For those of you that don't know, my Dad was diagnosed with stage four lung cancer in late June. It came as a shock, he has never smoked and has always seemed in good health. Over the last month things have changed a lot for my family and myself.
God has been so good to us. We have been blessed in so many ways, by so many people. It is truly a blessing that God has given us the capacity to love! I can't begin to thank everyone enough for their love toward my family.
I've pondered many times how wonderful it is that God gave us emotions. He not only gave the ability to see, touch, smell, hear and taste but to feel. Yes, sometimes we feel anger, grief, hurt or fear but we can also feel joy. Love. Trust. That is what makes life so beautiful. If we have tasted grief it makes joy taste far sweeter. If we have felt hurt, we learn to value love. If we know what it is to fear, we know what it is to trust.
Joy is stronger than bitterness. We have a choice every moment of every day to be joyful; to remember that we are blessed.
Love can conquer hurt. It is far more powerful.
Trust eclipses fear. It does not remove fear, it simply moves in front of it. When we surrender our desire for control and just trust God, fear can no longer have any effect.
When we come to hard times these truths are easy to forget. Or (if you are more like me...) just to ignore. It's easy to allow lies consume your mind until bitterness takes you captive; but in the end, only the truth will set you free.
~ Sarah Leana
Praying for you and your family, Sarah!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much!
DeleteThis was so beautiful, Sarah! I am praying for your Dad's healing, peace, and hope in this very grave matter. I cannot imagine what a tole this has taken on your family! I cannot imagine the mixed feelings and emotions, even layers of stress this brings to you and your family. I absolutely LOVE what you wrote "Trust eclipses fear. It does not remove fear, it simply moves in front of it. When we surrender our desire for control and just trust God, fear can no longer have any effect." You understand truth, and you are fighting to retain it. I will be praying for strength and endurance to keep trusting and keep hoping. God loves you more than anyone could ever love you, and He is caring for your family better than anyone could care for you all. He will get you through this and bring countless blessings because you simple obeyed and put your trust in Him. Fighting with you in prayer.
ReplyDeleteLove,
Jessica B.
Thank you so much for you sweet words and prayers, Jessica. I can't tell you how much our family appreciates it. Dad went home to glory on December 15th and we are praising God for His grace toward his children. We know that Dad is now in the presence of his savior, free of sorrow and pain. To Him alone be the glory!
DeleteLove,
Sarah Leana
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