...things like celebrating my mom's one year anniversary of being alive on earth, while battling stage 3 brain cancer. Ultimately, watching your loved one's health slowly diminish can change your perspective. At least it has for me.
Walking side by side my mom in her cancer journey has changed me. It's helped me see that life is short. We are not promised tomorrow. All we have at this moment is today.
When I'm living in the present moment, I become more conscious of what's happening around me. Suddenly, I hear the birds chirping. I enjoy the warmth of sunshine on my skin. I'm filled with gratitude. That no matter how much heartbreak and sickness there is in this world, I can find something to be thankful for.
This is a valuable turning point for me. It's the positive mindset that I needed in March, especially when a whirlwind of health concerns unexpectedly cropped up for myself, my husband, my daughter, and other relatives. Good grief, March was a wild month!
Do you know that Proverb, which says, "March comes in like a lion and goes out like a lamb?" Well, in my case, March came in like a lion and went out like a grizzly bear! Seriously, it's been an extra stressful season. The kind when hidden fears creep in to keep me awake at night. Those agonizing moments when I must boldly stand firm on God's Word that says He gives me authority to rebuke and silence the enemy.
"Look, I have given you authority over all the power of the enemy, and you can walk among snakes and scorpions and crush them. Nothing will injure you." Luke 10:19 (NLT)
Have you been experiencing challenges? If so, there's no better time than right now to kick Satan to the curb! To arm ourselves with courage, prayer, and scriptures. To trample the lies that are meant to discourage us. To bravely rise above the trials that we are facing.
As for myself, I've experienced a whole new meaning to the phrase "war room." While I'm intrigued with the idea to create a prayer closet, my own closet doesn't permit enough space for a table, chair, or lamp. Instead, I prefer to make use of all my space. With a bottle of pure Frankincense essential oil, I confidently go room to room binding and renouncing Satan. Interestingly, Frankincense is known in biblical days to ward of evil spirits. My motto is, "Whatever it takes!"
In the meanwhile, I'm trying to take one day at a time. To treasure each moment. Even in the midst of uncertainties, such as my husband being diagnosed with a blood disorder and being scheduled to see a hematologist who happens to be an oncologist. I can't wrap my head around another loved one having cancer. For this moment, I'm just going to breath. I'm not going to get caught up in "what if."
Earlier this week, I had my own appointment for unresolved female concerns. Following multiple medical tests, I must wait patiently for results. On Tuesday, somewhere in the middle of my conversation with my doctor, he mentioned the "C" word. You know what I'm talking about. That darn cancer keeps rearing it's ugly head! Of course, the tests will either rule in or rule out how serious this condition is.
So I did what most women would do after hearing this scary news. I drove straight to my mom's home. It took every ounce of self-control to keep the tears at bay. By the time I arrived at her front door, I calmly decided to keep it together. That my mother's already wrestling with a new brain tumor and starting back on chemotherapy this Sunday.
For crying out loud, someone has to be the strong one and it may as well be me! So I said a little prayer to God reminding Him that someone must remain healthy in my family. That I'd be grateful if He could give me an extra healing touch so I can take care of my husband, mom, and children. And while the Lord's at it, would He please give my mom and husband a supernatural healing touch, too.
The truth is that in the midst of these uncontrollable circumstances, my heavenly Maker has been present. He has poured out His infinite love. He has gently wrapped me in the comfort of His arms to shelter me. In the stillness, I know that I'm not alone. He pursues me.
He has even blessed me by seeing red cardinals in my back yard practically every day. Usually, I've seen a male and female cardinal playfully fluttering outside. There's something amazing about these cardinals that warm my heart and lift my spirits!
As I ponder the burdens that my family and I are carrying right now, I trust that we can lay it down at the cross. That Jesus is here. He wants us to release our worries and fears. To simply be still and know that He is God. And who better than our loving Savior to carry us through hard times?
Perhaps, you're currently facing unbearable struggles? Maybe it's with your health, finances, job, or relationships? Although I don't know the details about your situation, I do know that we have a choice in how we respond to adversity. We can either permit fear and anger to hold us hostage or we can give it to God.
Sometimes, it's easier said than done. But every morning we can actively decide that life is too short to be stressed out or unhappy. Today, this very moment, is all we have. So let's choose to be grateful for the little things. Let's become more aware of the beautiful blessings that surround us. Lastly, let's always cling to hope. Because when we have hope, we have everything!