Inspiration
Last Saturday I had the privilege of visiting Lexie in the hospital as she recovered from her resection surgery. And I was blessed to meet a wonderful new family with a beautiful 13 year old named Chelsea Rae who is battling bone cancer. Despite all they are experiencing, these families are so strong in their faith. In fact, as my own cancer community grows, I am struck by how many faithful Christians are suffering. Some with physical pain and all with the emotional turmoil that cancer brings. And yet, they handle it with grace that can only come from God.
But why are these wonderful people made to suffer? That's not how this is supposed to go. The fairytale Christian life should go something like this: life unfolds like a stroll down a beautiful country lane both gentle and peaceful. After a long, leisurely walk filled with ample time to smell the flowers, you transition peacefully into the arms of your heavenly Father.
Here is the harsh reality. God never promised us long, happy lives. (Wouldn't evangelism be easy if the fairytale was true!!) I think God needs His faithful followers to struggle with the same trials as non-believers. If only to show that He is faithful in the most difficult of times (Isaiah 41:10) and through that deepen our faith (James 1:2-4). Though I would have preferred that God use Lillian to show His miraculous healing powers, He needed us to show faith even in death.
Some kind people have recently told me that I'm an inspiration. I'm humbled by such a daunting adjective and can only respond with thanks to God for using me for His glory. But the truth is, I don't feel very inspirational. And to be even more honest, I would trade it all to have Lillian back. (Not so inspirational anymore now that you see the deep rooted selfishness, huh?!) But it is a tremendous comfort to know that God is working even through our pain.
Through my cancer community (which includes the doctors, nurses, and staff in addition to the patients and their families), I am receiving more inspiration than I could ever hope to give. I pray that it brings them the same comfort to know that God is using them too.
5 comments:
Lori,
You and your family remain in our thoughts and prayers. Your words are teaching me and I thank you for sharing so much of your heart and experience with others.
God bless you and Jeff,
Mindy
Lori,
A synonmyn for inspiration is the word uplift and this is a gift you have been given. The way you are choosing to reach out to others is an inspiration to all of us. Liz G.
Lori,
You really have been an inspiration to me. So many say that I'm handling all of this so well and am one of the strongest women they've met.(I think you know different, but it'll be our little secret). I owe alot of the credit to you and your entries on Lillian's site and now your own. Through all you were and are going through you managed to help me see that I, too can and will get through this as long as I believe.
Thank you,
Robyn
oops! I just realized my apostrophes and commas are in the incorrect spots. Too late now....
Robyn
Lori, You ARE inspirational and wanting lillian back only shows us that you are human. Everyday when I think of her and look at her picture I remind myself that it is because of her that I know you and Jeff and for that I am thankful. Missing Lilli I believe is something we will probebly do for the rest of our lives, but thinking of her keeps her alive and reminds us to LIVE STRONG!!I love you and jeff and you are always in my thoughts and prayers. with love Maire and family
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