One of the video producers at our church recently asked us to share a little bit about what God has done in our family over the last few years, and we immediately said yes! I love that our church puts so much emphasis on telling stories, because they are one of the most powerful tools we have for talking to people about God.
Y’all need to know a few more things about our journey though. We didn’t immediately go from fear and frustration after my diagnosis to where we are now. That season was one of the hardest times of my life. But! God is faithful! He’s faithful on the best day ever, and he’s faithful when we feel like we’re clawing our way through the valley of the shadow of death.
I now feel like this brain tumor is a gift from God. Yep. I know that sounds like the words of a deranged person, but it’s true. We are not the same people we were 5 years ago. We’re not the same family. Our priorities are different, and we have a different perspective on life. Because of this journey, we’re not chasing after the same things, and we don’t sweat the small stuff anymore. (And when comparing things to a brain tumor, it’s all small stuff!) You won’t see us complaining about traffic, or incorrect coffee orders, or bills, or car problems on social media. That kind of stuff doesn’t even register with us anymore! We appreciate the gift that life is so much more now and are focused on making the most of every opportunity God gives us. And it’s ALL because of him.
I really just want y’all to know that God is faithful no matter what. And our circumstances don’t change his character. If he heals me physically, I’ll shout about his goodness from the rooftops. But if he chooses not to, my response will be the same! He is good and he is faithful; even when life is hard. One of the most beautiful blessings that comes from walking with Jesus is that the longer we do it, the more opportunities we have to look back over our shoulder at all the times he’s been faithful in the past. It’s a vivid reminder that he’s never failed us, and he’s not going to start today.
“I will sing the Lord’s praise, for he has been good to me.”
Psalm 13:6
