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I woke this morning with much anticipation. I was ever so grateful just to be alive. At first, I was hesitant, it was f-r-e-e-z-i-n-g. My body longed to stay in the warmth of my comforter.
I covered up once more...body protesting to arise. However, I was reminded of sad news I received the night before. A beloved women my children and I had cherished had passed. She was one of the strongest women I have EVER met! I couldn't stay in bed anymore.
She had been battling stage 4 cancer for the past few years. In and out of hospitals, on and off chemo, back and forth in illness, yet NEVER would you find her wallowing in a sea of self-pity.
She served for as long as possible with the youth in ministry despite the ill affects of treatment. She knew she had purpose. She attended Bible studies, church services, and functions. She knew she made a difference. She traveled across states to be with her children, and grand-babies. She knew she was needed.
She chose to live to the fullest despite. Though her body was frail, and thinning face shown wear of cancer, she still had the biggest smile! Perhaps she knew...she would be with her Father soon.
The Godly attributes witnessed caused me to take a close look at myself. Diagnosed with fybromyalgia 11 years ago, osteoarthritis of the spine, and a botched ankle surgery. has caused a chronic state of pain for me, for several years. I don't do pain meds, so I hurt often.
But in knowing my dear fellow sister in Christ who was such a giver, not a taker...and someone who cared deeply about others, changed my perspective greatly.
I have my good days, and then I have the excruciating ones. However, every time I felt the urge to stay in bed, I thought of Andrea, when I felt I couldn't take another step, I thought of Andrea, When I felt I couldn't sit for hours working at the computer, thought of Andrea, when I was too tired to attend church, thought of Andrea, when overwhelmed with my children, thought of Andrea, when feeling depressed over lack of healing, thought of Andrea. When I didn't feel I had much to give, thought of Andrea. When I was in too much pain to drive a distance to help someone in need, I thought of Andrea. When I wanted to give up, I thought of Andrea.
I would ask myself, "Did God wake you up this morning? Has he given you the ability to dress yourself? Are you able to stand, walk, sit, see, feel, touch, smell, or hear? Can you hug your kids? Kiss your spouse? Prepare a meal?" Yes, Lord Yes....thank God yes!
If a women who managed to show love, and be used as an instrument of Christ despite her disease could...then I could too. In so doing, it has caused a relentless effort to do my best in everything, and appreciate every moment God gives me to live. Time is a precious commodity! I thank God for the opportunity of meeting one of the most amazing women in the world. I know that her legacy of hope, strength, and love of Christ will continue long after. God must have known that I needed to see her to see me. She knew to do as God willed regardless of her circumstances. She knew to keep going until her purpose had been fulfilled through Him. I hope she knows someday how she affected others, and because of the love shown, they now know God.
When I hear this song, I will think of Andrea.... "Lord let them see You in me"....as we saw You in her.
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