Amazing Love and Grace

Last week I had my usual 3 month appointment with my oncologist to examine me and look over my blood work. She said everything looked good and she commented that I was coming up on 2 years (this August) of having been diagnosed. She followed this comment with one word,"amazing"! She then asked what was new with me and I told her how I have started training to compete in Masters track and field meets. For years I have talked about throwing again but I have always been coaching so there wasn't the time. Last summer I was able to get my mom's old throwing implements. She was my first track coach! For those of you who don't know I competed in Jr. and Sr. High school, college and then after college with Athletes in Action. My mom and I competed together in 2 masters Nationals years ago. My mom did not start throwing until she was in her 50's and then she traveled the world do something she loved. She even set a world record! Mom died last April and I decided it was time to start throwing again. I wish she was alive to see it.

After a woman has had a lumpectomy and removed lymph nodes, she is not supposed to do any heavy lifting or strenuous work on whatever side the surgery was performed on. There's a risk of getting lymphedema, which can be a permanent swelling of the arm. In the beginning I was a little fearful and I babied my right side but then I just started living my normal life. I don't think I should be able to throw and lift weights, especially since I am right handed! When my doctor heard what I was doing she said, "Amazing!"

Through my cancer journey I have found that God is an amazing God and he loves to surprise us and confound the wise! I believe every Israelite that watched David sling that rock and Goliath fall, said, "Amazing".

I have been amazed at how God has walked with me every step of this journey. He knows when my faith is faltering, when my peace is fleeing and my heart is hurting. He is quick to send the "Aaron's" into my life who will hold me up so I can continue to face the giant. His timing is perfect and his ways are unexplainable. Many of you have been my Aaron's, and for that I thank you. Without you, I probably would have faltered and failed.

Looking back over the past 20 months I can only say, AMAZING! As you face your own giants, know that God delights in showing His goodness, mercy, power and love to the world THROUGH YOU! Don't wait until your giant is dead to be an amazing testimony of God's faithfulness. Choose each day to steadfastly trust God. Run to your giant, not from it. God delights in making giant slayers out of the "David's" of life. Lift up your head and watch your giant fall! AMAZING!