
Tumbleweed and Alligator
Thoughts and Ramblings of a West Texas Native and a Cajun Poser

September 14, 2010 - Stronger than the Storm
September 14, 2010 - Stronger than the Storm
Singing the Hallelujah chorus! Ed is getting stronger. He's not slumping. His speech is back to its normal rhythm and tone. I'm not saying that he is 100%, but certainly is looking much improved. He decided that he felt strong enough to go to his office yesterday. He went for a couple of hours, then to the Dollar Store, then walked to the mailbox, and then..... was exhausted! A little too much perhaps, but at least he was motivated and ambitious enough to try. The nurse comes in today. I know she will be pleased.
This morning I rediscovered the power of the human spirit and of those who carry their faith with them. I decided to finally share Ed's diagnosis with my professional colleagues - my board and agency heads that I work with more frequently. My professional life is compartmentalized - without political or personal biases interjected in any way. As a leader in a non-profit, we all struggle to promote our missions, to engage community partners, and to often conceal our personal biases because we do not want to offend donors, volunteers or advocates. It is a fact that most of those heading up human or social services programs tend to be liberal. Couple that with the fact that I work in a community with the demographics 68% black, more than 50% low-income or impoverished, and all but a small handful of government officials Democrat. Despite my own conservative values, I remain as one identified by our business and community leaders as a strong advocate for their constituents/clients, and a "go-to" person whenever they need a facilitator, partner or collaborator with an experienced voice of reason. Having said all of that, sharing my personal life has never been something I co-mingled with the professional side. Today I did.
My email to a vast array of community leaders and professional colleagues:
You are receiving this email because you are a friend, a friend who prays, or both.
This has been a hell of a year for most of us, trying to cope with change, restrictions, illness or even death. I recognize that we all have our story of what it has been like these past couple of years, and I do not presume that my story is any worse. However, I do ask for your prayers in the midst of what seems to be a state of chaos and uncertainty.
Ed was diagnosed with colon cancer in July. He had none of the symptoms and was in good health – or so we thought. His first round of chemo literally put him in the hospital due to severe dehydration. He has spent the last month trying to regain his strength before another treatment on October 4. When we got the devastating news, of course we were in shock, he in denial, and the kids and I anxious and afraid. Processing the news has been a rollercoaster ride. Honoring his wishes, no one outside ourselves were told about it, but gradually, we have enlarged the circle, increasing for him the number of people praying and offering support.
On another note, after his diagnosis, I scheduled my own colonoscopy, and they found a group of pre-cancer cells building up in my colon, so surgery was recommended for me, and that is scheduled for October 11. No cancer is indicated, so I’m hopeful that I will recover fairly quickly.
So, as you go about your day, please pray for all of those suffering from health, mental or emotional issues that God provides the strength and the healing so many are seeking.
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There was a brief hesitation before hitting the "send" button. Was being vulnerable in my best interest? Was sharing this news forcing people to come out of their own comfort zone; were they feeling obligated to respond? What the heck. Where better to be transparent than before a group of people whose vocations and professions bring their own skills and leadership into struggling communities?
One by one, as each read the email, I began hearing that familiar "dinging" email notification feature, proving that God leads us where we are unsure, then lights a spark in those we encounter, leading them to pray or give comforting words. People were pausing to read, then reflect on their own experiences. They "left their desk" long enough to reach into my life, lifting me from my fear and struggle. It is absolutely mind-blowing when we realize that there is not one single act or decision that is not used to influence another act or decision. When God in His perfect wisdom can convince us to simply let go, we see what He can do. Not just in the life of the despaired, but in the lives that come to comfort the despaired. For every thing, there is a purpose.
Here are the words of some of those I emailed today:
Tim Marks (United Way Board member and RN):
God, I come to You, humbly, asking You to lay Your healing hands on the bodies, minds, and spirits of all those ill, hurting, suffering, and experience loss. Please guide all those who provide their care with Your expert wisdom and Bless those who love and support them with a sense of peace, understanding, strength and endurance to remain at their side. Where You lead us, You will carry us, and we believe in You fully and know that all is by Your design. Our burdens are not ours to carry alone, and full Faith is in You. In thanks and prayer. Amen.
Madelyn Rosette (Executive Director of CASA):
I will definitely be praying for you and your family. Sickness and illness is never easy, but I am a believer of God's healing power and grace. I've seen Him heal multiple times. Therefore, I am a believer of His divine healing power.
Father in the mighty name of Jesus, I come boldly before the throne petitioning you for the healing of Ed and Ginger. Your word says that you will never leave us nor forsake us. Father, please be with this family and the doctors who you commissioned to provide care for them. Cover all healthcare staff members throughout the treatments of this family. Deliver them from illnesses, make them healthy and whole, cover them with your precious blood, and allow them to speak of your powerful healing grace over their lives through a powerful testimony. We know not your intentions Father, but we stand in agreement trusting that you will heal. Bring peace to this family. Help them walk by faith and not by sight. We believe and trust you, Father God. It is in Jesus's name I seal this prayer with an Amen and Amen....
Love you and be blessed!!!! I will also be praying for y'all on my nightly prayer line.
Brandy Ledet (United Way board member and Assoc. Director of Louisiana Economic Development):
Loving God, I pray that you will comfort in suffering, lend skill to the hands of the healers, and bless the means used for a cure. Give such confidence in the power of your grace, that even when they are afraid, they may put their whole trust in you; through our Savior Jesus Christ.
Dr. Joe Wilson (United Way board member and Chiropractor);
Thanks for sharing. My prayers are with you both and your family. My empathetic feelings are with you all and I am keeping you in my heart as you face and go through all this. Please keep us posted. I send my love and wishes that all will be resolved in healing and peace. Joe
Craig LeBouef (United Way board member and CPA):
Ginger,
Sorry to hear about Ed and you. I will keep yall in my prayers and let Mel or me know should yall need anything.
Craig
Stephen Morrow (United Way board member and attorney):
So sorry to hear about Ed. Glad to see you had the procedure done as well. I’ve been through the procedure several times and so far so good. God luck to you and Ed.
Dana Reed (Director of local food bank, and Director of our community theatre):
Oh Ginger, how scary. Please know that I am praying for you and Mr Ed and will continue to pray until all is healed🙏🙏🙏
Josie Frank (Attorney and Arbitrator, and United Way board member)
Ginger. Our God is Awesome! Our God is a Super healer. Our God is GOOD at all times. My family and I join your family in your travel through the valleys of struggle, challenge, joy, peace and celebration. These are tough times but our God says in Psalm 92 He will give us the strength of oxen. All we have to do is ASK. You must remind yourself that you are victorious over all manner of evil, despair and trouble. Shout it: Trouble don't last always and This too shall pass! Submit your cares to Jesus. Blow up your faith balloons and float your anxieties away. Jesus's blood has healed you. Wait expectantly for the manifestations of His grace and mercies he covers you with daily. I send love for your healing and Grace and peace for your soul. Josie.
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I am humbled and grateful that we are never really alone. We truly see that God is stronger than the storm.