The Strength of Faith

My mom forwarded an e-mail from our conference minister yesterday - she's been diagnosed with breast cancer and has just begun a 16-week round of chemotherapy. Her spirits are incredible, though and she truly believes that the strength of God will guide her through this. Davida really is a testament to the Strength of Faith. She's started a website so that people can be updated on her progress. I e-mailed her and told her that she was in my thoughts and prayers and that I really appreciated the fact that she was opening up that part of her life to so many of us who are going to be keeping her in the foreground of our prayers.

It seems strange. Just last year we were all sitting at General Synod listening to Lynn Redgrave give her testament to her own battle with breast cancer, and we all sat in tears as she talked about her journey back to the church as she was going through her treatments. Davida was so moved by her speech then, and now, a little over a year later, is about to embark on her own journey of survivorship.

Hearing her story is a good reminder of the importance of yearly doctors appointments and regular self-exams. And for both men and women it's a good reminder to trust your first instinct when it comes to your body - if something doesn't seem right, then get it checked out. Early detection is one of the most effective treatments.

I ask that everyone continue to keep Davida and her husband David in their prayers as they embark on this journey. And also pray for the thousands who recieved diagnoses similar to hers all over the country - pray that they feel the presence of the Holy Spirit as they walk forward, often towards the unknown.

With Grace and Peace,
Sarah