As bloggers, we enter into the lives of strangers and an other-worldly phenomena often occurs: community. It is not completely understood by those on the "outside", but "we" get it, often feeling the need to defend it or explain it or justify it to faces that stare politely or indifferently or, at worst, judgmentally.
Loosely held with few boundaries, it is here many are compelled to share their hearts and dreams and hopes and fears. Secrets are revealed, there’s even a site devoted entirely to that. We celebrate the good news of pregnancy and promotion and engagement…or sometimes even a new pair of shoes.
Here, public opinion can be manipulated, political candidates can win or lose, rock stars are born and films may even be re-written to incorporate viewer suggestion.
Perhaps the most beautiful anomaly, though, is overwhelming support during difficult times. Losing a job…divorce…death. For me, personally, I was touched by the readers who encouraged me during my father’s illness and his subsequent death. While I’ll never know most of you irl, your expressions of sympathy moved me, and at times, buoyed me in ways you’ll never know, but truly affected me.
This morning, skimming my reader, I saw Amy Wilhoite’s husband’s announcement that she had lost her courageous battle with leukemia. I had "met" Amy months ago, and with every update I read, my heart hurt for this family who publicly shared her illness and treatment with a quiet dignity and grace. Oh, how we longed for her healing! But, with equal exclamation, I’m stunned yet encouraged by the incredible testimony her entire family has lived throughout her illness. She lived–and died–with a faith that would walk on water…seal the mouth of lions…slay giants. She demonstrated that it’s okay to question, to be frustrated, to hate her disease, but still to love God. That’s power. Leukemia may have taken her life, but it didn’t have victory over her.
And that, to me, is a miracle.
** The post title is a reference to Matthew 25:21, "…well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful…".
Amen.
See – its posts like this that keep me coming back…..
Beautifully written, Robin.
I second the Amen.
I thought of you when I read her husbands entry yesterday – not sure why. I guess because you had a friend that went through the same cancer……..
I love his words about how he could have such peace and such heartbreak at the same time……wow.
Again…..wow.
Two thoughts:
1. This reminds me a very wise man of God from my church. When faced with prostate cancer, instead of saying, “Why me?”, he said, “Why not me?”
2. It also brings to mind two lines from MercyMe’s song, Bring the Rain, which says, “Can circumstances ever change who I forever am in you” and
“And I know there’ll be days when this life brings me pain But if thats what it takes to praise You, Jesus, bring the rain”
Such a hard thing to pray, but isn’t that where we’re all supposed to be?
Thanks for sharing this today.
thank you for sharing her testimony of faith in God. i can’t wait to meet her someday.
Robin, I love the way you remind us of what is important the most: Our friends, our families and our faith!
Thanks.
What a beautiful post.
I read the link – having never heard of her blog before. Her husband’s poignant comment ‘I never knew one could be at so much peace and have such a broken heart at the same time’ made me so sad for his loss, but reminded me that she’s in a much better place now. My grandmother is always talking about ‘going home’, and it always makes me sad, but she always comes back with how she soo looks forward to being with the Lord.
Beautifully written. I third the AMEN!
I just read about this earlier today. I think your post is beautiful, and I am praying for this family.
What a powerful post. I’m sorry for the loss and grateful for your words.
When I read posts like this, I know why I love the world of blogging.
I discovered her blog yesterday. My Saturday will be spent reading every single one.
You are my Soul Sistah!!
There are no words for the heartbreak her husband must feel, and yet how wonderful to know he will see her again one day. What a tremendous testimony.
I was so full of hope for her.
My own sis died of the same disease. A much shorter fight. Because there was less to fight with in the early 90’s.