Matthew 11:15 (NIV)

He who has ears, let him hear.
Matthew 11:15 (NIV)

Wednesday, October 16, 2013

Update #6 - My Friend HAD cancer!

Yes! It's true... My DIL HAD cancer!!
In case you haven't already heard, Tasha had surgery on Monday to remove a cancerous mass the size of an acorn on the right side of her thyroid. During the surgery a biopsy was done to see if the cancer had spread, which would then require the removal of the left side of her thyroid. About half way though the surgery the surgeon came out to give us an update.  What he said left us amazed and in tears of joy, "The mass has grown from the size of an acorn to a size larger than a golfball. It was contained, fully removed, and came back from the lab as benign."  I said, "Wait... What?!" He reiterated his previous response as I leaned in closely to purposefully listen to every syllable coming from his mouth. Again I heard, "The mass is benign." I contained my excitement so as not to freak-out the doctor (he still had to close up my friend). Once he left I turned to my family and we ALL started praising The Lord!

*Rewind to Saturday, before the surgery:
Johnny & Tasha spent the day at my house where we had a pre-surgery BBQ. Tasha & I were talking about the upcoming surgery and some of her concerns. Then she told me something that caused my heart to leap, "When the biopsy is done and 'if' it should come back as non-cancerous, I know the exact day The Lord healed me.  It was the day that Grandma Gloria prayed over me.  I have never been prayed over with such ferociousness and passion. I felt the power of The Lord come over me!"  That was also the day that so many people reached out to her saying they would be praying for her and that she was loved. The Lord used the entire day and everyone who reached out to Tasha to prepare her heart for such a prayer and her healing.  The Lord even sent a missionary to my parents Bible study on that day to prepare my mom's heart to do His Will.  (See update #2 for more details from that day.)

*Fast Forward back to the day of the surgery:
I shared all that Tasha said about her healing with my family as we were praising The Lord. My dad quickly called the missionary to give him the good news. The missionary wept loudly as he praised The Lord saying, "It is finished!"

About 15 minutes had passed and I was still on a "Jesus high" when a visitor stopped by to see how Tasha was doing. I shared the great news and their response was, "Oh, so she never had cancer?" To which I replied, "Ummm, yes. She was check seven times and each time came back as positive." The visitor balked and with disgust said, "Well, who was the genius technician that check her out?" Shocked by their response, I said loudly, "It was the Genius Lord who healed her!" Slightly taken aback by my unintentional forceful response, they said, "Oh, yea", and walked away.

This left me thinking about how The Lord tested my faith. My first thought could have been like that of the visitor but instead I knew (and still know) with all my heart, mind, and soul that MY GOD healed my friend!  SEVEN times she was checked and SEVEN times it came back positive for cancer. (Is it just me or does anyone else see something special about that number?) There is no doubt that it was The King of Kings and The Lord of Lords, The One True Healer that removed my friend's cancer.  Thank you, Jesus!

Tasha is home from the hospital and resting. The right side of her thyroid was removed BUT will not have to take any thyroid medication as the doctors previously thought! She sends everyone her love and is very thankful for all your prayers!

...Jesus said, “This sickness will not end in death. No, it is for God’s glory so that God’s Son may be glorified through it.” (John 11:4 NIV)

Saturday, October 12, 2013

Update #5 My Friend Has Cancer

Thank you everyone for all your prayers and support! Tasha is preparing for surgery this Monday, 10/14, at 8am.  She's nervous, as can be expected, but ready to get this done.  Please continue praying for her, especially on Monday.  My hope is to keep you updated throughout that day but the internet was pretty dodgy the last time we were there.

Again, I thank each if you for every ounce of love and support you have sent her way. You can not begin to imagine how helpful and encouraging your words, FB likes, texts, and hugs have been! It not only affects Tasha's countenance but us, as a family, as well. Many times you guys have left me in tears and speechless from the immeasurable love you have selflessly shared.  I pray The Lord bless you beyond your wildest dreams!

Now beyond all contradiction the lesser is blessed by the better. (Hebrews 7:7 NKJV)