Titus2 Tuesday-Prayer, Thanksgiving, and Peace

I've been looking forward to doing this post all week(and yes, I DO feel better this afternoon; can you tell?). It's a real joy to think about the women who have made a difference in my life and to celebrate the ways in which they make me (and others) better people, better Christians, and better women. I've discovered, in this ever changing world, that it's possible to create true friendships without ever meeting the friend "face to face", and that's the case with my friend Sue G. I first became acquainted with Sue via the Caringbridge guestbook at Sarah Smith's Spot (home of Princess Groovy Chick and her fabulous family). I noticed that there was a woman who always left the perfect guestbook message, no matter what the occasion. She had that ability to discern what it was that the Smiths needed to hear at the moment, be it praise, comfort, or focusing on God's never-changing promises. After a while, I began to actually LOOK for her comments, knowing that they would uplift me just as much as the person for whom they were intended. Finally, I visited HER Caringbridge site, wanting to know more about this woman who wrote with such compassion and depth. And here is Sue's "story", from her site:

Five separate primary cancers in less than five years. Kidney cancer, thyroid cancer, kidney cancer again, high grade myxoid histeosarcoma over 18 cm long and just as deep (wrapped around my femoral artery, femoral vein, and quadricep), kidney cryoablation twice, radical nephrectomy, and acute renal failure. Radiation that left severe burns and a hole in my leg that took a year to heal. Metastasis to the lungs. IL-2 treatments (which I affectionately refer to as flu in a bag). Chemo since May 5th, 2008 (28 days on, 14 days off). Six biopsies, numerous surgical procedures, scores of scans and related tests. Medical costs: astronomical. God's presence every second, every minute, every hour, every day of this journey. God's love and protection, a constant. God's Truth as my compass, giving direction, hope and promise. God's wisdom, discernment, guidance for me and for my doctors. God's gifts of the spirit on an ongoing basis. All this and more: priceless.


I was flabbergasted. At first, I honestly had a hard time believing that someone could go through all of that and still be so positive. Over time, we've begun to email each other "off the blogs", and I've found Sue to be as genuine and deep as her comments suggest. Sometimes, she's very direct; but it seems as if God's hand is pointing the way, and she's only the messenger. Oftentimes, her wry humor has me laughing out loud at my computer. Always.. ALWAYS... God speaks through my friend. In trying to sum up what Sue has taught me, it finally hit me that she IS Philippians 4:6-7. She lives it and breathes it, and I can see why God directed Paul to write it when I look at Sue. "Do not be anxious about ANYTHING"-- her calm and reassuring demeanor, whether she's writing about her latest chemo or patting someone on the hand in comfort via their guestbook, drives away anxiety. "But in EVERYTHING, by prayer and petition"-- I would have to say that Sue understands this very important rule in living life God's way. PRAY FIRST.. and pray constantly. She does, and it shows. "With Thanksgiving, present your request to God"-- well, look at her story. How can you find thankful in 5 different primary cancers? But she does, and not only does she find it, she shouts it from the rooftops. I used to think that the "talents" in the parable of the rich man and his servants were representative of the "good stuff" with which God blesses us; the ability to write, draw, paint, photograph, cook, make money and use it to further His kingdom. But through Sue, I've learned an eye-opening truth--talents come in many sizes and shapes, and oftentimes we don't SEE them as talents. We see them as hindrances and we bury them. But Sue? She has used the weaknesses in her body and turned them into opportunities to witness for Christ, in ways that I can't even imagine. And therefore, her requests are different than mine would be. "And the PEACE of God, which passes all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus." Oh, Sue... you live it so well, my dear friend. That peace .. it can ONLY come from God. And you help ME to understand that this is such an important promise from our King. Not a life filled with happiness, or wealth, or fame. Peace. Perfect peace. You have it, and you share it, and your heart is safe in Him. Thank you, dear one, for knocking on the door of my life; I am so glad that I let you in. (and, it wouldn't surprise me for Sue to be the first comment.. because on so MANY of my posts, she is right there. Please.. go visit her site. Be amazed, and get to know her. It's an investment in time that will bring you enormous dividends.)
For more inspirational stories of women who lead as they follow Him, go to Shanda's beautiful blog, A Teachable Heart, and read her entries and the others who linked up today. And next week, find your own inspiration, write about her, and join in at Titus2Tuesday.