Saturday, October 24, 2009

God's Light Shining Through Us


   Forgive my absence this week, I have been helping my sister as she begins her treatment for lung cancer. There were many a morning I wished to log on and lose myself in blogland and recharge my batteries while visiting all of you. God  was calling me to be elsewhere and I have learned from experience that when God calls it's wise to answer. I have been preparing myself for weeks now to be my sister's support system while she fights this battle but I must confess that there are time's when I want to take my toys, go home and not play! While there has never been a question that I would accompany her for her treatments there were times when I simply didn't want play this hand we were being dealt. Unlike in poker, you can't simply fold and hope for better cards the next go around.
   After many doctor's appointments, going over treatment plans etc. my sister had her first round of chemotherapy on Friday. She was there for over six hours while toxic fluids made their way through her system. She of course has been insisting that I needn't be there or stay for the entire time but I couldn't imagine leaving her to face this alone. I picked her up early for her appointment and drove her even though she kept insisting she could drive herself. She could have, and since the effects would not materialize for a day or two she could indeed have driven herself home as well. I knew that my job was moral support, to distract her if needed and to simply sit with her so she would not feel alone.
   We actually had a nice day, which seems strange to say, but we spent those hours talking, reminiscing and laughing. Yes, even while the reality of why we were there could not be denied we laughed, often to the point of tears! We had a good day.
   There were many other patients coming and going throughout the day. I couldn't help but notice that only two had someone with them and those people sat out in the waiting room. Over the course of the day we spoke to the other patients and of course had some of them laughing along with us. We even got the nurses to laugh.  I think many might even have enjoyed themselves, even if for a short time. From outside the room it would have seemed that there was a party going on. There was that much silliness! At the end of the day I thanked the staff for inviting us to their little shindig and told them we had a blast. They may have thought I was crazy when I told them we looked forward to seing them all again.
   There are times when God calls us to act on his behalf, to allow his light to shine through us. I believe that's what took place in that chemotherapy room, God was using us to remind everyone that there is still cause for laughter, joy and love, even amidst the fear, pain and suffering. We never know when God is going to call us to light the way for someone else, to shine His light in their path. For some people you may be the only light of 'God' they encounter in their day. Are you ready to shine for Him???

34 comments:

  1. Well said! Thank you for sharing and God bless your sister as she undergoes her treatments. You are a good friend, not just a sister! Have a wonderful Sunday.

    Blessings,
    Sandi

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  2. I am glad you found my blog so you could find the SS link!

    Must be a Divine connection. My dad was diagnosed with lung cancer this past May. I spent the summer with him in Florida. He is being treated at the Mayo Clinic. It has been up and down but God is good and I have seen so much love, support and prayer for him in the blogworld ~ it's amazing!
    I will be praying for your sister and you!

    Love and Blessings

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  3. Dear Diva. What a touching post. It's wonderful to see how you have faced something so unpleasant with the spirit of God. I know your sister must be very comforted having you by her side. And what a blessing just hearing how you brought a little sunshine and laughter to others who I'm sure we're pleased to have a little repreve from the dreary. Both you and your sister are in my prayers and thoughts.
    Hugs and blessings, Tracy :)

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  4. Oh wow ... what a great way to turn someone's day around; several someones as a matter of fact! I'm so touched how you put aside your own discomfort, to lift others' spirits.

    Sending my heartfelt prayers!

    Myra

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  5. I was so inspired by this post. I'm so glad a situation which could have been a real downer ended up being a blessing to so many. Thank you for sharing it with us. You and your sister are both so blessed to have each other.
    Charlotte

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  6. Hi there Diva, just wanted to say thanks for signing up to follow my blog. I'm so sorry you're going through such a tough time with your sister's illlness; she's blessed to have your helping hand and loving heart. There's an Irish Jesuit site I log onto daily for nurturance; you may like it; www.sacredspace.ie
    best wishes, trish

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  7. I am praying for you and your sister.

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  8. Wow--how incredible that you were able to help turn that awful day into one filled with blessings. Not only were you there for your sister, you were a positive influence for every other person you came across. If that isn't being God's witness, I don't know what is! Thank you for sharing this uplifting moment with us.

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  9. It is a blessing you have such a bond with your sister. Lot of people are not that fortunate. I have two sisters and we love each other and get along fine. Things happen and we perhaps do not understand, but the good Lord takes care of us in the end. May your sister be one of those that will not have to go through much pain. Take care.

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  10. What a comfort for your sister to have you with her during such a trying and difficult time. Sounds like you were able to share joy with her and others...a blessing I am sure!

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  11. That is His will for His children after all: "to remain joyful" no matter what circumstances we are facing. That's great that you're there with your sister. And we'll keep you in prayers.
    My father died from colon cancer in 2007. While waiting to go Home, my brothers and I, along with our father had a good time, sharing laughter, crying as we shared good, funny memories. He said that was how he wanted to be remembered when he was gone. That we were laughing not crying. But I knew all along, it was the Lord's love and peace that helped us overcome that trial. So, to God be the glory!

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  12. Diva,
    This brought tears to my eyes, at the same time it made me smile as well. What an opportunity for you and your sister. I thinks it wonderful that you could spend that time with her.I will keep her in my prayers.
    God Bless you,
    Ginger

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  13. Your story is reminds me of Emilie Barnes...she came to speak at our church one year, and told of her battle with breast cancer. While in the hospital, she was light and salt to her roommate's family, and she saw them come to the Lord. He sent her there for His purposes. I am saddened to hear of your sister's cancer...no one wants to face that...but God has a purpose for this, and you are choosing to find it, to be pliable and willing in His hands, and to stand strong with your sister. She may say she doesn't want you to stay, but you know she needs you...the people alone in the waiting room needed you too. God bless you...I wll be praying for you and your sister, for healing, for peace, for strength and for courage.

    Mary

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  14. Diva, you have to be where you have to be. My heart,love and prayers are with you and your sister on this next journey. May it all go well and may you each be to each other whatever you need to be. God be with you both. ((((hugs))))

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  15. God knows when we are up to the task, doesn't He? There may be times you feel weary or down over the next few months, but we'll all pray and He'll boost you right back up again. Remember the orange tic tacs as chemo progresses and things don't taste so good to Ceil....xo

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  16. May God bless you, and your sister.

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  17. What a wonderful testimony of the Love of Christ and how very blessed your sister is to have you in her life. I cannot imagine people having to go through things like this alone. That breaks my heart.
    Susan

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  18. All my best to your sister! She is lucky to have such a faithful support system in you.

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  19. Wow! I don't what to say. I'm at a loss for words and very moved. Thank you for your example to all of us.

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  20. Dear Diva,
    What an inspiring story, I agree God does use us to shine His light to others even when we are gong through trials ourselves. I know that He will continue to use you. You will probably never know how much joy you all brought to those that were sick, and also to those who were nursing them, what a wonderful testimony of the love of God. thank you so much for sharing, i have been so blessed.
    Blessings,
    Sue

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  21. thinking of you & your sister and God has used you to shine some love onto my life right now ~ blessings R xo

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  22. I know your sister was blessed to have you with her. Praying for her ~

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  23. Your obedience obviously blessed so many more people than just your sister. Obedience is difficult, but the rewards are many. God bless you both this week!

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  24. Just discovered your blog via my friend Silke's blog, Metamorphosis. Saw that you live in Toms River; I used to live in Manasquan (now in Maine).

    About this post: Laughter truly is the best medicine, and all that positive energy was just what your sister -- and everyone else -- needed, so keep on doing what you're doing! And if you need a break to recharge your own batteries, don't hesitate to take it. You'll have nothing to give if the well is dry. Best to you & your sister!

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  25. My thoughts will stay with you both. You're lucky to have each other. You sound strong and positive, and that really helps, and is sooo important. Sending a hug, Paulette ;o)

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  26. What a great sister you are! What a great Christian you are. I pray that the chemo works and that your sister will be a cancer survivor. You both are amazing and it's so neat to know that we serve an amazing God!

    Big hugs, Sharon

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  27. That you are with your sister during this time is the most important thing.

    It is hard, very hard, I know. I know it from both sides and it is not easy. But it is important.

    Just so you know that all chemo is cumulative and so sometimes as time goes on she really wouldn't be able to drive herself home.

    I am praying for your sister and you and you will both be in my prayers dear friend.

    I understand wanting to leave it all behind.

    Love Renee xoxo

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  28. Such a very moving post - you truly touched my heart.
    Your sister (and you) are in my prayers.

    PS. I mailed a swap package to you today.

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  29. Sending you blessings for the health of your sister and the wonderful support you are giving her. It truly is a gift. We had the same experience with my mother-in-law when we took her in for chemo. The people, doctors, nurses and patients were all so filled with joy. You could feel the spirit and peace of God with everyone. As odd as it may seem, there was so much life in those rooms.

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  30. Hi, Diva -
    What an amazing account of the day with your sister. And, yes, you are right to be there to support her. There's no way of knowing how much you lightened the hearts and minds of those around you through the day. I believe you were God's hand extended to them, including the nursing staff. Thank you for sharing - I will be praying for your sister. And for you!
    ~Adrienne~

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  31. you sound like an amazing woman. how good of you to do the hard thing and make a party out of it. I know your Sis thanks you, and probably many of the folks in that room do as well!

    -c
    yapping cat

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  32. My family always says that it's better to laugh than to cry. I know there will be tears to come, but I'm glad you're able to find a little joy. I'm so sorry your sister (and you) has to go through this. Praying ....

    (((hugs)))
    rue

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  33. Prayers for all of you. Keep laughing and have faith.. God be with you all
    Just your sis for me

    Deena

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  34. How wonderful for your kindness. I never knew first hand how difficult cancer is till my mom was diagnosed. Any joy we can bring matters. I do believe that regardless the situation, God holds us up and we need to remember that we're never alone! Lori

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