My mom over at Treasure to Treasure is doing and online version of her Woman’s Bible study. I decided to join in too. We are reading “When I Lay my Isaac Down: Unshakable Faith in Unthinkable Circumstances.” this week completing chapter 6. Here are the links for Chapters 1 & 2, Chapter 3, Chapter 4, Chapter 5 and Chapter 6
I was blessed while Mark was sick, He had the attitude of living life, while dying and there for so did I. There were so many joyful moments while he was sick but still alive. Vacations, the birth of our godson, marriage of his brother. So many good things that we were able to enjoy inspire of the cancer. Chapter 6 deals with a Good Friday vs Easter Sunday mentality and I think we were blessed with an Easter Sunday view about 80% of the time. Of course we had our bad days but we always knew that God was in control. I also saw Joy after he passed away in the strength and love of my family and Church friends then not to long later in Mac!
This Chapter also talked about how we can do more than just pray, we can give our time, money, gifts to those we know are going through an Isaac moment. Do they not have time to cook or not have the money to? Bring them a few frozen dinners. Do they need someone to watch the kids while they deal with some things? Organize a few nights/days of babysitting with your friends. For us it was food and helping out around the house what a great relief and joy as well. Joy? Well it was such a stress reliever to know that there was food in the freezer when Mark was having a bad night and I didn’t have the time. How about seeing Christmas lights every night that our youth group hung for us? All Joy.
Then Chapter 8 “Finding our purpose in God’s Grand Story” I think our purpose during the fight with cancer was quite clear, Mark was an inspiration to everyone. I had the honor of standing beside him and according to some, my strength too was undeniable. As I’ve written about before we had a few chances to speak and to remind people that even though times were tough our faith in God didn’t change.
But over all we were just us I like this line from Chapter 8
“We’re just us – people who have had some good days in life and people who have had some very bad days. We’ve quit pretending that everything is ‘fine’ and that life is grand. When we share our stories with each other, we find a way of relating without the facade and without the need to impress. We can just be real. This brings tremendous freedom.”
I tried for a long time to stay strong and not need anyone, but the truth is with Mac by my side (thanks God) I can do more than I could imagine. He supports me on the hard days, encourages me and gives me strength.
Thanks for talking this journey with me, have any ideas for my next book?
Kalidescope is a great book and so is “When Life’s not working” (Bob Merritt). I have heard Lisa Whelchel’s book “Friendship for Grown ups” is also good but I am waiting on the library for my copy.