My reason for sharing her with you is because of her most recent blog post. She has recently been put in the refining fire again by God as she mourns over the life of her family member diagnosed with severe stages of cancer and given just a couple of weeks to live. I just loved how she viewed God through her pain, and because of that, wanted to feature her here for you. May you be blessed by the strength of my sister, Rebecca.
Yesterday, I picked up my cell phone and saw the text message from Dad, which (paraphrased) urged me to call Mom. So I called, and left a message on the answering machine once it began recording. Then I listened to the voicemail that had also already been on my phone: it was from Mom. She advised me to get in touch with Dad as soon as possible...because he was with a beloved relative whom doctors have recently given one to three weeks to live.
The cancer had spread, and quickly.
No sooner had I hung up from listening to that voicemail than I began to cry. Since I was still in San Diego, at my best friend Lexi's house, she looked over and could immediately tell something was wrong. I explained, choking back tears as I contemplated the kind of conversation I was about to have with my dad and ailing family member...
...More tears and some time later, I had the opportunity to tell my relative that I was thankful for the opportunity to tell her how much she means to me, and that I love her. Little more was said between us before we got off the phone, not knowing if we'd get another chance...
...Later, as I packed and prepared to go to the airport, I recognized God's grace, even as I started to feel grief. I sensed His leading, prompting me to lean on Him like I had on Lexi's shoulder, crying, after I had gotten off the phone. And I knew the lesson was knowing that in ALL seasons of life, whether standing atop a mountain or walking through a valley; whether experiencing joy and happiness or grief and sorrow; whether satisfied with singleness or longing for my husband, God's grace is more than enough.
God is more than enough -- to meet whatever my need is at any given time. Including my need for comfort when facing a sorrowful situation. And even though I do believe God will comfort me at times through my husband, it's beneficial and liberating and critical to know that He is the Comforter, in the presence of my best friend or my husband or no one at all.
The cancer had spread, and quickly.
No sooner had I hung up from listening to that voicemail than I began to cry. Since I was still in San Diego, at my best friend Lexi's house, she looked over and could immediately tell something was wrong. I explained, choking back tears as I contemplated the kind of conversation I was about to have with my dad and ailing family member...
...More tears and some time later, I had the opportunity to tell my relative that I was thankful for the opportunity to tell her how much she means to me, and that I love her. Little more was said between us before we got off the phone, not knowing if we'd get another chance...
...Later, as I packed and prepared to go to the airport, I recognized God's grace, even as I started to feel grief. I sensed His leading, prompting me to lean on Him like I had on Lexi's shoulder, crying, after I had gotten off the phone. And I knew the lesson was knowing that in ALL seasons of life, whether standing atop a mountain or walking through a valley; whether experiencing joy and happiness or grief and sorrow; whether satisfied with singleness or longing for my husband, God's grace is more than enough.
God is more than enough -- to meet whatever my need is at any given time. Including my need for comfort when facing a sorrowful situation. And even though I do believe God will comfort me at times through my husband, it's beneficial and liberating and critical to know that He is the Comforter, in the presence of my best friend or my husband or no one at all.
No comments:
Post a Comment