It feels like a lifetime since I last wrote to you and, in a sense, it has been. The world has drastically changed from what we’ve known in just a matter of months. From COVID-19 to civil unrest to political strife and everything in between. We’ve seen neighbor pitted against neighbor, family against family, friend against friend, and a severe decline in humanity. We’ve watched family and loved ones die alone in hospitals. We’ve watched our nation’s leaders unable to come together to develop a cohesive plan for addressing the pandemic that recklessly devours our nation. We watched in horror and disbelief the violent attack on our nation’s Capitol. All around us is hate, chaos and confusion. The divide in our country is overwhelming.
Regardless of the gloom and doom that permeates our awareness, my faith does not rely on human authority. I rejoice in the knowledge that God remains in full control. He is the Ruler over the kings of the earth (Revelation 1:5). All authority in heaven and on earth remains with Christ Jesus (Matthew 28:18). All knees will bow before Him. The dark forces that feed the chaos would have us believe otherwise but I have assurance that the Creator of the heavens and the earth and the billions of galaxies that make up the universe is still the Ruler and Authority over all. He is always working on our behalf. He is always with us, especially in stormy seasons. Even in the darkness that envelopes us, amazing miracles are happening. God’s people are in the trenches everyday ministering to the sick and broken-hearted... you just don’t see it on the evening news.
I am witness to God’s miracle-making and Divine Presence. The month of January is the first anniversary of my completing chemotherapy for a very aggressive cancer. For the better part of two years I have been on a roller coaster health journey... not at all what I had planned for retirement! Yet God continues to surround me with His love, peace, comfort, and everything I need.
His preparation for this season goes wayyy back. I met my BFFs (Nancy, Jayne, and Kathy) while we were still in junior high school. Words could never describe how their presence in my life has blessed me. Most of us left the area for a number of years but God’s Divine Providence brought us back together again in the same geographic location where our friendships began. Their endless love and kindest deeds cannot be measured.
God’s Providence also planted me in the middle of beloved cousins (Kathy, Phil, Frank, and Ann) who moved here from upstate New York not so very long ago. Their beloved mother (my beloved aunt) was also here until she passed in the summer of 2019. We all live only moments from each other. Together, they have given so very generously of their time and efforts to insure my needs are met.
God’s Providence also surrounds me with family, friends, and loved ones (YOU) who have so faithfully supported me with love, prayer, and encouragement. The depth of my gratitude fills the universe.
Three months ago, I was told the cancer had probably returned. A CTScan showed a mass in the general vicinity as the original cancer. My oncologist said I would require more chemotherapy to extend my life one or two years. Two more biopsies, two more CTScans, and a brain MRI later, the mass is shrinking with no additional therapy. All other diagnostics are normal. My oncologist believes the anomaly on the scan is probably scar tissue and should continue to reduce over time. I continue to believe it is God’s healing hand. I inquired if I was high risk for COVID. He said “No. You don’t have cancer. You have been cured. You’ll have to wait in line with the general population to get the vaccine.” As much as I would like the vaccine now, this was the best possible news. I remain disabled with LEMS, but have no doubt God is behind the scenes making more miracles happen!
Even in our darkest moments, a miracle is coming. May all of God’s blessings be with you. We are so loved.
