If you came over from Encouragement for Today, welcome! In today’s devo I shared how faith in action impacted me during my battle with cancer over 20 years ago. People mowed my lawn, loved my children, fed my family, brought balloons and fun to chemotherapy sessions. They prayed for me, sent me cards, and showed up and said no words, but simply spent time with me. It made a hard time not just more bearable, but beautiful.
Are you a cancer survivor? I’d love to hear your story. Are you battling cancer right now? I’d love to pray with you.
If you’ve been impacted by faith in action, tell us about it. It’s encouraging to hear the many ways that faith in action touches others.
To celebrate
, I want to give away a beautiful gift basket to one person today. This is the Simply Sip Starbucks gift basket.
(Not a coffee drinker? Not a problem. It’s almost Christmas, and this would make a great gift for a friend!)
What do you do to enter? Simply comment below. If you tweet or Pin or share today’s devo or this blog post, you get entered again!
For those of you who are joining me on the 30 Days to Growth, stay tuned. I haven’t forgotten you. I’ll be back tomorrow and we’ll continue on our journey together. Continue to study the passage I shared on Monday. Write down any questions you have. If there is a verse that speaks to you, spend time with it. Write it down. Learn more about it using great tools like Bible Gateway.
For those who have not been with us, I hope you’ll read the last few blogs and then subscribe and join us.
We are on a path to transformation. Discovering what it means to not simply be surrounded by faith, but impacted and transformed by it. We are discovering together all that God has for us in His word, and through intimacy with Him. I hope you’ll join us!
Suzie
Thank you for your faith in action devotional today. It spoke volumes to my heart on many levels.
Thank you for your testimony. My mom battled breast cancer 4 years ago, and it was a very scary time for our family. But many acts of faith were shown to her and impacted us all as well. She is now cancer-free thanks to the Lord’s healing mercies! So wonderful that God is also allowing you to enjoy your children and grandchildren 🙂
Being a grandma is my very best “job” in the world. Love these little human beings so much!
Suzzie; you’ve carried away my heart, I am in tears for i have lived an ignorant life, i have not put my faith in actions.
Help me pray and ask forgiveness from God. I REPENT LORD; I HAVE NOT PUT MY FAITH IN ACTION. YOU SENT SR. SUZZIE TO HIGHLIGHT THIS TO ME, I BEG THAT FROM TODAY CREATE IN ME A NEW HEART AND SPIRIT AND PUT NEW FAITH WITH ACTION.
HELP DEAR GOD.
Justine, what a beautiful prayer. Please share with me the one thing you do today to lift the heaviness from the heart of another. I’d love to celebrate with you!
I am a breast cancer survivor and will celebrate 5 years cancer free on December 29. Your message this morning reminded me of all the blessings my family and I experienced while I was going through treatment. Meals, housecleaning, yard work, friends spending time with me when I could hardly keep my eyes open or get off the couch on the Fridays after chemo treatment so my husband could go back to work. So many simple things that were so huge to us.
Thank you for the reminder that I too can make a difference to someone with something as simple as a card, or a phone call, or a meal.
Five years is a big deal! I remember hitting that mark and thinking, “God, help me not to miss the beauty of this second chance.” That led me to writing and speaking, and discovering what it looked like to live outside my comfort zone. That was one of the gifts that came out of a very hard time. I am celebrating those five years with you!!
in our church we recently had a ‘cancer case’ of a young mother (a case similar to yours) who was given 5 days to live…and now, about 1-2 mths later she is still alive and the latest MRI did not show any cancer 🙂 !!!! PRAISE the Lord. Our pastor encouraged us to pray for her as a church, every service and on our own, this whole time. I think living thru this period all together and seeing how God gives new mercies every day, put faith in action for probably all of us, and strengthened our faith too. Our God is a God of miracles, and I am truly thankful that He chose to be that! 🙂
I also sent your Devo to a close friend of mine who has someone close in her life battling cancer at the mo’.
Susie – my sister’s husband was just diagnosed with an inoperable brain tumor and given 6-12 months . We are all in shock but my sister is trying to hold it together! We are praying for him to be one of that 5% that outlives this diagnosis and for God to use him as a witness along this journey! Pray for our family as we navigate this path to help her, the 3 children and the 3 grand babies . It is difficult to know how to be “Jesus” to her at this time! Thank you for this devotion today!
Carole, one of the most beautiful things people could do was to simply be there. To be there in person with no advice, no trite sayings. To pray for me daily. To take care of daily needs like food. To bring in provision because of the cost of care that was so heavy on my family. There are a thousand little things that many can do during this time, and very few of them have to do with words, but with love in action.
Lord, I pray for this husband. This family has been rocked with hard news. Bring loving, amazing friends and family around them. Let laughter surprise them. Let this family feel your presence so strong in the midst of their battle, and may you give these children and grandchildren precious moments that they will always treasure. Father, I boldly ask for that 5% to be his, but trust that we win either way with you. Give this man such deep confidence in you and such strength that you shine through him. In Jesus name, amen.
Thank you Suzanne for your testimony. A very dear friend battled pancreatic cancer and was healed by going to be with our Lord over four years ago. Her courageous faith while she walked through the shadow of death was truly miraculous. I miss her still but I know that one day I will see her with a new body and no pain. What a glorious day that will be.
So like the Lord to give me this devotional the day after I am diagnosed with breast cancer. Feeling scared because I have two “babies” that are 10 and 12. Also a husband. So like the Lord to remind me its not about you, and instead remind me of the couple at church who need a meal today because she had surgery and he’s having it next week and I’ll get to minister to them some more. Thank you Suzie for the. Timely devotional to put my faith in action.
Joyce, I have lifted you & your family in prayer this morning to our God who is ABLE to do exceedingly and abundantly BEYOND anything we could ask or think…including giving you PEACE in the midst of this storm. May He carry you tightly as He strengthens your faith, loves on your family through others and HEaLS you in so many amazing ways! I have one chemo treatment left and God has been with me each moment! Great is His faithfulness!
My children were 8, 8 and 9, Joyce. Will you do me a favor? Please stay in touch. I get it. I’ve been there. I’d love to know how you are doing during this new adventure (crazy word, I know, but it becomes one in so many different ways). If you need someone to pray with you, don’t hesitate to send me an email at tseller@daretobelieve.org — okay?
Joyce, so sorry to hear of your diagnosis. I am two years out from my mastectomy and I know all the emotions you are experiencing. Fear of the unknown being one of the most powerful ones. I pray right now that the Holy Spirit will give you unbelievable peace and courage, as He gave me. It is only with the strength that God gives can you walk through what lies ahead. My heart reaches out to you in love.
Joyce, if you have any questions or just want to vent please email me mlturlock@yahoo.com. I prayed for you all day yesterday and I know that the Lord keeps bringing your diagnosis before me. I feel such a heaviness for you because I know how overwhelming all the information can be right now. It is a lot to take in.
Thank you for this touching devotional this morning. I’ve tried to live my faith as best as I can, but there is so much more I could do. Thank you for this revelation. I experienced a huge scare in my life 5 years ago when I was told I had kidney cancer. 3 weeks after my surgery to remove part of my kidney, I was told that the tumor had in fact been benign! what a huge relief! I can only imagine what you and millions of others go through with chemo. My heart aches for anyone in distress. Thank God you were healed!
During the time prior to my surgery, my sisters in Christ at my church conducted a prayer service for me. I was not there physically due to being at the Cleveland Clinic, but I felt those prayers and it felt like a warm blanket on a cold day. I was so comforted. My friends gave me copies of the prayers they recited & copies of the bible passages they spoke. I will be forever grateful to them as I know that those prayers moved mountains. What a comfort to know so many women spoke their faith to me that night. Thanks again 🙂
A warm blanket on a cold day. . . this is a great way to express how faith in action feels to someone receiving it.
Thank you so much for this word of encouragement today! I have several friends battling cancer right now and it is great to remember some ways to put my faith into action to help them out during these times.
Thank you for your witness. I was diagnosed with breast cancer at 37, underwent 18 months of treatment and multiple surgeries, and now at 39 am settling into the “new normal” of being a survivor. As a pastor, I walk with many who are diagnosed with cancer. Some receive the miracle of healing and others do not. All receive the miracle of being carried by Christ’s followers to The Lord in prayer and deed.
I think that’s the difficulty of sharing my time as a cancer survivor. I know that many who had faith went on to be with Christ, and I didn’t. I will never fully understand that, not until eternity, but what I do know is that faith in action to me, and to others (and their families) who went on to be with the Lord, is a powerful and beautiful blessing. Thank you, Rebecca, for sharing your story.
Thanks for sharing this today and speaking to my heart.
My battle was not with cancer, but one of 3rd degree burns to the bottom of my feet. My sister, her husband and 5 kids nursed this nurse back to health. They took me into their home as child number 6 (smile) for 1 1/2 years. What a picture of Jesus they were to me. The children ministered to me in ways that need to be remembered as well as their church. My sister and brother-in-law’s sacrifices were many and I am so thankful. I lost hope several times through this struggle but God ALWAYS gave me something to remind me to hold on. Encouragement through his word, others speaking his word, the hugs of the children…. I could name so many “little” things that meant a lot as well as the “big” things. My encouragement to others is to DO the things that seem little for others. It is a small thing but means a LOT. Be blessed and be a blessing
First, let me say, as a cancer survivor I love nurses! Many were ministers to me during my chemo and surgeries and radiation. Thank you for what you do. And thank you for sharing your story. I love how the little ones can bring so much joy. My own children were instrumental in sharing their simple and sincere faith during a hard time. Love this comment!
Thanks Suzie for this post. I have a friend who was diagnosed with breast cancer in July. She is currently going through her second round of chemo- treatments are moving to weekly. She is currently going through the phase where she never knows whether the next day will be good or bad. My family and co-workers are currently praying for her and I would appreciate it if you all here could pray for Audrey D. Thanks
Lord, first thank you for the friendship and faith-filled friendship of Melanie. It was friends such as these that made such a difference in my own battle. We pray for Audrey D. Lord, may she sense you close today. Be her consistency and firm foundation in an up and down physical battle with cancer. Fill her room today with your presence. Cover her under your wings (Psalm 91:4). Thank you for a future and for many tomorrows for Audrey D. May you meet every need she has in this difficult time with the hands and feet of those who love you, and whose faith in action will hold her up and take care of those she loves. In Jesus name, amen.
Beautiful Suzie. Thank you for sharing a bit of your story. Such a beautiful thing when we can come together and “love on” someone going through a need. A small need acted on in faith is big to our God. I am mesmerized by His faithfulness and so glad to be His!!
Thank you for the reminder of what putting my faith into action truly means. So many times I have had thoughts of doing this or that, but have let my busy life get in the way. These are words I will try to remember every time and opportunity presents itself.
Thank you for that email devotion. I have many family members who have battled breast cancer and it is a difficult time for all those around. Your post reminds me that we need to be watching around us for people who need us if to say something to cheer up or help them with dinner.
I am part of my local MOPS and we all step up for a mom or her family for a meal during times.
Isn’t it funny how food is a love language? : ) I love bringing a meal or opening my home for a meal. I may not be able to do other things — like fix a car, or sort out a difficult problem that simply has to run its course — but I can cook a mean pan of chicken enchiladas or make a pot roast and carrots and potatoes! <3
Thank-you for your message today! It gave great practical ways to share Christ’s love to those around us that are in need of encouragement and help. I know that for many they don’t know what to do, so don’t do anything. I can see that your suggestions helped opened hearts, including mine! Thank-you! And what a celebration! 23 years cancer free! Congratulations!!
Thanks, Peggy! I’d love to hear others’ suggestions, too!
I was inspired by your devotional to act out my “good intentions” more often. I often stop myself from doing small things for people because it doesn’t seem like enough to meet a crisis such as cancer or the death of a loved one, but your testimony reminded me that even small things matter.
I still, 20+ years later, can list the small things that absolutely impacted me and my family.
Thank you for this! I recently lost my grandma to cancer and can attest to seeing faith in action.
I am so sorry for your loss, Ali. As a gramma to five beautiful babies three and under, I know how intertwined these little human beings are in my heart and life. I pray that her memories and that love will be a comfort, and that one day you will reunite with your grandma who loves you so much in eternity. I didn’t know my grandma growing up, but now I realize what a treasure that relationship can be. My heart hurts with you, but also rejoices over the gift you had and will have again with your grandma. Thank you so much for sharing this, Ali.
It is always an encouragement to hear the stories of faith from fellow believers. Thank you!
Thank you for sharing your journey. I have a dear friend battling breast cancer at the moment and she is young also. I can’t wait to forward your blog to her. I hope it will offer her faith and comfort during her difficult journey.
Father, today I pray for Crissy’s friend. I’ve been there and I know how it feels. May she sense your comfort in the midst of the diagnosis, of treatment, and may you give her a gift of not only life, but of renewed gratitude of the small things, of slowing down long enough to treasure health and family and your presence. Lord, it seems impossible that such a hard time could offer up gifts such as these, but in my own life cancer and faith in action helped me to clearly see and hold tight to those things that really mattered. Keep her close, fill her up with faith and joy. God before her in battle, and comfort those who love her just as you comfort and strengthen this young woman.
It was wonderful reading your story of faith in action. I am a firm believer of James 2:17 and have seen faith in action from our church family many times. Thank you for sharing your experience. I pray that others will also demonstrate their faith as a witness to God’s amazing grace and love. Karen
Suzie, I just read your devotional from Proverbs 31 — what a great testimony .. celebrating 23 years of breast cancer, wow .. God is awesome. Congrats. And thank you for reminding us that small acts, piled upon one another, equaled big acts .. how true. Thank you again for sharing.
A wise woman taught me, “I hear what you say, I believe what you do.” Faith in action!!
Thank you for your beautiful testimony today, Suzie! It brought to mind this quote by Mother Teresa “do small things with great love”. Those small things we take the time to do truly can & will make a difference!
What a great reminder that it is the little things we are all capable of doing that add up over time to help carry each other’s burdens. Glad you are still here and wirh grand kids!
let Christ become my anchor!! I wrote this in my journal this morning and drew an anchor to remind me. Thank you for your ever/always inspriations!!
Your devotions really speak to me and encourage me. Thank,you for being so transparent and obedient to our Heavenly Father.
Thanks so much for the wonderful reminder to be faith in action today. I too had breast cancer . I was 36 and had 2 young boys at home. God provided a wonderful husband and family and friends to help us through such a difficult time . The biggest blessing was a daughter born a year and a half after my cancer diagnosis. Now 15 years after my cancer my boys are grown and we are in the midst of seemingly endless school activities with a beautiful daughter who brings great joy to our lives. My prayer today is that I won’t be too busy to help someone else during their trials in life.
Thanks for the inspirational words. There have been many times when I want to do something to help someone but didn’t know what to do or I think that just doing something “little” isn’t enough. You have reminded me about Jesus saying that even if we give a cup of cold water in His name we are doing something that has an impact for Him. So I’m not going to let those little negative thoughts creep in any more!
I am a breast cancer survivor and am still in treatment. Has a mastectomy almost two years ago and God also sent me wonderful blessings through my coworkers. My husband had been laid off when I was diagnosed so I was the only one working. It was few weeks before Christmas and I prayed all night long for God to rescue us financially. The next day I arrived at work and my coworkers had collected $600.00 for me. God had already been working in their hearts to help me. We serve a mighty God and I needed to be reminded today how thankful I am for his care.
Thank you for this reminder today about putting my faith into action. I especially enjoyed the reminder to look at the needs and my ability to meet them.
Beautiful devotional, thank you so much!
Thank you for this reminder about putting my faith into action especially the reminder to look at the needs and my ability to meet them. So often I think I can’t do anything to help a situation but I don’t have to necessarily have to have an answer to the situation but I can do something to help with a need that may or may not be connected.
New to your devotionals after an uplifting experience at Heart at Home convention this past weekend. You really moved me and I look forward to these devotionals on a daily basis.
At 31 years old myself right now I am going through the largest storm of my life (although not a medical one) and even in the mist of my ache and pain I have friends going through tough times right now that I know I couldn’t manage as well as they are. I have shifted the focus off my sorrow and looked for ways to bless them. God has blessed me with many ways to help them and I am so glad to be doing it. 🙂
Thank you for sharing your story. My husband was diagnosed with cancer almost 2 years ago. It was so amazing to see people stepping up to help with whatever we needed. Thankfully, my husband is now cancer free.
Thank you for this and the reminder that the simple things matter.
I am a 4 year breast cancer survivor, and I am once again taken by the awesomeness of God’s timing with your devotion this morning!
I am currently trying to lose the weight after being put into menopause. By the grace of God I am learning to accept the “new me”.
Thank you for sharing your story and encouraging others. That is my hope and prayer locally, that I may be a blessing to others going through diagnosis and treatment.
My husband and I have a non-profit, Pink Heals, We have a pink fire truck (he’s a FF), and take it to events so survivors and families can sign it in honor and memory of their loved ones. We have even had GMA’s Robin Roberts sign it.
Most of fall it has been a blessing to come together and share God’s love and give HOPE to people that may not know Jesus. What an awesome opportunity, and a great way to celebrate life.
Jennie
I always love when I open my daily devotions from Proverbs 31 Ministries and see your devotion for that day. Love your heart. Your words are always very encouraging and God is speaking through you to so many of us. You truly are a blessing to so many. I am one who was saved at a very young age but really didn’t have a true relationship with the Lord until over the past year or so and I can say from experience when we go through storms in our lives we have to have faith to get through them. Grace from others increases our faith and grace from God definitely gets us through those times and in turn brings us closer to our walk with Him. Your devotion today was a great reminder for me to not only accept the grace from others that increases my faith, but to always make certain I am one who is showing grace toward those who need it when their storms are at their peak. Thank you so much Suzie.:)
In Christ, Amy…
Amy, you just made my day. I’m so grateful you took the time to encourage me with this beautiful note. <3
Thank you for your devotion today on faith in action. I have several friends who are in the midst of their battle with cancer, and I want to do, but just never know what. Thank you for helping me see how important it is to put faith in action. I love your devotions!
I am battling a rare form of cancer as we speak for the second time…your devotional spoke to me this morning because I was diagnosed with cancer 3 weeks after moving to a brand new city! God so wonderfully provided neighbors and a church to take care of us in our time of crisis and in a new place. It has been a HUGE faith builder to watch folks walk their faith out by pouring into our lives! God is the real deal-not some pie in the sky Santa or disconnected being. The journey is so very tough, but He is so very real and truly takes care of our needs-down to the finest detail! Thank you for your wonderful ministry and congratulations on slaying the ‘little c’ through our ‘BIG C!’
Lord, thank you for Bethany. I hear such strong belief and trust as she shares her story. Thank you that your “Big C”, our amazing Savior, walks with us through difficult times. Thank you that, somehow, you rise up and shine through Bethany in such a way that we can’t help but see You in her. Protect her. Give supernatural guidance to those who are caring for her. Fill her home and the room where she is treated with Your presence. Surprise many with the joy that they see in her, and draw them to Your love. Thank you for Bethany, and the light we see in her.
Thank you for your wonderful word this morning and your transparency. I was diagnosed with Breast Cancer at age 48. Today, I am a 5 year cancer survivor and God’s hand was always holding mine during my procedures. I have a different outlook on life and take nothing for granted. My husband and daughters were a constant and still are support during that time while in treatment and NOW as we celebrate another year CANCER FREE. BUT to GOD goes the Glory. It is always a blessing to read about a long term Survivor. There is HOPE in God’s LOVE.
Because of this disease, I have been able to minister, pray and encourage other women who are battling breast cancer. I will never forget from where my help came from and encourage others to pay it forward in God’s name.
Thank you!!
It does change the way we view life, right? <3
Thank your for your devotional today, it warmed my heart. My childhood best friend was diagnosed with breast cancer 2 1/2 years ago and just me going out to visit her (I live in Kansas City, she lives in Pittsburgh) and help her around the house for a few days made a huge difference for her and her boyfriend.
It’s amazing how the little things become the big things when friends step in during a hard time. You sound like a good friend, Brandi. : ) I still treasure names from that time: Kent and Vivian, Robin, Barbie, Steve and Debbie, Eric and Juli, Garry and Verletta, Sherri, Faith. . . so many, and all tied to small acts of kindness that made a huge difference.
Thank you for sharing your journey! I am inspired to be committed to following through on all my “good intentions.”
Really enjoyed this post. I too will be celebrating 20 yrs free of cancer next spring. More importantly though, I love your ideas to “love” on others going thru the process. Just found out a very dear church friend was just diagnosed and will have surgery Dec 4th. I always have good intentions but seldom follow thru. I truly want to follow thru this time. Open to any ideas others can share.
Take a freezer meal (or several) so that the family can eat when she might not feel like it.
Talk to her about those things she loved the day before she found out she had cancer. She’s still the same person.
Plant bulbs in her garden (if you live in area where you can) or bring her bulbs to plant next spring. Such a symbol of hope!
Sit with her at a chemo.
Clean her home.
Take her children out for a movie or to a fun event to let her sleep for an evening or afternoon, and in peace knowing her children are having fun.
Take a walk with her at her pace.
Laugh with her.
Write a note for each chemo day and add a hard candy or mint (chemo can affect you with dry mouth).
Go wig shopping with her and make it fun.
Clean her car.
Take her out to run errands.
Run her errands for her.
Give her a gift certificate for something she’s always wanted to do, like an art class, or a massage.
Any other ideas?
I, too, have been on the receiving end of grace, from friends and family, during some tough times in my life. And still, to this day, I look back in awe at their selflessness, their willingness to provide, love and support. It truly is a blessing to be surrounded by people of such character. And since then, I hope and pray I’ve been able to be that to others as well.
I just finished reading your story of faith in action. It gave me so much hope, as TODAY marks 6 years of being cancer free (from breast cancer). Of course Jesus was my constant source of comfort throughout my treatment! My husband was my rock during my difficult days, he was able to take a paid leave of absence from work to stay home and help. My grown daughters were there to help in any way they could. I too, have good intentions to help others in need…a few times I’ve taken meals to their families…but, mostly, I don’t follow through. Please know your story inspired me and I will be quick to step out of my comfort zone to help others if I can. ♥
I am hoping that small acts of faith are spreading across the nation, and into neighborhoods, and over the phone, and into the lives of those who need encouraged today. Thank you for sharing your story (congratulations!) and for taking this devotion and putting feet on it.
Hi Suzie,
Though I shared your devotion on my FB page, I didn’t do it for the prize basket. I could care less about the coffee right now as I was just told last week that the breast cancer I was diagnosed with a week before my 37th birthday has gone into my bones. I have 4 small children and a husband who is trying to be protective for us all and he can’t fix this like he is used to doing. That’s hard for him & hard for me to watch. The fear that I’m sure plagues his thoughts at times, I know it shows up in my mind now & again, needs to leave in Jesus’ name. We have not only a great family but an amazing church family & we are seeing their love & faith in action so much already. I am amazed & yet I’m not at the love we’re being shown. I know God can heal my earthly body & extend my time on earth & I hope that he does. I truly believe he has some things he wants my husband & I to do in the years to come. Oh how I long to hear “cancer free” from the doctors. Them saying they don’t know how but that I am. I am trying to praise God through this storm. Good thing he truly knows my heart. I would like your prayers for my husband, children, & for healing along this journey. Thank you. http://www.pierceproductions.blogspot.com
Hi Jeannette, may I pray with you?
Lord, this diagnosis is hard to hear. Thank you that Jeannette is surrounded by friends and family who love her. Thank you that you are a God of miracles, and we can come boldly before you to present our needs and to praise you for walking with us daily, in the good and the bad. You hear this daughter’s heart clearly. May you be so close to Jeannette, her husband, and her children that they sense you as close as their own breath. May she move in you, have her being in you, and live fully in you, Father. Comfort her, take her fears and hold them close. Cover her with wisdom and direction beyond the norm, as you direct and guide her in the next few days and months, and into years. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Thank you so much for your encouragement . It means so much for women to lift one another up.
My heart is so happy to read all of the wonderful acts of kindness people have done or had done for them. This devotional was hard for me since my mom gained the ultimate victory against her cancer last Tuesday… she is home with God. She was diagnosed with late stage ovarian cancer in February ’09. Since that day she had multiple surgeries, chemo’s, radiation, tests, etc. and in October 2012 it metastasized to her brain. She had brain surgery last November, radiation, and was doing well by March of this year… until July when she became symptomatic with the brain tumors again. She turned 74 on October 3rd, we celebrated in her care room, and last Monday night kissed her good night. The acts of kindness bestowed upon my mom and our family are too numerous to count but for sure God has blessed us! I would encourage everyone to take the time for an act of kindness no matter what the act is; a kind word, words of faith, running an errand, cooking something, respite care… You can’t imagine what it means to be on the receiving end and your heart will be full for the joy you brought to someone and their family. Two favorite bible verses ~ Galatians 5:22-23 Luke 6:38
Love the color on your page Suzie – Teal! Teal is the ribbon color for ovarian cancer.
I cannot imagine the grief you are experiencing. I’m so sorry. Your mom is one year younger than my own, and saying goodbye will be one of the hardest acts of my life. I pray that you are comforted, that you sense God’s presence close today and throughout the days that you mourn your mother. You totally understand how acts of faith make all the difference when you are in the midst of a crisis, especially one that is longstanding. I’m so glad that the teal color was uplifting to you today. I wish I lived close so I could come by for a hug and to bring you homemade chicken pot pie. : ) Again, I’m so very sorry for such a profound loss, and so grateful for a God that walks closely with His girls through those hard times.
My family was forever changed over 10.5 years ago when my Husband was in a MVA leaving him paralyzed from the neck down and on a ventilator. We bought him home and he lived for over 9 years!
During that time we had seen God work in many ways. He loved us through our church family and countless others. Our church family bought us meals 3 days a week for the entire nine years! Tho he was never healed, he was a blessing to many. God always provided for all our needs and I can attest to His goodness all the time,
It is good to read encouragement like this. My MIL is battling breast cancer now and won’t ask for help – we just keep trying to do what we think will help her and pray like crazy!
Thank you for sharing your story. You are very brave and courageous. My grandmother is a cancer survivor, for over 3 years now. She was dx with rectal CA , but she said she was not ready to go yet, she is 89 years “young”. We were blessed to have excellent and caring physicians , nurses and support from my family to travel that journey. God is so good to us. Have a Blessed Thanksgiving. We are planning to celebrate with my family, and we have 5 generations. My grand son is 17 months old and my grandmother thinks he is amazing.
Suzie,I would first like to thank you for this wonderful devotional, I’ve had a rough day myself and decided to read my daily devotional at least towards the end of the day.it is very encouraging to read this today! everyday I read thes
Suzie, I also started my journey with breast cancer at the age of 31…I was diagnosed 8/15/13. Three weeks ago I underwent a bilateral mastectomy. I am married and have 2 young daughters, ages 7 and 6. We have been blessed richly by the giving spirit of others. One of these blessings was our church provided us with meals if starting before my surgery, although I wasn’t feeling sick at the time, they saw it as a way to allow us to have more family time amidst the stresses and doctors appointments.
One thing I’ve learned from this is I no longer want to be silent. I’ve always wanted to help others, I just never put the desire into action because of various fears and insecurities… how grateful I am for those who put their desires into action. I have not only been blessed but have been encouraged to step out and “pay it forward” as well.
Thank you for your prayers! I am anxiously looking forward to my first oncology appointment next week.
Suzie,I would first like to thank you for this wonderful devotional, I’ve had a rough day myself and decided to read my daily devotional at least towards the end of the day.it is very encouraging to read this today! everyday I read these and I strongly feel like this is His way of talking to me, always, there is some situation related to that day,s devotional (I know it sounds silly coming from a 36 year old mother of two). I have always wanted to share God,s work in my life. My dad was diagnosed with sarcoma in 2010 , a 12 lb tumor removed followed by chemo and radiation and after tumor recurrence they removed the spleen and then after a. Series of hardships is now in great shape ( just visited the doctor ) and all is fine.being 36 doesn’t mean we are ready to let go off your loved ones, I could not visit him in india during his surgery because my husband was bed ridden after a major accident, followed by my daughter breaking her leg, it killed me from inside when my dad made the call( he wanted to talk to me last before they started the surgery) ,I was very helpless and helplessly prayed all night in tears clinging to my bible.the doctors were surprised for the success in the surgery and claimed it was my prayers. I know from my personal expe
Suzie,I would first like to thank you for this wonderful devotional, I’ve had a rough day myself and decided to read my daily devotional at least towards the end of the day.it is very encouraging to read this today! everyday I read these and I strongly feel like this is His way of talking to me, always, there is some situation related to that day,s devotional (I know it sounds silly coming from a 36 year old mother of two). I have always wanted to share God,s work in my life. My dad was diagnosed with sarcoma in 2010 , a 12 lb tumor removed followed by chemo and radiation and after tumor recurrence they removed the spleen and then after a. Series of hardships is now in great shape ( just visited the doctor ) and all is fine.being 36 doesn’t mean we are ready to let go off your loved ones, I could not visit him in india during his surgery because my husband was bed ridden after a major accident, followed by my daughter breaking her leg, it killed me from inside when my dad made the call( he wanted to talk to me last before they started the surgery) ,I was very helpless and helplessly prayed all night in tears clinging to my bible.the doctors were surprised for the success in the surgery and claimed it was my prayers. I know from my personal experience how hard yet easy it is when we put our Faith in action. I am not very good at writing. It I hope I was able to convey my story to you, thanks again.
Suzy
Thank you for you message on the Proverbs31 ministry website. I was very much blessed and encouraged today. My husband and I have been married for 13 years and we are hitting a time where he is not sure if he wants to be married. I spent the day reading God’s word and a few other books. The Holy Spirit spoke to me. I need to be strong. I need to fight for myself and my marriage. Your blog about battling cancer was an encouragement. I need to search within myself and fight this battle. Thank you for sharing. Hope to see you at HAH in March!
Prayers are with you for strength and a recovery for your marriage.
I am a breast cancer survivor also. This past October I celebrated 14 years since my diagnosis. I also went they numerous surgeries and it was such a shock to my body. I was 35 years old and my only child was 4, I was given a 25% chance of surviving. A stem cell transplant helped to save my life. When I look back I can see God’s hand in it all. He had already laid the foundation for me to get a job in my hometown. My church family took such good care of me. I have always been a caretaker so it was really difficult to let go but I really didn’t have much of a choice since I was so sick. Everyone kept telling me I would be ok but I did not have that peace. It wasn’t until December that, after many hours of prayer, I finally felt God’s peace assuring me that he wasn’t finished with me yet. I moved on to earn 2 more college degrees and am currently a school administrator. My son is now in college and I feel very blessed!
Julie W. is our winner of the coffee giveaway today. Thanks, Julie W. I sent you an email and the coffee will soon be on the way!
I am another breast cancer survisor. I was 57 when diagnosed; I had missed only 1 yr having a mammogram due to insurance changes. It had invaded the tissue & lymph nodes. I was also diagnosed with thyroid cancer, but it was unrelated to the breast cancer. I found a sense of humor was absolutely necessary to surviving the surgeries and chemo treatments and all the other stuff that goes with it. I adopted my younger son from foster care after his grandmother died of breast cancer so telling him was one of the most difficult things I’ve ever had to do! My older son & my mother were in the room w/ me when the doctor told me I may be at stage 4. It was so difficult to have them hear that so completely unbuffered! I asked friends and family to pray for healing, courage and peace for me. God provided the healing through the doctors & medical care. He was with me throough it all. I could feel His presence when I was alone and during chemo sessions. He gave me so much peace I never needed any courage. I never worried about myself, only about my mother and my sons. Humor is a great help to healing. I found a cap to wear when my hair fell out at a Cracker Barrell that said “I’m having a no hair day.” My doctor thought it was hilarious. I donated the cap to Wings (organization that serves and helps cancer patients at West Clinic in Memphis) after I was finished with everything. So many friends were so helpful; they cleaned my house, brought food, sat with me & read to me when I was sick and could hardly move out of my recliner. Most of all, they offered prayer for me. God was faithful to answer prayers and was with me the entire way.