Good morning…
Our written word community has come alongside 37-year-old Elizabeth as she journeys through treatment for advanced colon cancer. Many of us follow her PostHope blog. We admire the beauty of the raw, real words she regularly shares. We lift prayers for her and for her young family. With permission, I share with you from the soulful web of support which God continues to weave around Elizabeth.
******
Excerpt from Elizabeth’s PostHope blog from March 12th
We woke up to snow pouring from the sky… What classic mid-March North Carolina weather. There is something so peaceful about snow falling from the sky. I really have to gear myself up for the cold, dreary days. I tend to struggle with the fears and doubts more when the sun isn’t shining. I don’t know that I’ve said this here, but I’m saying it – “CANCER SUCKS. CHEMO SUCKS.” I’ve always hated that word “sucks,” but it is just true and appropriate in these circumstances. The heaviness of this disease and the physical toll that my body is under is indescribable.
There was some sunshine on this dreary day in the form of a surprise visit from some of my former students and colleagues from my days teaching second grade… My heart swelled with joy when I opened the door to see these students of mine, who are now all in college, smiling at me with flowers, balloons, notes, and treats in hand. Every single child I have ever had the joy of teaching has left an imprint on my heart, and what a gift to see and hear from these precious ones who are all excelling in various arenas at various schools. To get to hug these students and colleagues brought my heart such joy today. It also made my heart long to get to see my own children reach the milestone of attending college. I try not to sit too long in thinking too far ahead these days because it can be utterly overwhelming.
As I stood on my front lawn reflecting on the memories of teaching, I felt the sting and sadness that I’d just gotten back into the classroom this fall teaching… There is not a day that goes by that I don’t long to hop in my car, park in that church parking lot…and be with that darling class of pre-K kiddos. I pray I get the chance to get back in the classroom as I was really thriving and loving my work… That has been a big struggle for me – considering all of the things that feel like they’ve been taken away – my energy and physical abilities as a wife and mom, my ability to volunteer… family outings being missed because I am feeling icky, being able to plan and look forward to things. The list goes on and on. I’m continually thinking about what the Lord is teaching me in this season, but it’s hard not to feel bitter and angry about the many losses. Many tears have been shed. I have to believe that these words are true: You have kept count of my tossings; put my tears in your bottle. Are they not in your book? This I know, that God is for me. Psalm 56:8-9
******
Elizabeth often writes about the people who have come alongside to support their family in myriad, meaningful ways. Her “soul friends” have been her lifeline – her friends, old and new, her generous neighbors, faithful people from church, her wise medical team, her former students and colleagues, her close knit family members. One day at a time, Elizabeth seeks to keep her focus on the love of God being poured into her soul through the kindness of loyal friends.
Elizabeth’s mother-in-law, Joan Alexander, is a longtime “soul friend” of mine. She has spent many a semester in our home learning with me God’s life-giving lessons, season by season. In this challenging season of life, as she provides supports in unique ways for Elizabeth, her son, and their three young children, the love of God has also been poured into Joan’s daily life through the kindness of her own soulful network of friends.
In preparation for her talk, “Unwrapping The Gift of Soul Friends” for our upcoming Women’s Lenten Lunch and Learn, Joan and I talked by phone yesterday. “People have been coming out of the woodwork to share support,” Joan said. “As I feel the love of my ‘soul friends’ I don’t feel as alone. Without the tangible support of so many people, I would be a puddle on the floor.”
Adonai, God, said, “It isn’t good that the person should be alone” (Genesis 2:18a, CJB). We are all hardwired by God to need friends who will step close and lift us up during dark, dreary days. Let’s take some quiet time to reflect: “What ‘soul friends’ have left an imprint on my heart, helping me through the darkest of hours?”
…Sue…
P.S. For those in the Atlanta area, please join us in the middle of this Lenten season on Wednesday, March 22nd, from 11:45 am to 1:30 pm in the Watson Faith and Arts Center of Northside Church (2799 Northside Dr NW, Atlanta, GA 30305). You will not want to miss the encouraging insights of Joan Alexander, our wise, soulful speaker. Complimentary lunch is provided. No registration necessary.
