Previous Challenge Entry (Level 4 – Masters)
Topic: ASKEW (06/07/18)
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TITLE: He's Got This! | Previous Challenge Entry
By Chris Goglin
06/13/18 -
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Lives changed…in the blink of an eye.
Breast cancer…that’s what the doctor said.
When the dizziness and shaking ceased from the heart-wrenched shock, I tried to put the pieces together. A routine mammogram; no family history; an ultrasound; and unknown surgeries were the gloomy forecast.
At home alone, I stood and wondered about what just happened. Out of nowhere, cancer seemed to be everywhere. I turned on the TV and a news report blared, “Cancer is on the mend…a cure is on the horizon.”
I clicked on Facebook and there was a testimony about a young teen who recalled his own battle with cancer; he was suddenly diagnosed with stage 4 Hodgins Lymphoma with an estimated three weeks left to live. He went on to say that despite his imminent death, he faced his battle with courage to beat this disease …which he did!
Was it a coincidence that these snapshots of uplifting experiences happened to me so quickly?
I don’t think so.
My daughter emailed me and said, “Don’t worry Mom, God’s got this!”
My best friend, 2,000 miles away, repeated the exact same quote!
A coincidence? I think not.
My husband and I sat down to watch a television series entitled “The Messenger.” Although unfamiliar to us, it gave us hope, and a calming feeling of trust and love, as angels talked of God and his miracles.
My mind shifted from panic to an amazing feeling of peace, yet wedges of fear crept in.
What if I only have a few years, a few months, or less, left to live? Am I going to have a pity party, or crouch in my own corner of depression and wonder why? Or, will this change me for the good that God can do through me?
I attempted to listen to God’s wisdom, but like walking on a tightrope, my breath became labored as I dug deeper into my knotted feelings.
A birthday trip next year; babysitting for my granddaughter; a job that I love; a budget that only I can keep track of; how will these be affected? A husband whom I love and take care of… maybe left without a partner? A family so close to my heart…forever changed? What happens to my bundles of writing ideas awaiting to birth a new book or article?
The question, “Why?” echoed through my mind as tears clouded my vision, -- I instinctively reached for my bible.
I opened my Bible to John 14:27 and read the lines of truth I so much wanted to grasp unwaveringly. “Peace is what I leave with you; it is my own peace that I give you. I Do not give it as the world does. Do not be worried and upset; do not be afraid.” The world will try and offer me sympathy amidst my confusion, anger, and strife. But God will give me His very own peace that surpasses all understanding! How incredibly fortunate am I! I must push through my fragile emotions and grasp His strong and loving hand.
In bed, starring at the hazy whirls of the ceiling fan above me, I noticed the stationary strong light in the middle holding it all together. God is in control, his healing light changes lives, emotions, and will never go out, especially when you are trapped in a world of dark uncertainty. How grateful I am to be receiving these little hints of encouragement.
The biopsy is over. Another three days to wait for results.
This nightmare has me trapped: I want out! I want my normal life back. Then Jesus took over.
His still, quiet voice echoed in my mind.
“How many people have been praying for you? Let me count them.”
“Did you feel any pain at all during your biopsy procedure when that nasty Lidocaine needle went in?”
“Did you see how the nurses were amazed that you were pain-free?”
“Did you feel the peace within as you left the hospital?”
“I’ve got this, Precious one!”
“Thank you, Lord,” as I smiled sheepishly to myself. “Help me to remember your powerful compassion and miracle-working precision. I know You’ve Got This!”
A True Story
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Such raw emotions and good visual imagery. The teen with Stage 4 Hodgkin's Lymphoma, how did he beat the disease with an imminent death? Perhaps expound on his faith in God or his attitude or approach to his diagnosis. That paragraph seemed like it needed a bit extra.
Well done. I'll be praying for you.
Praying for you!