM