My sister Geri just got a buzz cut. A woman of spirit and joyfulness, one might think that she decided to boldly make a fashion statement.
Quite the contrary.
Geri had her first chemotherapy treatment for follicular lymphoma 14 days ago.
As predicted, she started losing her hair.
Sigh.
And oh, my aching heart.
She came home with a couple of wigs and some scarves to try. Knowing Geri, she will wear her new look with panache. She is a brave and optimistic woman.
And those of us who love her so are visualizing the death of the cancer cells that have so aggressively invaded her body. As we do that, we are also fervently asking God for healing so that she will be in remission and stay there for a long, long time.
Now hear that, Lord!
Please?
We have all seen people who clearly exhibit signs that they are undergoing chemotherapy. Scarves, ball caps, and hairless heads are sure indicators of the War of the Cells happening deep inside.
These external manifestations invite empathy, encouragement and support – and our fervent prayers.
It is not too difficult to recognize someone who is physically ill.
But how would we diagnose and treat invisible conditions, such as cancer of the soul?
What kinds of demons take up residence within and threaten to destroy our emotional and spiritual well being?
The list is long.
And, the attack can be without symptoms until a crisis occurs.
What is the remedy for such conditions? How can we move into remission or recovery?
Sometimes the treatment plan for Soul Sickness is just as unpleasant and painful as chemotherapy can be.
Are we willing to do whatever is required for our healing, whatever the discomfort?
God never promised that we would be free of difficulties and pain in our lives; but He did promise that He would be with us through everything.
He is there, at Geri’s side, as she is being treated for her cancer. He knows her fears, her pain, her hopes for recovery.
And He knows what you are going through, at this very moment.
God is ready and waiting to support you, through every trial and tribulation.
He so wants us to need Him.
Let’s not be afraid to ask for His support.
And He will be there, always, to collect the fallout.
I am the Lord your God;
I strengthen you and tell you,
‘Do not be afraid; I will help you’. ~Isaiah 41:13 (GNT)
beWARM 
Toni, saying prayers for Geri’s healing and strenghth and for all her supporters family and friends alike.
Thank you so much, Sheila!!!
Thank you for sharing these true words. And insight into the pain and sin in our lives, more than just the physical. I am sorry to hear about your sister…not to underestimate this tough situation for you and your family, but it’s so tough to hear of just another case of cancer and disease. Thankfully she is able at access treatment, as hard as the road is ahead. Gos IS with you.
*God is with you
Yes….we all have someone in our lives who is dealing with cancer and needs our prayers and support, don’t we? And we all have parts of ourselves that need healing as well. Thank you for your comments, Monique!
*God is with you.
Love this Tone and thanks sooooooooooooooooooooooooooo much….. I am sooooooooo lucky for the family, friends, colleagues that I have in my life. Hugs. Geri
There are so many who love you, Geri, because you have blessed us all!!! xo
I’m so glad that God has gifted Geri with her strength, resilience and constant, positive spirit – and that He’s gifted you with the beautiful words to write about that spirit……and our own, restless, seeking ones….. Wonderfully written, sweet friend…!
God has gifted Geri, indeed – and she is blessing all of us!
I will pray for complete healing for Geri. Thank you for your sweet reminder that God wants to be with us, always.
Thank you, sweet friend!
Beautiful perspective and beautiful verse to hold onto!
And I have been hanging on to that verse for many months now!
We have God’s promise daily. I will be praying for your sister. It’s a comfort to have a family that will uplift her in love and support & will be praying for you also. I will uplift her in prayer.
Thank you so much, Salee!
I will keep Geri in my prayers. This is such a beautiful writing and so true i—-
those last paragraphs——-HE walks beside us always. We need to accept that and TALK to him about all concerns. And give gratitude for all the wonderful things HE has brought to us throughout our lives.
The above is from Janet Bracken
Gratitude is key as we walk with God! Thank you for sharing your thoughts, and for your prayers, Janet! Good to hear from you….
Toni, we will keep Geri and family in our prayers that she will heal quickly and beat this cancer down. I believe she will handle this with positive strength and will undoubtedly be an example to others. And I am certain she is just as beautiful with or without hair! Love and hugs to all.
Thank you for your prayers, Carol! Geri is valiantly facing her cancer – and we are all praying for her remission! I know that you and Darla Jean fully understand, especially since Jeff had this battle. Hugs and love to you….
Thank you, Toni, for sharing your beautiful words of love and hope about Geri. She has a wonderful, supportive family surrounding her in this battle. Thinking positive thoughts for everyone! Love, Darla Jean.
Your thoughts and prayers are so appreciated, Darla Jean! We all now how important family support is during such illnesses. Love and hugs….
Still praying for Geri’s strength in healing, for chemo killing the cancer and for you, her family, to keep her uplifted. xo
Tony, for some reason I came up as anonymous! Sheila Guesst
Thank you, Sheila! We are waiting for the results of her second PET scan today, and she is scheduled for her 3rd chemo tomorrow. Your prayers are so appreciated…. xo
Dear Toni, thank you for sharing Geri’s heart aching story. But we have hope in things unseen and a God who’s Love is everlasting, so I will pray with you for her healing. For some reason I am not getting your blogs and I miss them. I happened to stumble across this on another blog site. Keep writing my friend. Miss you. Let’s chat soon.
love ~mary
Sorry I never replied, Mary! My Mom had a bad fall on the day you wrote, and I headed to Virginia shortly after. She is home now, thankfully.
I would love to talk sometime soon…. I miss you! Thanks for your prayers…..