Friday, December 20, 2013
Cat's Chat: A Letter to Heaven
Cat's Chat: A Letter to Heaven: Dear Mommy, It's hard to believe that you have been in heaven for 17 years as of today! It seems like only yesterday that I was telling...
A Letter to Heaven
Dear Mommy,
It's hard to believe that you have been in heaven for 17 years as of today! It seems like only yesterday that I was telling you for the last time how much I love you and what a wonderful mother and grandmother you were. The images and sounds of that day are so vivid in my memory that it's as if I am there in that moment. I cry a lot this time of year. It seems that everything to do with Christmas reminds me of you and even though there are times I smile, it's just not the same without you. I know my grief is selfish, for I know that you are happy, whole and reunited with the one true love of your life, Daddy. Besides, there can't be a more festive place this time of year then Heaven! You, lucky lady, are sharing in the live Nativity!
So, Mommy, I was sitting here at home this week, thinking about my memories of you and I wanted to know if you remember them too. So do you? Do you remember how you would chase me across the lawn yelling, "Catherine Marie don't go down that hill!" I do, and so do most of the other kids in the old neighborhood. Do you remember walking me to school with your hair rolled in pink curlers? I do, and hopefully no one else will. Do you remember the first time you held Mandy? I do, you supported me through my entire pregnancy and you got to hand her to me. Do you remember when Chuck ask for my hand in marriage? I do, you told me I could never ask for a better man to be my husband. You were right and we're still together 25 years later! Do you remember how you would take Mandy, RC and Aaron to Eastpoint Mall for lunch every payday? I do and they still talk about that. Do you remember how you use to ask say to me, "Cathy, where's your lipstick? You look dead!" I do, and now my best friend tells me that all the time! Do you remember how much you enjoyed Chuck's Christmas decorations? I do and he does them every year in your memory.
There is one memory, Mommy, that stands out the most and has had the biggest affect on my life. Do you remember, right before you died, you asked us to find a church for us to go to? I do and so does Chuck. We did that Mom and that was the best thing you ever asked of us. We are 16 year active members of Mountain Christian Church. Chuck and I have been a part of the church growth that we have seen go from 1 campus of 600 to 2 campus of 4,000 to now a church that meets in 3 separate locations. Mommy, the years of prayers for Chuck to believe have been answered and he and I are active in Bible study; we serve our community while riding our motorcycles with the Mountain Riders (yes, you read that right Mom, I said motorcycles!); and we have been instrumental in helping start up the newest church campus in the town you loved, Edgewood.
I'm not sure you knew what kind of impact your request would how on our lives. We didn't go looking for change, but to merely honor your wishes. Instead, God had something entirely different in mind for us. Mommy, you know that I was really angry with God when Daddy died, and I had turned my back on Him completely, but today I can say He is my Rock! While I use to deal with things on my own in my own way, today, I rely on Him. When times are hard, and I feel like I can't go on, He is my strength. When I feel alone, abandon, and scorned, He is my unfailing love. When I feel anxious and scared, He is my comfort and biggest cheerleader. And when I feel unworthy and burdened by sin, He is my Savior.
Mommy, it is because you initiated this relationship with God, that I can enjoy the idea of being reunited with you in Heaven. Your request gave us a gift that is eternal! While, I may cry selfish tears of sadness because I miss you, I can rejoice in knowing that being apart is only temporary; that when God says He is finished with me on this earth, we too will be reunited. All this because the love of a mother inspired her to make a request and all because the Father loved us so much to send His Son, born in a manger, only to live, suffer and die on the cross to guarantee those who love Him eternal peace in Heaven.
Until that time Mommy, I hope you enjoy Chuck's lights from heaven and I know that you are with me as every new memory is made. Hug Daddy for me and tell Jesus, I'm trying my best. He'll understand. And Thank You! Thank you for loving me with the unconditional love only the good Lord and a mother could have.
Merry Christmas, Mommy!
I love you!
Love,
Cat
The Christmas Season can be very difficult for anyone who has lost a loved one or has suffered any kind of loss. While everyone is focusing on gifts, decorations, and parties, those who are hurting are focusing on that. Their joy is lost beneath the sadness loss. Believe me, I have shed my fair share of tears these past days and that's okay, but I won't let my joy be taken. I wrote this letter to heaven because I wanted to honor the memory of my Mom and I wanted to publicly thank her for the amazing gift she gave us. Because of her, I can find my new found joy in the One who this season is truly about, Jesus.
God promises us that if we love Him we will share in eternal peace in Heaven. God promises that His Grace is greater than any sin we have. God promises that one day, every tear will be wiped away, there will be no more death, sorrow, or pain, the old will pass away. God also promises that all who believe in Him will be raised to a new life with Him in Heaven. I am holding on to those promises and believe that I will be with my loved ones again.
Whatever your struggle this Christmas Season, you can find your strength, your peace, your comfort, and your refuge, from the one who was born this Christmas Day, Jesus Christ. If you have not accepted Jesus, give yourself the greatest Christmas present there is and pray this prayer: Jesus, I am a sinner and I believe you came to this earth, that you suffered and died on the cross, rising again on the third day to save me from that sin. This day, I accept you as my Lord and my Savior. Amen.
Merry Christmas!!!
It's hard to believe that you have been in heaven for 17 years as of today! It seems like only yesterday that I was telling you for the last time how much I love you and what a wonderful mother and grandmother you were. The images and sounds of that day are so vivid in my memory that it's as if I am there in that moment. I cry a lot this time of year. It seems that everything to do with Christmas reminds me of you and even though there are times I smile, it's just not the same without you. I know my grief is selfish, for I know that you are happy, whole and reunited with the one true love of your life, Daddy. Besides, there can't be a more festive place this time of year then Heaven! You, lucky lady, are sharing in the live Nativity!
So, Mommy, I was sitting here at home this week, thinking about my memories of you and I wanted to know if you remember them too. So do you? Do you remember how you would chase me across the lawn yelling, "Catherine Marie don't go down that hill!" I do, and so do most of the other kids in the old neighborhood. Do you remember walking me to school with your hair rolled in pink curlers? I do, and hopefully no one else will. Do you remember the first time you held Mandy? I do, you supported me through my entire pregnancy and you got to hand her to me. Do you remember when Chuck ask for my hand in marriage? I do, you told me I could never ask for a better man to be my husband. You were right and we're still together 25 years later! Do you remember how you would take Mandy, RC and Aaron to Eastpoint Mall for lunch every payday? I do and they still talk about that. Do you remember how you use to ask say to me, "Cathy, where's your lipstick? You look dead!" I do, and now my best friend tells me that all the time! Do you remember how much you enjoyed Chuck's Christmas decorations? I do and he does them every year in your memory.
There is one memory, Mommy, that stands out the most and has had the biggest affect on my life. Do you remember, right before you died, you asked us to find a church for us to go to? I do and so does Chuck. We did that Mom and that was the best thing you ever asked of us. We are 16 year active members of Mountain Christian Church. Chuck and I have been a part of the church growth that we have seen go from 1 campus of 600 to 2 campus of 4,000 to now a church that meets in 3 separate locations. Mommy, the years of prayers for Chuck to believe have been answered and he and I are active in Bible study; we serve our community while riding our motorcycles with the Mountain Riders (yes, you read that right Mom, I said motorcycles!); and we have been instrumental in helping start up the newest church campus in the town you loved, Edgewood.
I'm not sure you knew what kind of impact your request would how on our lives. We didn't go looking for change, but to merely honor your wishes. Instead, God had something entirely different in mind for us. Mommy, you know that I was really angry with God when Daddy died, and I had turned my back on Him completely, but today I can say He is my Rock! While I use to deal with things on my own in my own way, today, I rely on Him. When times are hard, and I feel like I can't go on, He is my strength. When I feel alone, abandon, and scorned, He is my unfailing love. When I feel anxious and scared, He is my comfort and biggest cheerleader. And when I feel unworthy and burdened by sin, He is my Savior.
Mommy, it is because you initiated this relationship with God, that I can enjoy the idea of being reunited with you in Heaven. Your request gave us a gift that is eternal! While, I may cry selfish tears of sadness because I miss you, I can rejoice in knowing that being apart is only temporary; that when God says He is finished with me on this earth, we too will be reunited. All this because the love of a mother inspired her to make a request and all because the Father loved us so much to send His Son, born in a manger, only to live, suffer and die on the cross to guarantee those who love Him eternal peace in Heaven.
Until that time Mommy, I hope you enjoy Chuck's lights from heaven and I know that you are with me as every new memory is made. Hug Daddy for me and tell Jesus, I'm trying my best. He'll understand. And Thank You! Thank you for loving me with the unconditional love only the good Lord and a mother could have.
Merry Christmas, Mommy!
I love you!
Love,
Cat
The Christmas Season can be very difficult for anyone who has lost a loved one or has suffered any kind of loss. While everyone is focusing on gifts, decorations, and parties, those who are hurting are focusing on that. Their joy is lost beneath the sadness loss. Believe me, I have shed my fair share of tears these past days and that's okay, but I won't let my joy be taken. I wrote this letter to heaven because I wanted to honor the memory of my Mom and I wanted to publicly thank her for the amazing gift she gave us. Because of her, I can find my new found joy in the One who this season is truly about, Jesus.
God promises us that if we love Him we will share in eternal peace in Heaven. God promises that His Grace is greater than any sin we have. God promises that one day, every tear will be wiped away, there will be no more death, sorrow, or pain, the old will pass away. God also promises that all who believe in Him will be raised to a new life with Him in Heaven. I am holding on to those promises and believe that I will be with my loved ones again.
Whatever your struggle this Christmas Season, you can find your strength, your peace, your comfort, and your refuge, from the one who was born this Christmas Day, Jesus Christ. If you have not accepted Jesus, give yourself the greatest Christmas present there is and pray this prayer: Jesus, I am a sinner and I believe you came to this earth, that you suffered and died on the cross, rising again on the third day to save me from that sin. This day, I accept you as my Lord and my Savior. Amen.
Merry Christmas!!!
Tuesday, May 14, 2013
Knowledge is Power
Her skin was dandelion yellow and her stomach is swollen giving the appearance of pregnancy. She breathes with the assistance of an oxygen mask, as machines beep behind the head of her hospital bed. The nurse injects her with sedation and she suddenly becomes still. I search her face, etching every crease and wrinkle in my memory. I want every second to last a minute; every minute to last an hour; and every hour to last a lifetime. I know that the sands of time are slipping away. This was the last vision I had of my Mother as she succumb to her battle with breast cancer.
Today's news that Angelina Jolie had decided to have double mastectomies after testing positive for the breast cancer gene, is the reason behind this blog. In 2001, I too made the decision to be tested for the breast cancer gene. In 1996, my first cousin, Cheryl, had pioneered the decision to pursue testing after being approached by her physician. Our family, has a very strong history of breast and ovarian cancer. Our maternal grandmother had breast cancer, Cheryl's Mom had breast cancer, our Aunt had ovarian cancer, and my Mother had breast cancer. In addition, there were several other family members who had other forms of cancer-melanoma, lymphoma, and cervical just to name a few. Her physician considered the prominence of this disease in our family good cause to seek testing. Cheryl, aware that this was at the beginning stages of this type of testing, began a four year process of researching the genetic screening. Through the advice of a genetic counselor and after reviewing numerous articles and literature on the testing, Cheryl had her blood drawn to determine if she had one of the two mutations associated with breast cancer. Regrettably, she was positive for the BRCA-2 mutation.
Let me try to explain what this means. In normal cells, BRCA1 and BRCA2 help ensure the stability of the cell's genetic material (DNA) and help prevent uncontrolled cell growth. A woman's lifetime risk of developing breast and/or ovarian cancer is greatly increased if she inherits a harmful mutation in BRCA1 or BRCA2 and that risk is increased if that woman has multiple, close family members who have been diagnosed with these diseases. A mutation in the BRCA1 may also increase a woman's risk of developing cervical, uterine, pancreatic and colon cancer. Mutations in BRCA2 may additionally increase the risk of pancreatic, stomach, gallbladder and bile duct cancer and melanoma. While the risks are greatly increased there is still the possibility that a woman with either mutation will never develop one of these cancers.
After receiving her positive result, Cheryl shared the information with the rest of the family, offering them the opportunity to choose whether or not to be tested. For myself, I knew immediately that I wanted to be tested. I didn't care about the stigma that may be attached to a positive result, I simply wanted to know. Cheryl had eloquently said about her decision to be tested, that "knowledge is power" and that became our family motto. I, along with my husband and three children had watched my mother suffer through chemotherapy and then ultimately a horrific and painful death from breast cancer. If I could spare them that heartache again, I would do what I needed to do.
In April, 2001, my husband and I sat with a genetic counselor at the University of Maryland and discussed the testing process, the implications of a positive result, and our overall feelings regarding the potential of a positive or negative result. My blood was drawn and we began the six week wait for the results. In my heart of hearts, I was certain that I was positive and I had convinced myself that I would be okay with that. I couldn't have been more wrong. As I sat in front of the counselor, who by this point had become personally connected to our family, my heart raced as she opened the result envelope. Suddenly, I felt a kick in the gut as with tears in her eyes, she read "positive for BRCA2". I turned and looked at my husband, and all resolve dissipated as reality struck. My mother once described her cancer as being like the game pac-man. She said she would close her eyes and envision these pac-man characters just eating away at her. Suddenly I understood what she meant. While I hadn't been told I had cancer, I felt as though those pac-men were just waiting to starting feeding. The fear was very real.
The next several weeks were spent conferring with my physicians discussing what my options were. I could choose to be monitored closely with mammography and physical breast exams. I could opt for Chemoprevention therapy, taking a synthetic drug to reduce the risk of developing cancer or I could elect to have prophylactic (preventative) surgeries such as mastectomies and/or oophorectomy (removal of the ovaries). For me and my family, the only decision I could make was the prophylactic surgeries. So, in September of 2001, I had a double mastectomy and the reconstruction process was begun. Three months later, in December, I had my ovaries removed. The surgeries were painful and recovery was long, yet I was somewhat relieved to know that I had diminished my chances for developing breast and ovarian cancer greatly.
The reminder of this gene is visible everyday as I dress each morning. The scarring from the surgeries is extensive and the physical effects from having my ovaries removed are on going. The fear isn't completely gone because there is always the chance that I could develop one of the other forms of cancer associated with this gene, but knowledge is power and because of this knowledge I am screened earlier for the other possibilities.
I was prompted to post this blog after reading various comments posted to articles related to Angelina Jolie's decision. Many called her a coward saying that real heroics would be in facing down cancer. Others stated that genetic testing was fraudulent, a scare tactic to make money and some said that this was only available because of her status as a Hollywood actress and wealth. These comments both saddened me and infuriated me. After my decision to have the preventive surgeries, I had a very hard time accepting when people would say that it was very courageous of me to do this. I looked at it as being cowardly, then my husband reminded me that my willingness to suffer through the effects of the surgeries to "get cancer before cancer got me" and spare my family was not only courageous but selfless. He further reminded me that taking a proactive approach to this was no different than someone having yearly physicals to prevent future health issues or dental cleanings to prevent losing your teeth. It may seem rather elementary when put in those terms but is true non-the-less. I'm sure if given the opportunity to choose between facing down cancer or being proactive, my mother would've chosen to be proactive. As for the "status" remarks, I can only reply by saying, I am not a Hollywood actress and I am not wealthy. I am a middle class wife, mother and grandmother.
The decision to be tested or not is personal and an individual decision. We have had family members who have been tested and some who have opted not to. For the ones who tested positive, some have had surgery and some have chosen other proactive measures. Regardless of their decisions, they were personal and whole heartedly supported by everyone who loves them.
To those who may have opinions about the decision to be tested and be proactive, I ask, "Please don't judge this very personal decision. You don't know how you would react if you were in this situation." The availability of this testing is just one more step in the continuous battle to find a cure of this ravenous disease and I for one am thankful that I had this option. Regretfully, my Mom did not.
To all those, who are battling this disease, my prayers are with you as fight to defeat it. To those who are facing the decision to be tested or are awaiting results, be strong and know that there are many who support you. And finally to those who have tested positive and chosen the path taken by myself, my cousin and Angelina Jolie, remain confident in your decision, because it is yours and yours alone.
Until next time, I have the Knowledge and in that Knowledge is Power.
God Bless,
Cat
Today's news that Angelina Jolie had decided to have double mastectomies after testing positive for the breast cancer gene, is the reason behind this blog. In 2001, I too made the decision to be tested for the breast cancer gene. In 1996, my first cousin, Cheryl, had pioneered the decision to pursue testing after being approached by her physician. Our family, has a very strong history of breast and ovarian cancer. Our maternal grandmother had breast cancer, Cheryl's Mom had breast cancer, our Aunt had ovarian cancer, and my Mother had breast cancer. In addition, there were several other family members who had other forms of cancer-melanoma, lymphoma, and cervical just to name a few. Her physician considered the prominence of this disease in our family good cause to seek testing. Cheryl, aware that this was at the beginning stages of this type of testing, began a four year process of researching the genetic screening. Through the advice of a genetic counselor and after reviewing numerous articles and literature on the testing, Cheryl had her blood drawn to determine if she had one of the two mutations associated with breast cancer. Regrettably, she was positive for the BRCA-2 mutation.
Let me try to explain what this means. In normal cells, BRCA1 and BRCA2 help ensure the stability of the cell's genetic material (DNA) and help prevent uncontrolled cell growth. A woman's lifetime risk of developing breast and/or ovarian cancer is greatly increased if she inherits a harmful mutation in BRCA1 or BRCA2 and that risk is increased if that woman has multiple, close family members who have been diagnosed with these diseases. A mutation in the BRCA1 may also increase a woman's risk of developing cervical, uterine, pancreatic and colon cancer. Mutations in BRCA2 may additionally increase the risk of pancreatic, stomach, gallbladder and bile duct cancer and melanoma. While the risks are greatly increased there is still the possibility that a woman with either mutation will never develop one of these cancers.
After receiving her positive result, Cheryl shared the information with the rest of the family, offering them the opportunity to choose whether or not to be tested. For myself, I knew immediately that I wanted to be tested. I didn't care about the stigma that may be attached to a positive result, I simply wanted to know. Cheryl had eloquently said about her decision to be tested, that "knowledge is power" and that became our family motto. I, along with my husband and three children had watched my mother suffer through chemotherapy and then ultimately a horrific and painful death from breast cancer. If I could spare them that heartache again, I would do what I needed to do.
In April, 2001, my husband and I sat with a genetic counselor at the University of Maryland and discussed the testing process, the implications of a positive result, and our overall feelings regarding the potential of a positive or negative result. My blood was drawn and we began the six week wait for the results. In my heart of hearts, I was certain that I was positive and I had convinced myself that I would be okay with that. I couldn't have been more wrong. As I sat in front of the counselor, who by this point had become personally connected to our family, my heart raced as she opened the result envelope. Suddenly, I felt a kick in the gut as with tears in her eyes, she read "positive for BRCA2". I turned and looked at my husband, and all resolve dissipated as reality struck. My mother once described her cancer as being like the game pac-man. She said she would close her eyes and envision these pac-man characters just eating away at her. Suddenly I understood what she meant. While I hadn't been told I had cancer, I felt as though those pac-men were just waiting to starting feeding. The fear was very real.
The next several weeks were spent conferring with my physicians discussing what my options were. I could choose to be monitored closely with mammography and physical breast exams. I could opt for Chemoprevention therapy, taking a synthetic drug to reduce the risk of developing cancer or I could elect to have prophylactic (preventative) surgeries such as mastectomies and/or oophorectomy (removal of the ovaries). For me and my family, the only decision I could make was the prophylactic surgeries. So, in September of 2001, I had a double mastectomy and the reconstruction process was begun. Three months later, in December, I had my ovaries removed. The surgeries were painful and recovery was long, yet I was somewhat relieved to know that I had diminished my chances for developing breast and ovarian cancer greatly.
The reminder of this gene is visible everyday as I dress each morning. The scarring from the surgeries is extensive and the physical effects from having my ovaries removed are on going. The fear isn't completely gone because there is always the chance that I could develop one of the other forms of cancer associated with this gene, but knowledge is power and because of this knowledge I am screened earlier for the other possibilities.
I was prompted to post this blog after reading various comments posted to articles related to Angelina Jolie's decision. Many called her a coward saying that real heroics would be in facing down cancer. Others stated that genetic testing was fraudulent, a scare tactic to make money and some said that this was only available because of her status as a Hollywood actress and wealth. These comments both saddened me and infuriated me. After my decision to have the preventive surgeries, I had a very hard time accepting when people would say that it was very courageous of me to do this. I looked at it as being cowardly, then my husband reminded me that my willingness to suffer through the effects of the surgeries to "get cancer before cancer got me" and spare my family was not only courageous but selfless. He further reminded me that taking a proactive approach to this was no different than someone having yearly physicals to prevent future health issues or dental cleanings to prevent losing your teeth. It may seem rather elementary when put in those terms but is true non-the-less. I'm sure if given the opportunity to choose between facing down cancer or being proactive, my mother would've chosen to be proactive. As for the "status" remarks, I can only reply by saying, I am not a Hollywood actress and I am not wealthy. I am a middle class wife, mother and grandmother.
The decision to be tested or not is personal and an individual decision. We have had family members who have been tested and some who have opted not to. For the ones who tested positive, some have had surgery and some have chosen other proactive measures. Regardless of their decisions, they were personal and whole heartedly supported by everyone who loves them.
To those who may have opinions about the decision to be tested and be proactive, I ask, "Please don't judge this very personal decision. You don't know how you would react if you were in this situation." The availability of this testing is just one more step in the continuous battle to find a cure of this ravenous disease and I for one am thankful that I had this option. Regretfully, my Mom did not.
To all those, who are battling this disease, my prayers are with you as fight to defeat it. To those who are facing the decision to be tested or are awaiting results, be strong and know that there are many who support you. And finally to those who have tested positive and chosen the path taken by myself, my cousin and Angelina Jolie, remain confident in your decision, because it is yours and yours alone.
Until next time, I have the Knowledge and in that Knowledge is Power.
God Bless,
Cat
Tuesday, March 19, 2013
Change is a Coming!
When I was eleven years old, my family visited Disney World. It was my parents, my five year old sister, my granny and myself. I was so excited to see the Magic Kingdom for the first time; to see the Disney characters; to ride the tea cups and most of all ride Space Mountain, a roller coaster in the dark! As we approached the line for Space Mountain, the warning sign spelled out who could not ride the coaster. That sign eliminated my Dad, my Mom, my Granny, and my sister in one swoop. I was devastated as suddenly my excitement was dashed. Fortunately, a man in line with his daughter, took pity on me and offered to let me go on with them and my parents relented. My excitement returned.
Unlike the roller coasters at Hershey Park or Kings Dominion, where you wind through what seems like an endless maze to get on, Space Mountain took you through various displays of what future earth may look like. It was a great way to keep you entertained as you waited your turn, but for me my excitement was slowly turning to uncertainty and fear of what was to come. When finally our turn came, fear quickly took over as I looked at the two car ride and realized that I would be sitting by myself. The man and his daughter climbed in the back car and terror hit as I climbed in the front seat. There was NO turning back now! The cart slowly traveled through various bright tunnels, but at the end of those tunnels, we plummetted into pure darkness. I don't remember if I screamed or even breathed through the ride but I do remember the exhiloration and fear as I wondered what was coming next as we sped through the darkness. When the ride stopped and we got off, my body was shaking with excitement! I had survived the unknown!!
I'm kind of feeling that same mix of emotion right now. Excitement of what is to come but some fear of the unknown. The difference is, this adventure is not about an amusement park ride, but is about bringing change to a community that is hurting. The control of this ride is not someone pushing buttons or flipping switches but is controlled by the Spirit of God flowing through the people who are called to go. This is a mission for God. Mark 16:15 Jesus tells us, "Go into the all the world and preach the good news to all creation." All the world, doesn't just mean missions to forgein countries but is as close as our own backyard. Edgewood, is my backyard and frontyard and this is where God is going to make tremendous change.
I had the pleasure of attending a meeting at my church home, Mountain Christian Church, where it was unveiled the plans for a new campus, right in the middle of Edgewood, opening in September of this year! I have lived in Edgewood, for almost 20 years. I've raised my family here and my grandchildren live here. Even prior to moving to Edgewood, I would visit family here every weekend and this is where I call home. That is why I am so excited about this campus. I've seen my community change over the years and in all honesty it hasn't been all good, but I believe that Edgewood is not the exception, but is meerly the community whose troubles are the focus of media and gossip. I will agree that the troubles that plague Edgewood are sometimes violent, but other areas of the county experience crime as well, they just don't make headlines. I look at this community like a child who has grown up never seeing the good in themselves. When all they hear is the bad, they figure, what's the point in trying anything different. It's time that the people of Edgewood, the children, the teens, the single parents, the struggling families, and the elderly, feel what real love is all about. That is what this new campus will bring to this community through the programs that will be offered and of course weekend worship.
This is not going to be an easy undertaking, yet nothing ever worth while is, but with the commitment of anyone who feels called to serve in Edgewood, tremendous leadership and the Spirit of God as the guide, I predict a new Edgewood. I must admit that my fear of this also has to do with some selfish hesitation. I have been a part of the Mountain Road campus since 1998. I have many, many dear friends that I consider family that I look forward to seeing every week at worship. Leaving to serve at the Edgewood campus, would mean leaving them behind. But I am reminded in Luke, what Jesus has to say about that. Luke 18:22, "Sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me." Luke 18:29 "I tell you the truth," Jesus said to them, "no one who has left home or wife or brother or parents or children for the sake of the kingdom of God will fail to receive many times as much in this age and, in the age to come, eternal life."
I have been praying over the past year for God to reveal to me what He wants me to do. He had appeared eerily quiet in answering that prayer, yet my heart kept turning to service in Edgewood but I didn't know how or when. Then, in His perfect timing, this campus was birthed; answer to my prayers. Some who read this may have been praying for the same kind of guidance or perhaps you haven't really thought about it until now, but what I encourage you to do is be specific in your prayer. Ask God if Edgewood is where you are needed; ask Him to reveal where you can serve and then ask Him to give you a willing heart to accept that calling. If this is not where you are called to go, then I ask that you continue to pray for this community and its people,for the leaders of the church and those who will be going; but mostly pray that God will be glorified in all of this.
I know this has been a long blog, but I couldn't contain my words and if you will indulge me for a few more moments, I would like to leave you with one more scripture that I believe is what we are called to do in Edgewood. Matthew 5:14-16 "You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead, they put it on a stand and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in Heaven."
Until next time, I have my hands in the air with excitement and this glorious ride begins. I hope you'll get in line and enjoy the ride!
God Bless,
Cat
Unlike the roller coasters at Hershey Park or Kings Dominion, where you wind through what seems like an endless maze to get on, Space Mountain took you through various displays of what future earth may look like. It was a great way to keep you entertained as you waited your turn, but for me my excitement was slowly turning to uncertainty and fear of what was to come. When finally our turn came, fear quickly took over as I looked at the two car ride and realized that I would be sitting by myself. The man and his daughter climbed in the back car and terror hit as I climbed in the front seat. There was NO turning back now! The cart slowly traveled through various bright tunnels, but at the end of those tunnels, we plummetted into pure darkness. I don't remember if I screamed or even breathed through the ride but I do remember the exhiloration and fear as I wondered what was coming next as we sped through the darkness. When the ride stopped and we got off, my body was shaking with excitement! I had survived the unknown!!
I'm kind of feeling that same mix of emotion right now. Excitement of what is to come but some fear of the unknown. The difference is, this adventure is not about an amusement park ride, but is about bringing change to a community that is hurting. The control of this ride is not someone pushing buttons or flipping switches but is controlled by the Spirit of God flowing through the people who are called to go. This is a mission for God. Mark 16:15 Jesus tells us, "Go into the all the world and preach the good news to all creation." All the world, doesn't just mean missions to forgein countries but is as close as our own backyard. Edgewood, is my backyard and frontyard and this is where God is going to make tremendous change.
I had the pleasure of attending a meeting at my church home, Mountain Christian Church, where it was unveiled the plans for a new campus, right in the middle of Edgewood, opening in September of this year! I have lived in Edgewood, for almost 20 years. I've raised my family here and my grandchildren live here. Even prior to moving to Edgewood, I would visit family here every weekend and this is where I call home. That is why I am so excited about this campus. I've seen my community change over the years and in all honesty it hasn't been all good, but I believe that Edgewood is not the exception, but is meerly the community whose troubles are the focus of media and gossip. I will agree that the troubles that plague Edgewood are sometimes violent, but other areas of the county experience crime as well, they just don't make headlines. I look at this community like a child who has grown up never seeing the good in themselves. When all they hear is the bad, they figure, what's the point in trying anything different. It's time that the people of Edgewood, the children, the teens, the single parents, the struggling families, and the elderly, feel what real love is all about. That is what this new campus will bring to this community through the programs that will be offered and of course weekend worship.
This is not going to be an easy undertaking, yet nothing ever worth while is, but with the commitment of anyone who feels called to serve in Edgewood, tremendous leadership and the Spirit of God as the guide, I predict a new Edgewood. I must admit that my fear of this also has to do with some selfish hesitation. I have been a part of the Mountain Road campus since 1998. I have many, many dear friends that I consider family that I look forward to seeing every week at worship. Leaving to serve at the Edgewood campus, would mean leaving them behind. But I am reminded in Luke, what Jesus has to say about that. Luke 18:22, "Sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven. Then come, follow me." Luke 18:29 "I tell you the truth," Jesus said to them, "no one who has left home or wife or brother or parents or children for the sake of the kingdom of God will fail to receive many times as much in this age and, in the age to come, eternal life."
I have been praying over the past year for God to reveal to me what He wants me to do. He had appeared eerily quiet in answering that prayer, yet my heart kept turning to service in Edgewood but I didn't know how or when. Then, in His perfect timing, this campus was birthed; answer to my prayers. Some who read this may have been praying for the same kind of guidance or perhaps you haven't really thought about it until now, but what I encourage you to do is be specific in your prayer. Ask God if Edgewood is where you are needed; ask Him to reveal where you can serve and then ask Him to give you a willing heart to accept that calling. If this is not where you are called to go, then I ask that you continue to pray for this community and its people,for the leaders of the church and those who will be going; but mostly pray that God will be glorified in all of this.
I know this has been a long blog, but I couldn't contain my words and if you will indulge me for a few more moments, I would like to leave you with one more scripture that I believe is what we are called to do in Edgewood. Matthew 5:14-16 "You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead, they put it on a stand and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in Heaven."
Until next time, I have my hands in the air with excitement and this glorious ride begins. I hope you'll get in line and enjoy the ride!
God Bless,
Cat
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