by Texas Homesteader ~
Do you know how it feels to be comforted by the arms of God? I was diagnosed with breast cancer & my world started to spin. There were frightening and painful procedures to endure, many hours on the road and away from the ranch to attend doctor visits and test facilities and many long tense hours awaiting test results. It was an unbelievably stressful time for us.
Although we didn’t necessarily wish our predicament to be a secret, we didn’t feel like talking about it to anyone other than immediate family. But little by little the news came out. Friend after friend voiced their concern and comfort, offering to do anything they could to ease our burden.
We’re pretty fiercely independent so we didn’t even know what to ask for. So we simply smiled and nodded, grateful for their friendship.
We began to prepare everything on the ranch for a potentially prolonged down time. We were trying to get the garden in order, the cattle set up, bills prepaid and preparing the property itself. Our focus was going to be elsewhere for awhile.
But shortly before the day of surgery we had a malfunction with our lawn mower. We have a friend who runs a lawn mowing business so we hired him to come mow our now fully out-of-control yard.
He came during my hospital stay and mowed and maintained our entire household property. But then he refused payment. Knowing this fine gentleman as I do, I’m really not surprised.
Surgery Day
On the day of surgery we were greeted by a waiting room filled with family members as well as our pastor. They were all there to show their support.
And they were still there several hours later when I emerged from surgery. Then there were many visits during the subsequent days of my hospital stay.
I’ve always enjoyed a very rare, extremely close family unit. But during that time even family members typically more comfortable close but at arms reach stepped up, openly showing their love and comfort.
Love By Way of Food
When we returned home after the hospital stay we were met that very night by a beloved close friend bringing “Healing Chicken Soup” and cornbread along with a few amazing sweets. Those first days that soup was indeed a healing elixir on a troubled tummy. It allowed heat-&-eat convenience so focus could be on healing.
There were many subsequent food deliveries from wonderful friends & families in our church. Those meals tremendously eased our burden once patient care and recuperation were in full force. What a comfort!
There was a tray of beautifully arranged cut and already peeled fruit and raw veggies perfect for a tender appetite delivered by one of the true treasures at our church. And a personal delivery of blueberry muffins still hot out of the oven from a thoughtful neighbor. A full meal of roast with carrots and potatoes were brought days later from another special friend.
Many more meals were brought to us, always with an extra serving of LOVE. How blessed am I to have these fine people in my life?
Cards with well wishes filled our mailbox. Some were from family & close friends but one was from a stranger across the country who was acquainted with our daughter and reached out to me through her. Each and every word of encouragement brought a much-needed smile.
Prayers Not Answered??
I confided afterward to a family member that I had prayed hard for weeks that God would give me strength to get through this frightening ordeal. However as time passed I became concerned. I was expecting the answer to my earnest prayer for strength to come as calm and poise, confidence and assurance.
But I was feeling none of those things!
As the surgery date closed in I found myself still very afraid and unsure of the future. Although He’d never failed me before, was God going to answer my prayer for strength?
As it turned out, the overwhelming answer is YES!
The strength he offered me was in the many family members, close friends and even distant strangers that upheld me during my time of trial with their outpouring of love, support and assistance that we didn’t even have to ask for. I was so touched by the magnitude of it all, and I came through a stronger person both physically and spiritually.
The next time I feel the tug to reach out to offer comfort to someone else, I’ll remember the lesson I’ve learned through all of this: God uses His children to prove His love here on earth. When I feel that tug I’ll be proud of the mission that He’s now entrusted to me!
(NOTE: Many have asked where I got my pocket cross. I’m carrying them on my Online Store)
~TxH~
More about my healing journey:
- In Sickness & In Health
- The Love Of God Through The Love Of Others
- Witness In The Strangest Places
- A Restless Night & Comfort Received
- The Garden That LOVE Planted
- Pretty In Pink: Going Too Far?
- Relay For Life = HOPE
See All My Stories About Cancer Survival
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
…and MANY MORE!
See Our Feel-Good 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
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It warms my heart of the number of people that support in time of need. God is the power and the light to guide us and bring to us a helping hand or hands.
I agree, Angela. It was a powerful realization as I was mired in my own circumstance to see how His love enveloped me when I needed it most. ~TxH~
~TxH~
PTL,
God is a Great God.
Our real wealth on this earth is our Brothers and Sisters in Christ Jesus. I’m blessed to know you, and to know that you are on the right track with a Loving God.
I can see by the posts left on this blog that your cup is over flowing with love.
Thanks for sharing this personal experience about the love of God through others.
I’ve been Blessed,
Greg
Greg, your comments are always so thoughtful, so helpful and so appreciated. Yes, our God is amazing and all glory goes to Him for my healing, and the important lesson learned about the way He delivers His love when we need it most! ~TxH~
I’ve recently gone through a similar experience and also found God’t love in the generosity of others. I never understood the tradition of taking food to those going through trials, but now I deeply understand how important that loving support is when you are dealing with a trial. Thanks for sharing at the #ThisIsHowWeRoll Link Party.
Sometimes we need to be on the receiving end to really understand it all I guess Susan, but I now have a much clearer understanding of how to show love during such times. ~TxH~
Beautiful pictures. It is amazing and sweet how many people are there when you need it most 🙂 Thanks for submitting it to the HomeAcre hop! Feel free to stop by Thurs AM and submit another.
I am so sorry that you had to go through a trying time and I appreciate you sharing your trials, tribulations and your reminder that God provides answers to our prayers and sometimes in surprising ways! A very beautiful post and so glad you are on the mend. Thank you for sharing on the Four Seasons Blog Hop.
Indeed Terri – God does answer prayers, sometimes TENFOLD! ~TxH~
What a beautiful post and a great reminder of Gods love! I just wanted to let you know that I will be featuring this post tomorrow on Tuesdays with a Twist on my blog, please stop by and check it out. Thank again and have a great week. 🙂
Yes it is Debra, and a lesson learned by me: God is forever faithful but you have to keep your eyes open to see that it may not be in the way you expected, but it’s SO MUCH MORE! Awesome that this post is being featured – Thanks! ~TxH~
OMGoodness April, how wonderful that you got to feel the arms of God during a very troubling time in your life. Praise God that your daughter is healing! ~TxH~
Wonderful post! My daughter was in a terrible car accident this past summer and I similarly witnessed God’s love through family, community and church support and love. God also answered my prayers and I am beyond thankful that my daughter is healing and doing very well. It is amazing the strength that God gives us! 🙂 I’m glad you are doing better! Thanks for sharing this!
Thanks for your comment on allthingswithpurpose.com. It is a blessing to see the body of Christ working during these difficult times. I added a link to your story on mine 🙂
Julia, this has been a wild year of frightening experiences for me. I prayed that God would give me strength to get through it but on the day of surgery I was confused as to why I didn’t feel strong at all – I was still frightened. I learned a very important lesson that day. God answered my prayers TENFOLD. It wasn’t in the way I expected (loss of fear) but the strength He gave me was delivered through others, many others and the result was a peace like I had never known! ~TxH~
Taylor Oh my sorry I have lost touch with you lately 🙁 I do know the pain of facing a grave illness and having a loved one go through the same…..the kindness of others saw me through and still does. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Karen, you’re so kind. You said “…..the kindness of others saw me through and still does”. Indeed – I feel the same! One day at a time, one step at a time. 🙂 ~TxH~
Thanks Mary – one day at a time – things get better and better. ~TxH~
What a wonderful testimony to God’s faithfulness! Often times we don’t know how to reach out to others and seek help but He is so wonderful in answering our prayers. When my daughter passed away last year, I had emails and FB messages from people all over the world who had been praying for us. Each & every one meant so much to me & my family. Social networking is a whole new way for the Church to lift one another up! I hope you are doing well and that surgery has been a positive thing. I shall say a prayer for your continued healing. May God’s peace reign in your heart 🙂
Your gorgeous picture of the Iris totally got my attention but your words are truly moving and heartfelt. I wish you well on your way to recovery and I’m inspired by your testimony of God’s love through others.
Oh Anne, I’m so sorry for your loss! (hugs) There are certain hardships in life that only God can help us through, and that is certainly one of them. Oftentimes He sends His love through caring hearts right here on earth. It’s a wonderful to feel a hug directly from God. Prayers for your continued peace. ~TxH~
Oh Anne, I’m so sorry for your loss! (hugs) There are certain hardships in life that only God can help us through, and that is certainly one of them. Oftentimes He sends His love through caring hearts right here on earth. It’s a wonderful to feel a hug directly from God. Prayers for your continued peace. ~TxH~
So glad you came through with such a positive outcome….May the Holy Spirit guide you in all endeavors♫ My Rurality is on my new web site
Thanks Laurie, the Holy Spirit has enfolded me through this whole ordeal. I’m so blessed! ~TxH~
beautiful and uplifting post
Thanks Tanya. There are SO many good people out there. It’s touching that there were so many there for me when I really needed them. ~TxH~
Thanks so much for sharing your experience with us on The HomeAcre Hop. I hope you are fully recovered and feeling healthy again! Blessings for you and for your friends and family for their love and comforting presence.
One step at a time Lisa Lynn, but I’m not taking those steps alone. It’s so much easier going the distance when you have so many people carrying you! ~TxH~
Heidi, I agree. It’s simply amazing, and a gentle reminder that like these selfless people it is our responsibility to also step up when our support is needed for someone else. ~TxH~
Magnificent post and great to know there are wonderful friends around and how strong you faith is ~ sending you lots of healing energy hugs ~ ^_^
Awwww… Thanks! You know each day that passes is a little better than the one before. All I’ve gotta do is stay on that path! I’m indeed blessed. ~TxH~
Thank you for sharing from your heart. Our family is going through a similar situation, and we haven’t shared with to many people. But God is showing Himself through His Body, His people, and revealing how much He loves us and cares through the many prayers, kind words and their selfless actions, just as he did with your family. God is Good, all the time.
May God continue to restore and heal your body as you grow stronger each day. Blessings!
Prayers for you and your family, Martha. I understand it’s a frightening ordeal, but remember you are NOT alone. Trust Him and give it to Him. Not only will He give you peace, but will send comfort your way through selfless actions of others around you. (hugs) ~TxH~
I hope you are feeling more like yourself now. What a touching post with the outpouring of friends, neighbors, and family. This is one of many blessings from living in a smaller community. Truly uplifting. Thanks for sharing with us this week.
~Ann
Every day is a little better Ann, I so blessed! I think people are ready to read some heartfelt feel-good stories in light of the turmoil in the news these days, hopefully this post gives someone a smile… ~TxH~
We question why bad things happen to good people. I believe that it is to help us to realize just how great God’s love is and how beautiful His world is. And to know how wonderful the people around us are. One of God’s great gifts is to open our eyes to his love. Even though you are going through some tough times now, the future holds many years of walking over your land, hand-in-hand with the love of your life. I especially liked your last photo showing the beautiful pocket cross and your little finger curving gently toward it to hold it close.
Thank you for your words PK. Although I shouldn’t be surprised that my prayers were so STRONGLY answered, it was not in the way my human mind had anticipated. And thank you for the compliment on the last picture. That pocket cross was actually given to me by a beloved family member as one of many spiritual hugs I’d received through this whole ordeal. I love that it is inscribed “BELIEVE” I <3 it! ~TxH~
I am so glad all is well. We often only hear about the bad in the world, I am so glad there are good people like your friends there too! Take care!
Yes Cynthia, I grow tired of hearing all the bad news as well. In my own corner of my world, life is absolutely beautiful! Here’s hoping the same for all of you. ~TxH~
I am completly and utterly speechless after reading this blog! I appreciate when someone takes time to put their findings of God’s presence at work. So many times we are fast walking head down moving forward, etc. that we do not stop and look around at God’s work. Thank you for sharing!
Well said, Michelle. “…we are fast walking head down moving forward, etc. that we do not stop and look around at God’s work” My surprise was in the tender and caring way He answered my prayer in a way I was not looking for. <3 it! ~TxH~
What a beautiful post. God bless you and the wonderful friends and family he provided you. They are there in good times and bad! Get well soon.
Thanks Mike – every day is better & better. Love is like an amazing healing hug and there’s so much of that to go around! ~TxH~