Tuesday, October 1, 2013

Be Not Fearful Because I am With You


One my favorite psalms states, “Be not fearful because I am with you.  Be not afraid.”  I think about both God and my mother when I meditate on this.  They are the only two entities who I ever truly felt protected me.  Even when my mother was in her darkest days, she was always my protector.  
 
 
 
A radio host on one of the Christian channels that I listen to in my car read this at the very same moment that I hung up the phone with my mom this morning.  I pulled over and pleaded, "God, please, let me feel some other way than I do at this very moment.  Anything, please God."
My prayer was answered when I put the radio back on and continued driving down the road.  At that very moment, the radio host read those words from the psalm stated above. 
I was searching for something to get me through the unbearable news that my mother had no choice but to bestow upon me.  I couldn’t see her, but I felt her, right through the phone.  I experienced her sadness, sorrow and frustration; all boiling down to one big moment of disappointment and despair.  I thought we had conquered these trials and tribulations when my mom received her new liver this past Christmas. 

My heart continued to sink further down into my stomach, somewhere within the driver’s seat.  I was so angry, dismal, worried, and desperate to find the strength that my heart stumbled upon when my mom had first been diagnosed with cirrhosis.  I was stronger back then because I knew that God’s grace would carry us all to a better place and understanding.  I felt it just like I felt my mother’s feelings; constantly.  I knew deep down that God was going to allow me to spend more time with her because he wanted us to carry out our mission to save His lost children.  His children who are just like what my mother used to be; zombies, incapable of thinking and making good decisions on their own, in need of someone who has been down that dark road.  God had a plan for us to show people they are not alone by giving my mother to them.  He stripped away all of the guilt and shame by giving her a purpose to save lives.

So you can imagine how I felt when my mother shared the dreadful news that her name must be placed back onto the liver-transplant list.  The doctors had warned us because an abscess had already formed on her new liver, there might be more to come.  These abscesses cause infections in the blood and clog arteries, eventually affecting all of the major organs in her body.  What is even more devastating is that this liver is going to fail on her.  I can’t even think of the right words to say as I sit here and type and try to share this with you, my friends and fellow authors.  The only thing that keeps me going is the incredible skyline outside of my window and a painting of the mountains and sea that we purchased from a small gallery in Camden, Maine. 


Nature and unconditional beauty like this remind me God has a plan.  Although I don’t have a clue what that plan might be, I must tread forward and not forget about the things that my mother and I have learned so far.  Even if my mom’s path seems a bit foggy for her now, there must be a clearing in the road less traveled ahead.  I will submit to the grace of my heart and take her hand as I try to lead her to a better and brighter light through the dark mist. 
As hard as this may be, I have to remind people about the grave message we set out to deliver.  Our life is not ours to take for granted.  God has a purpose for each and every single one of us.  My mother abused one of the greatest gifts that a human could possibly get; to live here on Earth and experience gifts like love, family, and spiritual and knowledgeable growth.  Some people believe that they can abuse their bodies until something bad happens and then they can change.  I know this because like my mother, I used to be that kind of person; on a continuously downward spiral until a wakeup call would be summoned. 

But we have to remember that sometimes, even though we have an opportunity to answer to that call, it’s not always in our ability or God’s will to have that second chance.  If we are blessed enough to have second chances like receiving a new organ or getting a slap on the wrist for committing a crime that we should have never committed in the first place, then we should consider ourselves damn lucky. 

But in cases like my mother, who at the present time, isn’t so lucky, we must remind ourselves about how precious life is.  And to NEVER take it for granted.  We must also remember what was stated in the previous psalm.  God is always with us and to not be fearful.  Maybe this is a testament to furthering our faith in Him by trusting his faith in us.  When there is a mutual agreement of faith being exchanged, there is room for hope in the regret of our past decisions.  We must leave our fate in the palms of His hands.
 

Was there ever a time that you had no choice but to just surrender to certain times in your life that you had no control over or couldn’t change?  How did this affect you?  Have you or a loved one suffered so tremendously that you decided to leave those sufferings in the hands of God or a higher power you believe in?

28 comments:

  1. Your comments touched me deeply. I went through feelings like that when my mother had cancer. The reason for the cancer doesn't matter to me because it was a fact of life. I lost her too early, and I still miss her. However, God will shine a light on both you and your mother. You may not see the light, but it will be there, and so will He. Yes, I've had to turn things over to Him because I couldn't handle them on my own. Many times, many things.

    I'll be praying for you both.

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  2. I'm very sorry for the early loss of your other, Marja. My best friend and her sisters lost their mother last month to cancer and she was very young. I couldn't imagine being in your or my friend's shoes but now, I am slowly facing that fate.

    I can't thank you enough for your prayers. They helped my mother with her first liver transplant and hopefully, they will shed some light on her new struggles.

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  3. Gina - So sorry about what you and your mother are going through. It sounds like you are in the right place, trusting to God for things you do not understand. As to your questions, I suppose I have had some grief and suffering in my life, especially the worrying and anxiety and broken-heart kind of suffering, but once it's over the memory of it always seems to diminish when I compare it to the suffering of others. It's horrible while it is happening when the only possible way to deal with it is to pray, but the long-term effect is always increased compassion for the suffering of others.

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  4. Thank you for this, Carol. It took me a long time to get to this place and thank God I am. If this were happening just a few years ago, I'd be consumed by worry, guilt and hate. But now that I know God is always with my mother and me, I have no choice but to leave everything in his hands.
    I'm sorry to hear about your own worrying and anxiety. There are places within our hearts that can never quite be healed. I have some of those spots which tend to be written all over my face on days of remembrance. They, too, shall pass.

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  5. I'm so sorry for you and your mom. While I was reading the beginning, and waiting for the bad news, I was grasping my hands in dread. I'm sorry you both have to go through the pain of waiting out another liver. Please keep me updated!

    It's always hard to go through something bad, and it's even harder to imagine that something good might come out of it, but I believe things happen for a reason and whatever reason that is it won’t make itself known until it’s time.

    There's been a lot of moments I just had to surrender to because I was getting too depressed trying to change it, or make sense of it. In the end, after I learned to let go and battled the depression, I learned to accept whatever happens and to keep the faith that better things are to come.

    You know I'll be praying. <3

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  6. As always, thank you for your prayers, Chrys. My mom sends her thanks out to you as well as she constantly reminds me to tell people who pray for her how much it means to her. Prayer is the greatest gift, especially during times like this.

    I'm glad that you, too, have learned to accept whatever happens and keep faith for better things to come. This is the only way for us to understand that something good must come out of all of this. I don't want to lose my mother but knowing that God will take her and hold her in his hands showers comfort upon my worries and doubts.

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  7. Gina, I am so sorry to hear this news. So very sorry. I will keep you and your mother in my prayers. For me, I guess my biggest thing was learning to trust that I'm right where I need to be (and am supposed to be) in life.

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    1. Thank you, Quanie. I can't say it enough how much your prayers mean to us. We are touched in so many ways. The power of prayer can do amazing things. You are right to trust where you stand in life as of this very moment. He always has a plan for us. And sometimes if we don't see that plan yet, we have to realize everything will come together some day.

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  8. We can't always see what God has in store for us. I was at an all-time low when I had a miscarriage. I didn't think I'd get over the loss, but then I got pregnant with my daughter very soon after and she is my world. I know she is the daughter I was meant to have, and in so many ways, she saved my life. She brought me out of my depression and gave my life new meaning.

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    1. What a beautiful story, Kelly. Thank you for sharing this with us. I'm happy to hear that the birth of your daughter gave your life a new meaning. Amazing.

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  9. I am so sorry to hear about this setback in your mother's health and the fear and anxiety it brings. But I'm glad you have a firm sense of God's presence in your life to help you through this. My own struggle has been with a dear loved one who struggles with some of the issues your mother did. Without turning to that sense of peace and joy and power that I feel when turning to God, I'm not sure I could have survived some of the things we have gone through in his struggles. Only this year when I thought things had turned around again, for good this time, they came crashing down, worse than before. I am so tempted to give up hope sometimes, but I cannot, and should not, and neither shall you or your mother I am sure.

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    1. Deborah, thank you so much for this. As much as I hate to hear about others' struggles, it at least provides me with the comfort knowing that I can seek guidance and shelter elsewhere.

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  10. As an alcoholic, I spent a lot of time online researching cirrhosis, amongst other ailments that befall drinkers like me, while drinking. Knowing full well what could have happened, I still drank. That's what alcoholics do, right? And while it frightened me greatly, I just prayed that I wouldn't get there. I did have some slight liver issues, but not at all what your mother is going through. I certainly send positive vibes to you guys, and will say a prayer tonight. But this is definitely something that we don't shy away from. We know what happens to people like me. And so gratitude is a big thing for us. Grace of God too. And while there is this setback, I see how grateful you are to still have time with your mother and seek comfort in knowing that the Creator has a plan, and yet we aren't privy to it. that can be disheartening at times, but you clearly have faith in Him and know that it is ordained that way. Doesn't mean it can't suck...lol. And while this is life and death stuff, being in the middle of "life" rather than focus on "death" is a big thing.

    As for me, surrendering to my alcoholism was the greatest challenge for me. And yet so simple. I had to surrender to the fact that I didn't run the show, and that He did. And in aligning my will with His, I was given a new life. Like you, I know that He will take care of things. Perhaps not the way I want it or see it, but things will be taken care of.

    Again, sorry to hear about this turn of events. I hope it turns out in her favour :)

    Love and light,
    Paul

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    1. You are absolutely right, Paul. It is only when we surrender to Him and realize that He is in control when we are able to succumb to our sobriety and the choices we have to make to take back control of our on lives.

      Before my mom became sick, like yourself, I too researched about cirrhosis and liver disease. It didn't stop me from continuing on my path of destruction either. However, when my mom's liver failed, seeing her go through the pain and unbearable embarrassment of not being able to take care of herself was the first step and enough to scare me straight. Then I slowly fell to the grace of God's hands as I learned that our lives are not ours to take but ultimately; HIS. I guess everyone has a different story but the most important part is that we are here, back in control and more inclined to help others gain that power they desperately need.

      Thank you for your prayers. My mother also says thank you so very much and she prays for each and every person who has her in their thoughts.

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  11. Always, when it comes to losing a beloved one, there's nothing much we can do but leave the outcome to our God(s). In the meantime, we get all the strength we can get from everywhere. I'll be sending my best and warmest wishes to you and your mother, Gina. (*cyber hug)

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    1. Thank you so much, Claudine. My mother sends prayers right back to you my friend.

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  12. Gina,
    This post was so moving. I feel like we have such a common thread lately. Granted, your Mom is still here, but I feel like you're preparing for the loss of her. I don't think I ever did that with my mom. I lied to both of us. I'm so glad that you're so spiritually in tune and throwing yourself at the Lord's feet, trusting in Him through this all. I was so tickled that you referenced Psalm 41:13 (Isiah) - I wrote that down on a Post-It back when Mom was fighting her battle and I keep it there as a daily reminder that we're never really alone, in anything. I can't speak for everyone but I'd bet they feel the same way; thank you for being so forthcoming with this and sharing this journey with us. I have such admiration for your Mom too, to be willing to open up and share such a personal battle with all of us. Always praying for you both. XOXO

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    1. Dawn, again, I am so sorry for your loss. I could never imagine how things would be without my mom being around. I tried the other day and started crying because I call her about two to three times every single day of my life. I call her when I'm happy, sad, had a great experience at the schools I visit for my author presentations, when I need a recipe, when I need a boost in my ego, if I'm sick, when I need to laugh or joke about a memory...she is truly my best friend and my protector. Now that she is back, I feel like I have to spend as much time as I possibly can with her. We don't know what tomorrow will bring but today I need to celebrate her and our hope and adoration for God's grace.

      I thought that sharing all of these struggles and strives would be hard but it hasn't been so bad. It's what my mother wants because she is the one who tells me that she wouldn't want anyone to go through what she has suffered. Her strength has become my passion and I feel like it's my duty to be open and honest with everyone.

      Thank you for sharing my dear friend, XoXo

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  13. I'm glad that you find comfort in your beliefs, and hope that whatever happens next, you and your mom will find peace and acceptance,

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  14. You are correct about how we must respect how precious life truly is and enjoy it for as long we can. Wonderfully stated, Gina.

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    1. It's times like these that remind us just how delicate and fragile one's life really can be. Thank you for stopping by, Brenda.

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  15. Your faith in itself is a gift from God and to those who read your post.

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  16. Wow, thank you so much for such kind words. Highly appreciated.

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  17. A beautiful and compelling narrative & message: we are never truly alone. TY for sharing Gina!

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  18. Thank you for your kind words and stopping by, Christopher. I really appreciate it!

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  19. Hi Gina,
    Great reminder.
    Yes, go ahead even in spite of our difficulties we face, note that He is with you always,
    He knows everything about His children, take courage.
    I liked the reminder: "As hard as this may be, I have to remind people about the grave message we set out to deliver. Our life is not ours to take for granted. God has a purpose for each and every single one of us." Yes, He has a plan for each of us, sometimes we may not be able to recognize this great truth.
    Thanks for sharing this,
    Best
    Phil.
    PS:
    Gina, please remove the word verification from here, it really irritates. Remove it. you can do this by visiting your settings page. Thanks

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  20. Thanks for sharing you kind thoughts, PV. They are more than welcomed and always appreciated=)

    I'm in the middle of designing a new blog with a friend of mine so I will tell him about the verification issue. I wasn't aware that we could get rid of it! Thanks

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