Let me pray you through....

The past few days have been full of family. Full of laughing, crying and sharing hugs, tears, prayers and memories. Yesterday was our last trip to Kamloops, where most of our time has been spent these past few weekends. It was time to say goodbye to a sister, aunt, wife, mother, grandmother and friend. We all knew it could be the last time. My hope and comfort is in the arms of my family and it is found in Him throughout it all. Watching someone you love be ravaged by something that takes away the simplest of abilities is heartbreaking, but she was strong through it all. Strength that came from her wonderful husband, her incredible daughter (love you Shan) and the numerous family members constantly at her side. Her personality shone through.

This morning, Auntie Carol was released from her suffering. And went Home to be with Jesus and to see her Dad, my beloved Grandpa again.
I love you Auntie C - thank you for being one of the most unique women I've ever known. Your colorful hair and style matched the most colorful of personalities. Your stubborness was that of all the Hathaway sisters and daughters. You were truly one of a kind and I'm glad you never changed.

Thank you for the thumbs up and the winks these past few weeks saying you loved us when you couldn't get the words out. Even the gentle hand squeezes and brow raises yesterday were enough because that's all the strength you had. My anger at this disease was replaced with a sense of peace because of that. I thank God for it.

I'm wearing purple for you today, and guess what - I might even suck it up and get my nails done because of the look you gave me last week. I will treasure that. I love you.

The walls are closing in, you feel alone, you feel afraid
Your heart begins to bend, you take a breath and then
It starts to break

So lift your shaking hands, don't say a word, I'll stay with you
The tears will heal the pain, You shouldn't be ashamed
To come undone

Fall down and let me carry you
I'll carry you

I'm all out of words
There's nothing I could say to you
To take away the hurt
So let me pray you through

The big C

Christ....and Cancer. For me, the 2 go hand in hand.

Cancer has touched my life more than I ever thought it would. My Mom's battle with Cancer almost 5 years ago is what brought me to Christ. It is the biggest part of my testimony and one day I'll do a series of entries from my journals over those 8 months.

3 years ago it was discovered to be affecting my Dad. He beat it too.

Just over a year ago my beautiful friend Christy lost her battle with it. However, her fight and her faith have left a huge mark on this community and many many lives. God used her in ways that were miraculous!

Last night my family found out my aunt, my Mom's oldest sister, is fighting it.

I am tired of this disease. I am tired of it breaking apart families, causing anger, hate and blame. I am tired of the Enemy jumping for joy when he gets exactly what he wants.

CHRIST IS BIGGER THAN CANCER

I admit that I am not always content with His ways. In fact, I have moments where I am angry with Him. However, I refuse to back down this time and live in my anger. I will fight with every ounce of Truth that I possess. I will show my God-given emotions because they are NOT signs of weakness. I will pray that His will be done in all circumstances and that my family (who do not know Him) will find their strength and solace in the arms of the Redeemer.

I have gone through this battle without God and I have gone through it with Him. You make the call on which way is the clear winner.....no matter the outcome.

Much love and many many blessings.

Christy

The first week of November is never going to be the same. Grandpa on November 2, 2004 and now this....

Almost a year ago - my beautiful friend Christy was diagnosed with a very rare form of cancer. She was 25 years old.
She fought so bravely, with incredible faith in God.
Her army of prayer warriors surrounded her and lifted her name up to the Lord every single day.
But it was not His plan to keep her here on this earth.

Christy passed away this afternoon.

She is now whole and free of earthly pain, dancing and rejoicing in the presence of Jesus Christ - while we cry and selfishly mourn the loss of her presence here. God used her in incredible ways through this trial - bringing together a community of faith that was so lacking in this city. He used her illness to do that. Praise Him, for He is worthy.

Romans 14:8 comforted me on Tuesday on my Grandpa's 6th year anniversary - and it is doing the same now. How comforting now to know that we ALWAYS belong to the Lord, in life and death.

If we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord.

Our earthly life is so short - and this week my life has been so incredibly filled with the Spirit it's almost overwhelming.
Love ferociously, as our God loves you. Be the hands and feet of Jesus Christ - and He will reward you in ways you can't even imagine.