Monday, December 5, 2011

CHEMO!

Today's the day! This is it. No turning back, but I wouldn't want to anyway. I feel SO much better about everything today. I somehow lost my focus over the weekend and got caught up in worldly things that don't matter. By yesterday morning I felt dead inside. I woke up telling God that I'm just a kid, and this was too much of a burden for me. Then He reminded me this is the same age Jesus was when He ministered to everyone, then took on all the sins of the world. How dare I complain about my petty issues?

We've been praying a bit about how to thwart satan in his tracks. Ephesians 6 gives us some clues, but it feels like often when I leave him a foothold I can't figure out a practical way to get it back. Obviously I shouldn't let him in in the first place, but it happens. Regardless, God brought me out of it in a very different way than usual--PEOPLE! Instead of crawling into a hole of depression like I wanted to, the events of the day required me to be around lots of supportive and loving people. It culminated with our fellowship group having a special night discussing cancer. I left with no fears, no feelings of mourning, no tears. Chemo is the next step in my healing process. The next chapter of the amazing life God has blessed me with. And even if I don't always feel His presence in times of trouble (Ps 46:1), He is with me and set up my days to help me through them.

As I prepare for what I thought of as "dooms day" just 24 hours ago, I will rejoice in this place as it is and will be filled with joy instead of mourning. I am so blessed to have the opportunity for good treatment, people to take care of my family and me in these times of need, and prayers from various parts of the entire world. I will praise His name despite my circumstances, today, tomorrow and beyond.

"Let everything that has breath praise the Lord." Ps 150:6

13 comments:

  1. We love you Erin, thinking of you and praying for you today and everyday.
    Your faith and strength are a humbling reminder of our weaknesses!
    You inspire us all!
    Christine B

    ReplyDelete
  2. My thoughts and prayers are with you today!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Erin- I am thinking about you and praying for you every single day. Today, I will say an extra prayer that you face your first chemo treatment with as much strength and faith as you have shown over the last few weeks. Please keep us updated!!! Love you!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Praying for you this morning friend. You can also add California and New York to your prayer chain. You are taking over America! Love you, Brittney

    ReplyDelete
  5. I'll be thinking about you today! Hope it all goes smoothly as you start killing off those cancer cells!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Sending prayers that your first day goes smoothly! :)

    -Jess T.

    ReplyDelete
  7. Not sure if you remember me. I am a friend of Jody G's and we went to Western together. She passed along your story. I will be praying for healing, courage, and strength for you and your whole family.

    Rob Harmon

    ReplyDelete
  8. I will be praying for you and your family.

    Kristy Leparulo
    (Gracie's mom and Nichole McCants neighbor)

    ReplyDelete
  9. Praying for you today! You are an inspiration, Erin!

    ReplyDelete
  10. good luck today Erin.... I am thinking about you

    ReplyDelete
  11. I am praying every time I think of you.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Hi Erin,
    I'm a friend of Jody Gowing and she passed on your blog & shared your story. I'm so sorry to hear that you have to go through this. I'm praying for you & your family. Stay strong & don't give up!

    ReplyDelete
  13. Hi Erin - I am a friend of Nichole McCants. I am sending many thoughts and prayers your way! Denise

    ReplyDelete