The Journey - Part 15

As I was driving to one of my radiation treatments last week, I felt compelled to share something God brought to my mind.

In the book of Acts, Stephen (a man full of faith and the Holy Spirit, specifically chosen by the disciples to minister to the neglected widows) boldly spoke truth to his enemies, the Sanhedrin, as they were about to stone him to death.

“When the members of the Sanhedrin heard this, they were furious and gnashed their teeth at him. But Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, looked up to heaven and saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God.” Acts 7:54-55

I had always overlooked one small, but very powerful word in this scripture. It was brought to my attention from a previous bible study I had done several years ago. The word is “standing.” I had always pictured Jesus sitting at the right hand of God, but in this instance, He was standing. As Stephen was preparing to meet his death, he looked expectantly to the heavens. And maybe as his eyes met the compassionate eyes of Jesus, it was possible at that very moment Compassion slowly stood with a burning stance--His eyes never leaving the draw of Stephen's. I can envision Jesus intently leaning into the side of God pleading, “Father, let me go and fight for him! Just say the word!”

I’d like to think that as my Jesus of compassion looks down from heaven, He still stands passionately by God’s right hand and pleads for me during my difficult times saying, “Father, let me go and fight for her! Just say the word!”

God does say the word—and has many times.

He said “Go” to many of you when I could barely get dressed each morning and needed help getting to my chemo treatments each week.

He said “Go” to my church family when meals were lovingly planned and brought to our home each week.

He said “Go” and friends would gather in our home to pray over me during difficult parts of my journey.

He said “Go” and I would receive an encouraging card in the mail, a special text, Facebook message or phone call that gave me hope to carry on.

All God had to say was “Go” and many of you were ready and willing to fight, pray and go. You are a huge part of my testimony and I am forever grateful.

I am counting down the days of my radiation treatments—as are many of you, as I’ve noticed your wonderful support on Facebook (you crazy, awesome friends). As of today, I have endured 28 prayerful days of radiation with only 7 remaining! It has gone fast—honestly! I can only attribute it to being bathed in prayer by you, my faithful prayer warriors.

So with that said, let me continue on and catch you up on my journey.

Radiation—The Next Step

September 2013

Nothing can really prepare you for the unknown—totally. I read books, asked questions, and studied brochures until quite honestly, I didn’t want to hear all the horror stories of what “could happen” any longer. I decided this was going to be another “one day at a time” journeys in faith—as it should be.

In a previous post I shared about my radiation mask experience and how I wasn’t prepared for the claustrophobic shock it gave me. I quickly realized it was important to gather a game plan and decided to commit the 20 minutes of radiation to prayer time. It’s actually quite peaceful. There are some days I don’t get through my “prayer list” and wish I had an extra 10 minutes or so on the radiation altar. But that doesn’t limit my prayer time with God. I am constantly talking to Him about many of you.

Unlike chemotherapy, the radiation process does not make me nauseous. Even though I have a chemo treatment every Wednesday during the radiation schedule, it is a different drug, and much more forgiving—thank you, Jesus! By now, my appetite has increased to normal and I eat pretty much what I’m hungry for. The plan is to “beef up”—as my doctors have promised much change is coming down the road.

“Father, let me go and fight for her! Just say the word!”

To be continued…