by Texas Homesteader ~
As I was going through one of the most frightening time in my life – a battle with breast cancer – I found spiritual witness was sometimes found in the strangest places. Here is my story.
Pocket Cross Tradition
In my family the ladies have a tradition. When one of us is going through a troubling time in our lives whether it be with our finances, our children, our health, our jobs or any other aspect of our lives, we tuck a little silver cross in the small lipstick pocket of our jeans.
It’s a constant daily reminder that we are not alone.
Several years ago in dealing with a breast cancer diagnosis I was unsure how to handle my anxiety. Of course I had RancherMan to lean on, and his comfort and strength were amazing.
But what do I tell my family? Do I even tell them of my diagnosis or should I wait until everything’s over so they won’t worry?
Comfort Given Freely In Stressful Situations
In having a casual conversation with my baby sister one weekend I confided my fearful story. She voiced her concern of course and I told her “Don’t worry, I’ll have my little silver cross in my lipstick pocket”
Without skipping a beat she reached into the lipstick pocket of her jeans and pulled out a little silver cross and said “Take mine“.
Wow.
My sister’s pocket cross was in her pocket. So she was obviously dealing with her own trials, yet she freely offered that strength to me.
What a powerful moment that was, and I was immediately comforted.
Witness Found In Strange Places
Several days later during a medical procedure, my nurse sensed my anxiety.
After the doctor stepped out of the room she came close and whispered, “Are you a believer?” I smiled and said, “Let me show you”. I leaped off the exam table and pulled my sisters small shining silver cross from the lipstick pocket of my jeans.
She smiled knowingly and said simply “Give it all to God, nothing is too big for Him”.
Wow. Sometimes witness is found in surprising places. Even in a cold medical procedure room.
The Ripple Effect In Action
I’ve often spoken of The Ripple Effect – something one person does touches not only the next person, but oftentimes many subsequent lives that they’re never even aware of.
It makes you wonder who are you touching in your day-to-day life. What message are you sending?
That nurse probably had no idea how she touched and comforted me on that frightening day. She was just doing her job at the hospital, the same as the day before and the day after.
Yet she reached out in witness and made an impact on me that I was very grateful for.
I’ll repay her kindness by passing her strength along to others I meet – I’ll never know the full impact I’ll make, but I’m guaranteed to make an impact!
If you are looking for a pocket cross of your own,
I have a small supply of them on my Online Store.
More about my healing journey:
Other Inspiring Posts
- But… Don’t We All Want To Look Younger??
- How RancherMan & I Keep The Spark In Our Marriage
- My Journey May Not Be YOUR Journey: And That’s OK!
- The Importance Of The Family Supper Table
- The Power Of Love: Helping Neighbors In Need
- Paying It Forward, In REAL Life
- Many Flowers Make A More Beautiful Bouquet
- The Ripple Effect: How You Affect Others
- Pursuit of… HAPPINESS
- The Garden That ‘LOVE’ Planted
- Living Life With NO Regrets
- A Comforting Tradition When Times Are Tough
- Showing Love In A Time Of Sorrow
- Meal Ideas When Bringing Food To A Family
- Finding Time For Each Other In Busy Days
…and MANY MORE!
See Our Inspirational Posts
Other Humanity Posts
- Why Can’t We All Get Along With Our Fellow Humans??
- Many Flowers Make For A More Beautiful Bouquet
- Generosity Shouldn’t Be Judgmental: Just Show Love
- My Journey May Not Be YOUR Journey: And That’s OK!
- Learning To Say “NO” To More Commitments
- Snap Judgement: All Is Not Always As It Appears
- Gossip: Words Really CAN Hurt!
- Why Doesn’t Junior Want Grandma’s Fine China?
- September 11th – Where Were You?
- The Fast Life: Slowing Down & Living MORE
- The Importance Of The Family Supper Table
- Simplify Your Estate – Document These Numbers NOW!
- Learn To Recognize Stress In Your Family & Seek Help
See Other Humanity Posts
C’mon by & sit a spell! Come hang out at our Facebook Page . It’s like sitting in a front porch rocker with a glass of cold iced tea. There are lots of good folks sharing! And you can also follow along on Pinterest, Twitter or Instagram
If you’d like to receive an email when a new blog post goes live,
subscribe to our Blog!
With each day, we are Blessed as we open our eyes to another one of God’s Miracles. I look forward to each and every one of them with Happiness, Joy and Love. You have no idea what a persons story is, but I know there is always something I can do to help them out. Whether it’s a simple smile and “Hello”, or taking the kids for a Date Night for the parents. There is nothing too small or Large to help those who need it. It doesn’t cost anything but a little of my own time to help others in any way possible. I do this for the Smiles it brings. My Hunny asked me, “You never meet a stranger, do You?” and I just Smile and told him, “A stranger is a friend we haven’t met yet. Nope, I never meet a stranger.” They put a Smile on my face and a Song in my Heart. +
You’re so right Brianna. In this day of social media shouting, snarkiness and putting ‘self’ first, it costs nothing to show kindness to a stranger. The ripple effect in its most beautiful light. If everyone would see a stranger as you do, what a wonderful would it would be! XOX ~TxH~
As a nurse I find your post to be an inspiration–we need to be willing to listen to fears, willing to encourage, able to acknowledge faith.
Awesome Carol, as a nurse you have a special opportunity to speak to a frightened heart. I know I was deeply touched by the nurse that reached out to me.
Stephanie, I find the thought is true that sometimes the things that mean the ABSOLUTE MOST to someone can be a kind gesture from you. I feel like God uses his children on earth to help show His love.
That is my prayer…that I’d be more bold in my faith so as to reach out and love someone who may be hurting and I not know it or who just may need and encouraging word to go on…thanks for sharing your experience.
You’re in our thoughts and prayers.
Thanks Jenny. My prayer for strength was answered not with bold confidence & lack of fear, but with many loving hands holding me up in my time of need. đŸ™‚ We still have a road to walk, but we’re not walking alone.
Your postings are always touching and meaningful I love to see and read them
(blushes) Thanks for you very kind words Glen!