So, I'm prompted to share a little snippet of my story. I was brought up in a family of strong faith. I wasn't neglected or abused. So what story could I share that might encourage others? I can share that, as a little girl, fear consumed me. My daddy was so ill from a brain tumor and had serious seizures that scared me so much, but, my Mom, to this day, was and is my role model, though she has gone on to heaven. She was the strongest, resilient, and unstoppable in her work ethics (to support all of us) and her faith. I still draw strength from her when I get frustrated about something, or someone, and I seek her gentle and quiet spirit to overcome the temptations to be anxious or contrary.
There were times of illness in our children -- Staci with a diagnosis of cystic fibrosis, but was declared healed a short time later. Today she has a 5-1/2 octave voice range. Ryan, born with club feet so severe that he was in a brace for months -- will complete his 50th full marathon (26.2 miles) next Sunday in Oklahoma City (Yay! I'll be there with him!) "What the enemy meant for evil, God turned it for good."
The years of financial woes brought so many times of worry and concern, but through them all, we found "God worked all things for our good, because we were called to His purposes." (Romans 8:28). I was dramatically healed from a diagnosis of osteo- arthritis, but no pain today when I was told that I would forever only be able to control it with pain meds. I never filled that prescription, but was led to nutritional products that provided what I needed.
The diagnosis of my Sweetheart with Stage 4 Kidney Cancer, the months of treatments, 6 surgeries, many doctor's appointments, endeavoring to control the intense pain and then his passing at such a young age, was probably the single-most challenging times of our faith. Yet we trusted implicitly in God's Word and even stood for his healing until the day he went home and received his ultimate healing.
As I look back on my life, I realize I do have a story. It's one of God's faithfulness in our times of trouble. It is trusting in His promises, and not letting go. It is the peace that passes understanding for this widow. It is the mindset that "I'm still here, so I'm not done. I have assignments to continue, a race to finish, and victories to win."
Defeats - accomplishments; losing - winning; sorrows - joys; tragedies - triumphs; deaths - births; tears - laughter. Did you know that each and every thing and every emotion that you've ever experienced -- the good, the bad and the ugly, are a part of God's plan for your life? And did you know that the Master Plan includes YOUR STORY....and your story could be the game-changer for someone else who is going through similar circumstances?
"He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us." 2 Corinthians 1:4
