Rescue Day

Today marks the anniversary of the saddest day of my life.  November 15, 2010, my husband was diagnosed with Liposarcoma.  Although reflecting on that day, still brings me to bawling as I re-play the pain and uncertainty I felt, I'm also overjoyed by what God was able to make of that devastating time.  I continue to be in awe, humbled and unable to keep quiet about the miracle I was a part of.  The last few days, I've been reflecting on that day and how our lives have been lovingly transformed since then.  


Also, on this day, one year ago, I started sending Jeremy text messages from my bible readings throughout the day that spoke to the dark days we were walking through.  We were both desperately seeking God's guidance and comfort and to hear His voice.  God was right there with us the whole time.  Clearly pleased with our decision to seek Him, He answered immediately with loving words and open arms.  Our Heavenly Father has not left our side and we have not left him!  Our texts of bible readings applicable to our daily walk, were sent back and forth between Jeremy and I daily and have continued for a year now.  


I can't describe what joy comes out of seeing God's word pop up on my phone at random times of the day from a man I have grown to love more than I ever thought possible!  Today, Jeremy's text was from 2 Corinthians 1:3-5  "All praise to God the Father of our Master, Jesus the Messiah!  Father of all mercy!  God of all healing counsel!  He comes alongside us when we go through hard times, and before you know it, he brings us alongside someone else who is going through hard times so that we can be there for that person, just as God was there for us."  in verses 8-11, "...we felt like we'd been sent to death row, that it was all over for us.  As it turned out, it was the best thing that could have happened.  Instead of trusting our own strength or wits to get out of it, we were forced to trust God totally-- not a bad idea since he's the God who raises the dead!  And he did it, he rescued us from certain doom.  And he'll do it again, rescuing us as many times as we need rescuing."


I'm speechless (almost) with how God always speaks to us so clearly through his word.  What a special and applicable message for this anniversary day.  November 15, is a day that I never would have thought I'd be celebrating as an anniversary.  However, God turned what Satan meant for harm into a part of his beautiful plan for Jeremy and I.  We will now celebrate this anniversary day as a Rescue Day!  Nothing that we have come through and conquered was done by our own strength or efforts.  God rescues us from the certain doom of the darkest days and cheers us on through the brightest days.  It turns out that cancer diagnosis, WAS the best thing that could have happened to us.  Our lives are so much better today than they were on track to be a year ago.  And to know that he'll rescue us again and again, as many times as we need rescuing is just the promise I needed today.  Reading this, makes the three-month follow-up appointments less daunting.  We've got a promise that this rescuing is God's pleasure and intention.  And if our God is with us, then what can stand against us? (Romans 8:31)


In the last year, I've met many others who have suffered through trials of all kinds.  Just yesterday, a dear friend of mine was hit with life changing news.  She is anxious, fearful, uncertain -- all of the feelings Jeremy and I shared on this day a year ago.  Because of God's comfort, support, healing and provision for me and Jeremy, we are mightily prepared to walk with others through their trials, and remind them of the promises and hope they have in Christ.  Yet another beautiful blessing to come out of a crisis.  


Today, I looked back on the blog to review how far we've come and give God praise.  He tells us in his word, to reflect on past trials as proof and a reminder of what He has done and is capable of doing.  Here is the end of my first blog entry:


Jeremy woke up Wednesday morning with an attitude that is inspirational.  He's ready to fight it (cancer), kill it, and share his miraculous testimony with others.  I loved him already.  But I am inspired by him now.  He is holding tight to God's promises and trusting in a plan that is completely unknown to us right now! 
I will continue to vent, pray, testify and share here as often as possible.  We're so thankful to have so much support through each step of this journey.  We know there are deep valleys ahead, but we will  take joy in these trials, mature our faith, and persevere!  Philippians 4:11-15


I continue to be inspired by Jeremy.  In an effort to feel like I was making a difference for him and other cancer fighters, I participated in my first race the week of Jeremy's surgery to remove the tumor.  The race was a 5k, organized by a local cancer foundation, Climb for Cancer.  Today, I'm training to run a half-marathon on December 11 with Lazarex Cancer Foundation's Team for Life.  God has blessed me with the ability to train without injuries and at the same time, raise $2,575 for Lazarex Cancer Foundation -- a foundation that provides financial support for patients with end-stage cancers to participate in clinical trials.  Jeremy has supported me in my training, affirmed the efforts I've made to help make a difference in the lives of cancer patients and offered encouragement when I felt overwhelmed.  He served me and all of my guests at Bunco to Beat Cancer -- an event I coordinated as a fundraising effort for Lazarex Cancer Foundation.  He even met me, with the kids, at the finish-line of a local half-marathon last weekend.  He's expressed how proud he is of me, but it can't possibly compare to the amazement I have over the man I've watched him become within the last year.  He's inspiring as a father, husband, friend and follower-of-Christ.  He's committed to keeping himself in daily communication with God and I can truly see Christ in him!  
Thank you, God, for being our Creator, Provider, Rescuer and loving Father!