Parents divorced when I was 16.
Mom started dating a teacher at my school/the school’s
soccer coach when I was 17.
Mom got married to the teacher/soccer coach when I was
entering my sophomore year at Auburn.
I had step-people to deal with and that was a whole new
world to me … still kinda is.
I was in love with someone I had no idea was only using me
who to get out of his God-forsaken town and was smoking his life away on the
side.
My very first job out of grad school was a disaster and only
left me feeling embarrassed and wondering if I had any business operating in
the business world (I no longer feel that way … but I did for about a month).
But all of that pales in comparison to the drama of learning
that the lady who has been your second mother since before the womb of your
real mother …. has cancer.
This woman, ever since I can remember, has reminded me that
SHE will be the one hosting my bridal tea when the time comes, no one else.
She’s the one I called on the night my mom had her catharsis and I was scared
for my life. She’s the one consistent face in pictures from church functions of
years past. She’s the one who squeezed my cheeks till I was a senior in high
school and nicknamed me “dollface”. She loves meatloaf and has thousands of
antique plates and spoons lining her house.
…and the doctors found cancer. They think they got it all,
but are recommending she go through the chemo as a precaution in case they
missed some of it.
I haven’t seen her since all this has happened, but I know
she’s terrified. She’s already been told she will lose her hair.
It is my prayer that you will pray with me and my family as we
lift her up to get through this.
This verse was brought up in our lesson at church yesterday,
and I think I’ve decided it’s my favorite. No matter what it is that we are
going through … divorce, broken-heart, job loss, cancer … these words melt away
any anger, fear, sadness that this world brings about:
2 Corinthians 12:9 --
But he said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you,
for my power is made perfect in weakness." Therefore I will boast all the
more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me.
We have the chance to see God’s power work here. And for
that, I am glad.
Thanks for writing this, Amy. Love you always :)
ReplyDeleteI also want to thank you, Amy. You made me cry, which doesn't take much I will admit, but I so appreciate you making others aware so they can pray, too. Jim spoke yesterday on "Joy In the Power of God" and used that very verse in part of his sermon. We have access to that power if we are children of His. What an awesome thought! I pray that God answers, as we desire Him to, with a good outcome and long life for Melinda. She, too, has weathered a lot in her life. She's stronger than I think she gives herself credit for. I love you.
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