As I write this post, I can hardly believe the steps of the journey we are now embracing. My youngest son, James, is now in surgery to have a port installed in his chest as well as a bilateral bone marrow biopsy.
A few days before Christmas, James went to the doctor for what we thought was kidney or gallstone pain. Within hours, we learned that James has Lymphoma. We were stunned, speechless, sad, but completely surrounded by this unexplainable peace.
It was very surreal for both George and me to watch our son as the doctor shared information about having cancer. I thought, "Cancer?", certainly this cannot be real. As I watched James' face while receiving this news, I was filled with many thoughts. This is the same little boy that I carried, birthed, baked cookies, watched graduate, mentored, disciplined, and most of all loved deeply. No longer a child, but a man navigating his way through life with everything ahead of him. His journey is now encompassing a season that we did not anticipate - which includes cancer.
So many times, life will take twists and turns that we don't expect and honestly do not want. This would be one of those times. During the past two weeks, we have had opportunity to try and wrap our minds around this news and the journey that now is ahead. James has Hodgkin's Lymphoma and will undergo six months of chemotherapy. While the prognosis is excellent, the road ahead will be challenging on many levels.
Friends and family have asked me, "Stephanie, what word has the Lord given to you in this?". Those who know me well, know that the Lord often provides a specific word for me to stand on while going through seasons such as these. My reply was very simple, "The Lord has reminded me that 'He is mighty in battle'". Maybe not as profound as some might expect, but none the less, this truth has impacted my heart on so levels.
"He is mighty in battle". The Lord reminded me that this is a battle - something serious and something which to be engaged. It is a physical, spiritual and emotional battle. As I have mediated on this phrase, the Lord has also reminded me that "He has trained our hands for war". In other words, we are equipped and prepared to handle this - as is James. Thirdly, the awesome reminder that He, the King of Kings, Lord of Lords, is MIGHTY. He is not forgetful, weak, filled with fear, or even surprised with this news. He is mighty. He is victorious - every time. He doesn't lose or even have weak people on His team.
God holds us. God is good. He is faithful and true. Just because our journey has taken an unexpected turn, does not mean that God has changed, only the circumstances in which He will make himself known....as mighty.
As a Christian women's speaker, my heart and "banner" is to teach / impart to women the indescribable love that God has for them, to walk in victory (wearing stilettos if at all possible), and to walk out their personal destiny without fear - but with confidence and boldness.
As I walk through this season with my son and family, I am reminded of the very same truths from which I minister. God loves us more than we could ever realize, that we will walk this out in victory and boldness, and will capture this part of our destiny with the boldness and confidence. God is able. And of course, I am wearing stilettos for the journey. :) I am his daughter and I am thankful for the Father and His extravagant love for me and for our whole family.
Wearing stilettos,
Stephanie
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
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6 comments:
Exodus 14:14 "The LORD will fight for you, you need only to remain still." We are called to wage war, and also to rest and be still in His peace. It seems contradictory in this world, but in His hands makes perfect sense.
You are amazing. I love you, my friend, and am praying for your family. We will wage war together... while wearing stilettos.
Steph... Powerful post! Yep, Jesus is Mighty and the battle belongs to Him:) He is your rock..stand firm..no matter what, Jesus wins, and you and your family are His co-heirs...Praise God!:) Jeff and I will be praying on our end..and remember, one of the songs I do at church every week.."Rose Garden"..He never promised us one, but He did promise to never leave us or forsake us:) AMEN!
One question though..can I wear my tennis shoes?? :)
Love you, sis..
Caroline
I'm praying for your journey and for James. I will remember him often as his name is what my youngest son has for a middle name. (Malachi James) I am reminded every day just how Mighty our God really is. I am so greatful for the word that he gave you.
I will join, but I too would like to at least be in flats :)... I'm scared of the stiletto's still because of my ankle incident.
Thanks for sharing with us - it is a priviledge to walk with you on this jounrey.
However - "trainers" would be the best shoes for me to run the race in. Translation : trainers Uk = tennis shoes USA :)
Hi Stephanie, this is your cousin Karen in Michigan.
I too will walk with you. After fighting my own battle with cancer during the summer and going through chemo and radiation I know what he is facing. We all know it will be tough but I learned through our cousin Linda that the best way to fight was constant unending prayer. I had fighter verses that I read when I thought I couldn't take another treatment. Praise God that James CAN be treated and that he has his wonderful family to walk with him. Your Dad and I have been corresponding for about 6 years now and he is such a blessing to me and I hope I can be a blessing to you and yours. Praying constantly for you!
I will wear my flat shoes!!!
Karen
Hey Steph,
As I've contemplated your family's trial, I can concur the word, The Battle is the Lord's. You need only be still. Remember that He is always Victorious. He will accomplish His work in all of you. Be strong and watch what He is going to do. Remember the word that says, "the end of a thing is better than the beginning" this is so true on soooo many levels. I love it. Love to you all,
Shelli
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