Good News in the Darkness

My little art class of young girls filed into the house. As each one entered, she said, "I am sorry for your diagnosis. I want you to know that my whole family is praying for you."

I have never felt so supported and loved. It would have been nice to feel that without the threat of dying hanging over my head, but it is very comforting.

It is funny how priorities change, perceptions alter, when you are faced with such a difficult illness.
For example, the nurse called yesterday and her first sentence was, "Hi Mrs. K, good news!" What would you think when you hear Good News? I won the lottery! A rich uncle I didn't know I had left me a million dollars and a horse! The biopsy was benign, we made a mistake.

Guess what the good news was?

I get to have a core biopsy today instead of waiting a few days! Aren't you all jealous!? I get to go have them insert a needle (again) into my sore breast, then have them squeeze, prod, pound and smash to get the biopsy and pictures they need. Doesn't that sound fun? Good news indeed!

But it is good news. They moved mountains to get me in early rather than having to wait nearly two more weeks for answers. It is probably the last diagnostic procedure I will need before the surgery. And it is good news because instead of delaying things another week or more, I get to keep the meeting as scheduled with the surgeon on the 28th.

Last night, I rubbed frankincense oil on the diseased part, and prayed. The frankincense is a gift of a friend who says the biblical oils are powerful in healing. I don't know if it was coincidence or not, but I slept the best night sleep I have had in ages. And when I awoke, I praised God for opening my eyes to the beautiful day. I washed my hands with homemade lavender soap, a gift from one of my art students. Scents of love drifted about me all night and day.

I am learning something very valuable as I deal with this cancer diagnosis. I am learning that the more my heart is centered on praising God and finding the blessings around me, the less I worry and fret. The more grateful I am for what I have already been given, and the more I remember all the wonderful moments of my life, the less fear enters my thoughts. It is hard to praise and curse simultaneously.

I may change my tune when they hack my breast off, but for now, God is a real and present comfort. And He is working through so many kind, and loving friends, family, and strangers. The real Good News is that no matter what happens to my body, my soul is secure and is bound for eternity. Good news indeed!

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Revelation 21:3 

And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God.

Romans 10:9-13 

Because, if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved. For the Scripture says, “Everyone who believes in him will not be put to shame.” For there is no distinction between Jew and Greek; for the same Lord is Lord of all, bestowing his riches on all who call on him. For “everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

Romans 10:15

And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!”