About Me
- Law+Gospel
- I'm a proud 2011 graduate of Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg and the Pastor of Christ Lutheran Church continuing the journey that God has planned. This is where I somewhat regularly contemplate the intersection of faith and the real world, and the tension between law and the Gospel. I am blessed with a wonderful husband, two Lutheran Chicks and Toby, our beagle/pointer mix! And now for the legal lingo:Views expressed here are mine alone, and do not represent the ELCA, LTSG, or any ministry context in which I serve or to which I belong. The names in my stories have been changed to protect the innocent, as have key facts. If the story sounds familiar perhaps it is because life experiences can be universal.
Monday, July 23, 2007
Surely It Is God Who Saves Me
As those who have visited this blog know, I have talked about being thankful for receiving news that I do not have cancer. For the second time in three years, I have had tests and the feeling of looking over the edge of the cliff. The first time, it was the week that a friend's wife died after her 13 year battle with breast cancer. This time, a friend and I both were told we needed to go for tests for abnormal breast screening in the same week. I am lucky. She got the news I dread. And words like "radical", "aggressive" and "malignant" came into conversation. But luckily also "treatable." I even knew before our pastor. But even now, beyond the pastor and family, only I know. She will tell others what she is ready to on her timetable. Armed with this knowledge, I went to the Hallmark store, during the phase of waiting for my own testing date, and bought lots of supportive, but funny cards. Did a lot of laughing in the aisle and was concerned they would begin to doubt my sanity. We have begun a card game. I send one. She sends one back to top it. Etc. This week's question on the card I sent depicting two little old ladies on the park bench, " Is it butt-naked or buck-naked?" "These are the questions I come to you for." And lots of email. I have promised to go wig shopping if needed. And this Friday before she starts treatment we are going out for Friday Happy Hour. Lots to ponder, and pray about. If anyone has a resource that will help me minister to my friend, please give me a shout here. Today, my friend told me, "Doing well, good.. a very positive step OUT LOUD today. I really looked myself in the eye and said "I'M GOING TO BEAT THIS THING!" Cried when I read that email. She also talked about knowing she will be with God in eternity. And so I responded with one of my favorite verses, which also was a choir anthem, that I think was the soundtrack for the month in my brain and now every time I pray for her. "Surely it is God who saves me. I will trust in Him and not be afraid. For the Lord is my stronghold and my sure defense and He will be my Savior." Amen.
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4 comments:
One of my favorite Bible verses too. and I think I can hear music to it too...
A 50-ish friend of mine went through this last year. A nightmarish round of treatments, but she is in excellent shape now. I will pray for the same for your friend.
Actually, three other friends as well, all more around the age range of 65-70. All doing very well.
Cancer has been a huge part of my internship. So many people in our congregation seem to either be dealing with the disease themselves, or they are closely related to someone who has it. Sadly, not all of them have had success fighting this battle. One of the people I got to know as a friend died just a few weeks ago from pancreatic cancer. What amazes me is how his faith never wavered.
I’m glad that you have gotten good news, and that you are available to minister to your friend in such a meaningful way. God bless you both.
prayers for your friend, as well...
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