There are a few things I’d like to tell you about today. They’ll make better sense if you have the opportunity to watch the video. I’ll give you ample time; I need a break from writing this week so that I can spend some concentrated time of resting with my Father. We have a great many things to discuss.
First, I specifically felt your prayers over this past week. I am grateful and humbled by your kind words; I needed them. They made all the difference for me as I sought to prepare my thoughts and, then, to deliver them with the full peace and assurance of God.
Secondly, last night as I was reading in Romans, I came across this verse in 10:20. Words first spoken by the prophet Isaiah and then reiterated by Paul:
“And Isaiah boldly says, ‘I was found by those who did not seek me; I revealed myself to those who did not ask for me.'”
After reading those words, I bowed my head and prayed this very prayer over those who would attend today’s event. I talked to the Lord about all the people who might show up at the picnic–in particular those not intent on seeking God, much less asking anything of him, but those whom he might so willingly and graciously reveal himself to in unexpected and unanticipated ways. That is the single prayer I carried with me as I marked the hours prior to my speaking.
{Patsy, Cancer Center Social Worker… one of the kindest people I’ve met}
Thirdly, there came a strange moment for me early on in my speaking. The microphone wasn’t situated close to the tents where the attendees had gathered around tables beneath the sweltering heat of a North Carolina afternoon. I couldn’t see the faces of those sitting beyond the first row of tables. Of course, my family was in view, but my eyes fixed, instead, on a woman sitting to the left of them at the edge of the tent’s shading. She wore sunglasses, but she looked oddly familiar… like one of you, a twin maybe. And I thought to myself,
“Did Sassy Granny fly all the way from Washington to hear me speak today?” I could tell she connected with me throughout the course of my speaking. Several nods, smiles, and encouraging glances were sent my direction; I made a mental note to seek her out at a later time, but I never saw her again. She helped me, reminding me of
Sassy and all of you as well. It was as if you were saying,
“We’re with you, Elaine… yesterday, today, and for the long haul.” Thirdly, as I was talking about survivorship, I carried the memory of my friend Jeff with me; he went home to Jesus this past week. Jeff was a cancer survivor and valiantly lived each day with godly intention. Cancer was not his undoing; rather the threshold of his emerging… whole, healthy, and home to Canaan with the morning dew of Eden to greet his stride and with the company of his Creator at his side.
I also thought of you,
Joy, a cancer survivor as well. You begin your journey with chemotherapy in the morning, and I can say to you as well,
“Cancer will not be your undoing, sister; rather cancer will be the threshold of your emerging.” Lastly, I met some wonderful “survivors” today; in particular two people. A woman named Jennifer whose breast cancer has returned for a second time, this time in her liver; an eighteen-year-old-boy named Wayne, a testicular cancer survivor. I was reminded, yet again, of the fragility of life… of how each day should be memorialized with grateful thanks for the earthly tenure I’ve been allowed.
{Joyce, one of my chemo-friends; we adore Nurse Sarah; we miss her as well!}
Entrusted with a story… with Jesus as my “next.” He’s your “next” as well. Take hold of your moments this week, friends; plant some kingdom seed, and live each day like you mean it. I’ll see you on the other side of a much needed break. As always…
Peace for the journey,
PS: The winners of Cindy’s cards are Lidj and Cheryl! Girls, please look over Cindy’s cards again and let me know which two are your favorites. Email me your selections. My e-mail has been acting up in recent days, so if you haven’t heard back from me in a while, then chances are I haven’t received your e-mail. We’ll work things out somehow.
God bless you, Hon.
Elaine,
My heart is filled as I have taken the time to listen to your words but more importantly God's words! What a beautiful tribute to life, survivorship and HOPE!!
In awe tonight!!
Blessings, Cindy
What a wonderful message of HOPE! I was about to get my shout on over here (which my sleeping guys would NOT appreciate, I'm sure). I just got so excited when you spoke to everyone of Jesus, the source of your hope! Shew, girl…you filled me with renewed hope tonight, too!
Love you dearly…
You are an amazing woman! Thanking God for letting me see into your life and heart. Cheers!
You gave a wonderful talk! What a blessing to all in attendance to hear God being praised! I know that your words were an encouragement to all who heard them. Enjoy your time this week as you spend it cradled in God's arms! Blessings to you, Elaine!
Hey Elaine,
That's so great that you were so blessed by that speaking event! I was thinking of you and praying for you yesterday:)
Also, randomly, I wanted to let you know that I have an extra ticket to the Deeper Still event in Louisville, KY this weekend that my husband wants me to try to find a person to give it to, so if you know anyone who is interested, let me know, my e-mail is best.
Love in HIM always,
katiegfromtennessee
You ministered well, Elaine.
Beautiful Elaine…absolutely beautiful!!
Believing Him~Pamela
Amen! Beautiful words of hope and faith.
I am so glad you put the video up. I was soo wanting to hear what you spoke. It was soo good, and blessed me soo much. Now I feel like I was sitting there with all of you…thank you! Soo many blessings to you, Debbie
Oh wow. I can't even speak, just cry. So thankful for your life.
Jesus…My Next.
I love you.
Lelia
Thank you, Elaine.
Rest well, hear well, come back and edify us again — Kathie
So proud of you Sweet Elaine!!! You are such an amazing testimony to God!!
Much, much love!
Jennifer
I knew it! I knew your words would reach straight out into every heart there, just as it did into mine. Hope, because He IS our next.
xo
He was SO strong in you, Elaine!
And WOW! That is so interesting about the woman who reminded you of our Sassy & then disappeared. It sends shivers up my spine.
Now enjoy every opportunity for rest and regrouping with the Father this week.
Elaine, so glad God strengthened you and gave you the words and inspiration to speak to the survivors. What a great message you had for them. More than that, what a great hope you offered them in pointing them to your Hope. May God use those seeds of truth to draw those who didn't know Him to faith!
And hey, I'm so excited to be one of the winners — thank you! I'll look over the options again and email my choices soon. Yippee! 🙂
Thanks for putting your fears aside and allowing God to use you once again in a very special way. You are a blessing to many.
prayers
I'm just plain homesick for heaven. Period.
Amazing! I just love you! Wish I was there to give you a hug–tell Billy to do that for me!
Oh how I wish I HAD FLOWN in for that memorable address! Now I'm wondering about that twin …
Elaine, already God is using you in more powerful ways than could be imagined before such a harrowing cancer event. I'm thinking tremendous weight was added to the credibility of "Peace for the Journey", for how else could one herald such?
For all the pre-worries, I know you have a buoyed sense of God's attending grace at that meeting. I'd be retreating for some time with Him too.
Bless your incredibly large heart!
Kathleen
What a wonderful, and inspiring speech Elaine. Thank you so much for sharing it, and your journey with us. 🙂
Have a Blessed Day!
Thank you for your courage as you continue to learn from this tough teacher.
My own nephew, at 39, just passed away from cancer last week, so your message is very timely for me.
Blessings to you – Marsha
i am always encouraged and even challenged here at your place Elaine. i love you so and pray that God continue to pour abundant blessings over you.
I enjoyed your inspiring post on survivors. I, too, am a survivor, but of a different kind-of childhood sexual abuse. God's grace has brought me through and is continuing to heal me.
Thanks for sharing the video of your words to the cancer survivors. Cape Hope is a fitting name to the medical institution that was a big part of your cancer journey.
That bracelet Entrusted speaks volumes. You are not only entrusted with a story. You are entrusted with an important mission.
Thanks in advance for the cards by Cindy. I sent you an email where I wrote my snail mail address in the US.
Love you, dearest Elaine. It is a privilege to be a part of your life story.
Keeping you close
Lidj
Thank you for sharing this video. What a wonderful encouragement and testimony you are to all of us in the name of our Lord and Savior.
May you be blessed this day in a special way.
Much love in Him,
Nancy
I have not been on the blog scene for months but God lead me here after praying for all my blogging sisters today! Elaine — your last words that God spoke to you [I'm your next] were huge for me and I will take them and run with them too! Bless your dear heart and life for what you have become on this journey through our Lord Jesus Christ!
I love you and pray for you often!
Choosing JOY in this season,
Stephanie
You bless my heart more everyday. I love you.
This is powerful. I always knew God would use your suffering for HIS glory. You make my heart filled with joy. I can't wait to meet you in July! Love and peace, Tiff
Elaine, what a gift to give to those precious survivors. Who may have never even considered… or even want to get past the bitterness of their diagnosis. But you offered them an option. Live bitter… or live better. What hope you have given. And perhaps a struggle for you so that you would be assured that the words would be aptly spoken to an audience who lives daily with trite quick comments. You have given them the opportunity to live life in abundance… and not on their own, but in the arms of our Savior and Lord, Jesus Christ.
Blessings, dear one!
Elaine,
Your writing is some of the finest I've read. I know the publishing industry's hard to crack, but would think there's always room for someone like you. Have you tried Thomas Nelson? Don't know if they take over the transom manuscripts, but they publish lots of faith-based books. Even if they don't, the worst thing they can do is say, "No," and no doesn't hurt. Just go for it!
XOXOXO,
Brenda
Hi Elaine,
Here's a quick note to let you know I got an email from Cindy about the cards. In my reply to her I indicated the two cards I like, and also my U.S. address. Thanks again for this act of grace, it means so much to me…
Love
Lidj
There is a sign in the grocery store that speaks to my heart every time I shop there. Hope Is Always In Season. How true is that! Jesus lives!! I lift up my cup to toast the Master of life, thanking Him for the hope He gave all. My sister just finished her maintenance chemo and had scans. We are waiting for the results. Her hope is in the Lord. Rest up Elaine. God has good stuff planned for you. She Speaks…I can't wait to meet you!!!!!!!! B
Elaine,
My sweet friend Jennifer Walker suggested about 1 1/2 ago that I read your blog because we might have some things in common because I had been through Hurricane Katrina. And my favorite life verse was Psalm 84:5. Honestly, I read it pretty consistently for the first 6 months or so but life began to happen and then we moved to Oklahoma and well, our new ministry took over. Never in a million years did I think I would be returning to you blog for strength for what would be even a greater crisis journey..my 28 yr old daughter has been diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma cancer. It has no cure. She just had 2 ports put in last week and started hypec chemo this week. I live in Ok, but have been in Ft. Worth Tx with her since March almost all the time. I think your Bible Study would be awesome for both of us. I did submit to Nancy's website. If I don't win, I will order it. Thanks for your blog. Thank you for letting God you use to bless others. I have now subscribed.
Teresa
walking next weekend in honor of you and many others who have bravely fought cancer..
Elaine,
They picked the perfect speaker for their celebration! You have not allowed the enemy of cancer to have the final word and what the enemy meant for harm, you have allowed God to turn into a blessing for others.
I pray for you often and am so glad to see you getting healthier, stronger and more energized one day, one step at a time.
Love and prayers, my friend,
Kelli
Wow, Elain, what a powerful story. I'm so glad I stopped by. I'm sorry for your suffering, but I also know it can make us stronger. I've not had cancer … yet, and I've asked the Lord to spare me that, as I've suffered much in my life, and have many health issues. But I also know that if it happens (I'm at high risk for breast cancer), the good Lord will carry me through that as well. An attitude of praise makes all the difference. Hang in there my friend!
Elaine – I couldn't be more pleased to hear about your speaking. I just knew that God would show up in you, and for you. Sounds like He worked powerfully…
I must just take this time to tell you how much I am inspired by your words – and by your faith. I know sometimes you talk about your struggles – but for me, I am blessed by the way you portray your faith journey honestly.
To me, faith isn't always exultant – sometimes it just plods along. But, it is in the stepping forward that God's grace lights the way.
Thanks for bringing a message of hope to so many people – and for bringing it to me.
GOD BLESS!
WOW!!!! Elaine, Jesus sure did show up for you, didn't He??? That was AMAZING! You made Him proud and you must have breathed life and hope into all who heard your message that day!
My very favorite thing take-away is "Jesus is my next!" I loved that and so needed to hear it! Thank you so much for sharing that!
This was the first time I had heard you speak and I must tell you, you reminded me of Beth Moore!
But most importantly…I saw Jesus in you. May God continue to richly bless you and your family!
Blessings,
Susan
I just found you tonight, and truly I believe it is God's hand leading me here. I just read this lovely post about you speaking and it was just what I needed. You see I will be speaking during the luminary service tomorrow night here in Washington state at our local Relay for Life. It will not be a long speech they are giving me 5-10 minutes…I love to write but, speaking is not my thing so I read your post and had to smile and take a deep breath and thank God that I found you tonight!
btw, I am a two time breast cancer survivor, tomorrow before speaking I will head to Seattle for my 6 month check up, if all goes well it will be 7 years clean and clear!!!
love and blessings,
melody
[…] out to God for hope. I’d lost mine somewhere along the way. Oh, I masked it pretty well, even speaking to a group of cancer survivors earlier in the week, challenging them and charging them with hope’s rallying cry. But truth […]