Wednesday, April 20, 2011

Changed

I've been reading Melissa's journal that she kept in the Fall of 2002, when she was first diagnosed with cancer.  The night she learned of her disease, she came home and cried to God.  The Lord came to her in a brilliant light through her window in the middle of the night.  There was  a peace that came over her, and never left her.  In her journal, she repeatedly writes about acquaintances remarking about her peace and her friends seeing her so changed.  Yet, she doesn't feel changed. She's just going about her business being Melissa, but feeling incredibly loved by God in a way that just astounds her!  In the Fall of 2002, after major abdominal surgery and 3 months into horrific chemotherapy that stripped her of even her eyelashes and eyebrows, Melissa states "I'm the happiest I've ever been!"  This statement from a popular party girl in High School, who always got attention for her stunning looks and quick wit.  Despite the suffering of her treatment, - she did suffer - God's love for her surpassed the worse pain and changed her for the better without her even realizing it.  God's love is really remarkable. Melissa also writes about how all relationships need time and effort, and our relationship with God is no different.  So that's the key. Stay prayerful. Fill our minds with God's words. And keep looking up-- to the source of Melissa's joy, her Lord.  Happy Easter.