Words

“A word is dead when it is said, some say…I say it just begins to live that day.” - poet, Emily Dickinson

…malignant tumor…

Two words…just two words; I have heard them before, many times, unfortunately. I have heard them as a pastor’s wife, a friend, a neighbor, a granddaughter, daughter-in-law, and as a daughter. I have witnessed their power and effect in the lives of many, I have seen the devastation they can bring, and I have felt their sorrow. Two months ago, I heard them once again, this time from the surgeon who had performed a breast biopsy on me a few days prior. He had nestled them in around other words, such as, “early detection,” “optimism,” “options,” “procedures,” “testing,” and “we’ve got this.” I heard everything he said, but honestly, those two words were the ones that packed the most powerful punch. In that moment, those two words were taking over my schedule, my plans, my thoughts and my life.

The doctor had spoken, I had breast cancer; and the enemy was attacking me with uncertainty, dread and fear. I did not like it! Why was I allowing these words to have so much power? And then it hit me, because of who spoke them; the doctor has authority…he has degrees…he has knowledge…he has experience…he knows…this is his field of expertise. I was reminded of the disciples out on the water with Jesus asleep in the boat when a great storm arose…the disciples, primarily fisherman…experts in a boat, became very afraid. The storm was raging, water was sloshing over the sides…they were going to drown. In their fear, they woke up Jesus and He spoke, “Oh, you of little faith, why are you so afraid?” (OUCH – that hurt); instantly, there was peace. The disciples’ response, “Who can this be that even the winds and seas obey Him?” (Matthew 8:23-27). The power is not in the words, but in the ONE who speaks them.

Today, I find myself sitting in a boat facing a storm with waves, such as, “malignant tumor,” “mastectomy,” “hysterectomy,” chemotherapy,” and “radiation” threatening to overwhelm and destroy. There are moments when the waves are all I can see and I am afraid; but I am not alone in this boat. The fact is, I am surrounded. My husband is here offering support, love and strength beyond words; my children are here, bringing me laughter and joy; there are friends and family interrupting their own lives to assist me in mine; prayer warriors on their knees lifting my needs to the throne of God; and there are wonderful doctors, the experts, whom God has provided to assist me with my care. But most importantly, this boat has a Captain and He is my Creator. He not only knows me, but He knows this storm. He has the power to calm the waves and the power to calm His child. He alone knows the Truth of this situation and He has spoken…

“Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10)

“These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world." (John 16:33)

“Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” (John 14:27)

Lord, may my peace and hope depend only on Your good and perfect Word (John 1:1) and in all things may You alone be glorified!