I do know a woman named Karen and she has a story to tell. Lately I have felt this conviction about how each of us have a story that is worth writing no matter our backgrounds or daily life events. Each story is important to the glory of God. I will write more about that another time.
For now I want to share Karen's story through my eyes. Her diagnosis with breast cancer came quick and with a heavy punch. I guess that is the thing about cancer. It always has the upper hand in the first round.
For people like me we were all devastated, scared, and mad. Honestly so mad that this thing would strike someone so pure of heart. Let's face it our Karen is the Snow White of women. For me personally I was also selfishly worried. This lady is my go to for everything concerning my children. Besides my husband she is who I envision taking care of my kids if I couldn't. I wasn't ready to lose that.
So as fast as she spoke the word cancer it felt like chemo was quicker. Immediately this warrior was going to battle. The only way I can describe it is like a tornado. She just couldn't be slowed down. Not physically and not emotionally. Karen seemed to blast through every treatment with such velocity. Always smiling and always nodding that it was all good. Then she backs it up with her actions. This lady is having drugs pumped into her body and then without missing a beat is at every birthday party, working constantly by teaching children, working out at a gym, serving her church community, socializing with friends, and inviting friends over to feed them. Let's not forget to mention that she also continued to raise three; two adorable children and a husband. Unbelievable. I was tired just watching her. I think like many people we sat back with our jaws dropped and fingers crossed that one day she would slow down. We are still waiting on that. In some ways it made those around her feel worthless. We couldn't fulfill her every need because she was too busy doing it herself.
I was beyond blessed to spend more alone time than ever with her this summer. And sometimes it felt like I was lucky enough to be in the eye of the storm and catch a glimpse of what cancer truly was doing to her.
It was making her stronger. Braver. A fighter. An overcomer.
She lost her hair but she was growing conviction. Godly conviction that her life held a greater purpose than being defined by cancer. She was restless but had the energy and power of a momma bear protecting her cubs. Nothing was going to make her stop being the mom she already was. Always there loving and protecting them. She was tired but had more energy than ever to serve her community by giving of her time.
You see Karen is another classic story of how God calls you even in the darkest of times. He was stirring in her power that she never knew she had. I would have before referred to Karen as timid but that was changing. She was speaking her mind and a testimony was starting to form.
Karen and I after many years of friendship were finally able to break the barrier from daily conversation into full throttle God moments. We became prayer partners and were holding each other accountable for our thoughts and our actions. I will never forget sitting at a table with her as she was scheduling care for her children during her treatments and her telling me "I am so sorry that I haven't been there for you while dealing with this. What do you need?" That was our Snow White Karen.
You see during all of our stories it isn't what affliction, addiction, trial, and circumstance does to you. It's what God is doing for you. Cancer didn't change Karen. God did.
I truly believe she was seeing her worth through God like we were seeing her worth to us. I have no idea that the once shy Karen will be hard to hold back from speaking about beauty and mercy of God's love.
I choose today to write about her because she celebrates one of many victories today. Last day of chemo treatment. Can I get an Amen???? And in typical Karen style as if that is not enough on her schedule tomorrow she gets baptized. That's right in the midst of a tough fight this girl is gonna give ALL the glory to God. That's our Karen.
Can you please pray for her at this very moment? Praise the journey so far and pray for the other laps to go; clear scans, knowledgeable doctors who advise her best on surgery and if radiation is needed. Prayer for healing, recovery, and strength every time there is a check up in the future. Prayers for two kids that can find understanding and best behavior for their tired mamma. Prayers for a best friend husband who sacrifices more than we know to give her what she needs. Also as Karen would want every other person battling cancer especially all the beautiful innocent children.
I leave you with this last memory that has now been etched into my heart. Awhile back we were at dinner with our families and our familiar waiter asked if we were sisters. If you know the two us you know how ludicrous this is. Karen a slim, blond, blue eyed, smaller woman next to a black haired, blue eyed larger woman towering over her. Yet at that moment we didn't want to say no. I just quickly retorted "not by blood." I should have just simply said yes because she is my sister in Christ. Eternally linked together with intense anticipation to do some great partying in Heaven like only Karen can do. That of course will have to wait as she has way too much on her plate right now for God's kingdom. She is your sister in Christ also so get to praying and be faithful.
My dear Karen there will never be enough time here on earth to explain to you how you have inspired me. How you have inspired us all. Now go get em and OVERCOME!!!
I can do all things all through Christ who strengthens me. Phil 4:13
With endless love,
With endless love,
Kristie
Well said. Awesome post
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