June 21, 2011

a bit of peace revealed

She looked me straight in the eye and said all I know is that this is not about me, it is all about Him.  I could only stare back, amazed at a faith so big, and amazed again at the woman who possessed it.  Our conversation continued, and I was thankful for it… but it wasn’t until much later when I fully began to process it.

I’ve been fortunate in this life, that until now, I have not had to think too hard or too much about a cancer journey.  Of course now, as I rally for my dear friend, it is never far from my heart.   But never have I really ever considered it to be about anything other that survival… or not.  Certainly it never once crossed my mind that it could be about God.   That leap is almost too much for this mind to comprehend.

But lately?
He is revealing to me… the ways the journey through cancer can be, in fact, about Him.

I see Him in a daughter’s peace over her mother’s battle.   In the way she gathers strength from her mother’s peace, perhaps not quite realizing that the peace comes directly though the Father, Himself.

I see Him in her grace-filled life… the way she shows me how to really live.  The way she show me how to live with cancer,  instead of just hanging on, or giving up.

I see Him in the reaching out of community.  Love in action and in the offerings.

And I begin to see Him making the changes in my very own heart.  He is making a way for my own peace… though I kick and scream and drag my heart away from it, time after time.   He is teaching me that when the bad rolls in He can find a way to shine through it... and if I find myself succumbing to the whys, He points me to this verse {"It was not because of his sins or his parents’ sins,” Jesus answered. “This happened so the power of God could be seen in him.  John 9:3} again and again.  He is promising me He will say yes to my endless prayers for healing… but reminds me that the healing may not be here on earth as I desire it to be.   He holds my hand as I take the baby steps to understanding, and He holds my heart every time I stop in the path and cry a river of tears.

Yes, maybe a journey though cancer can be about Him. And just maybe… it needs to be.

And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.  Romans 8:28

11 comments :

Anonymous said...

I think maybe it has to be about Him-- any journey that takes us to the end of ourselves takes us to where He always is. Love to you and to your friend.

Richella Parham said...

Oh, gosh. I would do so much better if I could just remember that it's ALL about Him. I get to thinking about myself so much, and my focus on everything gets fuzzy! Thank you for writing this beautiful reminder.

Busy Bee Suz said...

It seems we should always look past ourselves to find the real meaning of everything....not always such an easy feat. My fave phrase: easier said than done.
((hugs))
xoxoxo
Suz

Kat said...

Beautiful.

Susan Elizabeth said...

Hi Dawn, You don't know me, but you follow my daughter, Melody's crochet blog and I think you've visited my blog.
Anyway...I thought I'd pay a visit to your blog! I love the name of your blog...I have read a few posts and some of your tab options...very cool! Your love for Christ and gratitude for His amazing gift of salvation is evident.
May the Lord continue to draw you to himself and reveal His will to you each day.

Susan

Susan Elizabeth said...

p.s. I'm not sure, but I think you mentioned that your husband is a police officer? I am also married to a 23 year veteran police officer. He is the love of my life and I understand what you mean when you say you still get butterflies when your man walks into the room...almost 24 years later I am still discovering him and those butterflies are as fluttery as ever!!

jenn said...

I believe your friend is 100% right...even though we don't see it or even want to see it in the midst of our own pain. A few years back we lost several friends and Brian's aunt and for months we questioned why? For they were three really great people who left us way too soon...after awhile, I came to see that God was showing us, through them, how we should be living on this Earth. It was simply his turn to enjoy them....

jenn said...

Oh, and I'm praying for you and your friend...

and I've missed you too!

Pam said...

Praying for your friend. It's wise when we learn that all things are about Him, not just struggles and super happy things, but all things. Hugs to you, friend. : )

Anonymous said...

Your friend sounds amazing. Beautiful post.

(I don't know if you've read my newest post or not, but when I need some positively in my life, your blog is always one I visit. Have a great Monday.)

tracie @ {tsj} photography said...

yes! yes! yes! it IS all about Him. everything. everywhere. your words are full of His glory, love and grace ... my mission it to show others how He CAN be glorified in every trial we face. thank you for your beautiful words today ...

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