Have you ever run a marathon? My husband and daughter ran a 5K once; they
completed it in 45 minutes.
Unfortunately, I had to miss out on the fun. The toilets really needed cleaning. It was very impressive to hear their story
about perseverance and pacing to finish the race, albeit even though they did
not finish at any record time. “That’s
really awesome!” I proclaimed in pride at their accomplishment.
“Not
really,” Sydni replied. “The winner
finished in 20 minutes while pushing a double stroller with two babies inside.” At least she was honest.
Life
has marathons much like the literal events.
To win we need to persevere, pace ourselves, and do all we can to
prepare our bodies and minds for the race.
My sweet friend, Melissa, and her husband, Fletcher, are running one of
those marathons right now. In fact, they
are symbolically running the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure; Melissa (Mouse) and Fletcher are forging
their way through the marathon of chemotherapy after she had a malignant tumor
removed a few months ago.
I’m
amazed at the perseverance of these two people.
At the onset of the diagnosis, both turned their incomprehensible faith
on full force as a model for the rest of us in accepting the results of the
biopsy. Immediately, they began pacing
their lives for the reality of what was to come. Now, in the midst of this marathon, they
battle every couple weeks the tortures of the chemo. Just as a marathon has those moments of
struggle where the runner is unsure of completion, so too is the race Melissa
and Fletcher are enduring. Yet through
it all, they post comments such as their “Daily Thankfuls” and updates that
always include a reference to how good God is to help them through this
incredibly difficult time.
Recently,
Fletcher wrote, “I'm really very fortunate. Even in the
midst of all her suffering, my best friend, Melissa, still consciously takes
the time to think about, & demonstrate her love for me. To be valued is one
of our fundamental, primary needs as people. Everywhere I look I see people
declaring Mouse & I are valuable by their presence, thoughts, donations,
helps, phone calls & emails. It's a good day.” Their Facebook pages are deluged with prayers
and blessings from family, friends, and now even strangers.
As
a bystander, I’m truly amazed at the outpouring on this young couple. God is in charge of this, no matter what the
outcome. To see His love radiate through
the beautiful photos of Mouse and Fletcher as they struggle on with this
marathon, to read the prayers from loved ones, to see the posts of
encouragement and joy at the smallest miracles along the way … all of these and
so much more are the miracles we often overlook in such a heartbreaking time. I’ve found myself begging God to bring the
miracle of healing to Melissa, and I truly believe He can do this. Lately, though, I’ve struggled with this
question: “Do I really believe He WILL
do this for them?” I think this might be
the greatest leap of faith we all encounter, yet never really understand. I know God can do anything He wants. I just don’t understand why He doesn’t always
do it the way I think He should.
Therefore, I struggle with faith that He WILL answer the prayers we pour out on Him.
Thankfully,
we serve a God who is gracious beyond our human understanding. He does answer prayer. And, I know without a doubt that He will be
with Melissa and Fletcher through this entire ordeal, no matter what the
outcome. I want so badly to say I truly
believe with all my heart that He WILL heal her completely. I’m working through that one every day in
prayer for them and my own faith. Their
faith is actually teaching me how to be stronger in my own walk with God. I do not want my friends to suffer one more
moment, but I am so grateful that God is using all of this for His Glory in
their lives and in the lives of all who love and support them.
Their
lives are put on hold for now with finances totally drained in medical bills,
emotions numbed by simple survival instinct, and physical needs beyond anything
most of us will ever realize. Yet,
through it all, these two people spread joy in hope for what’s coming, for each
new day, and for the relief in a moment without pain. With their permission, I’m sharing this Facebook
link so you might be blessed, as am I, by their abiding faith throughout this
marathon: https://www.facebook.com/fletch.whipp
Dear
Melissa and Fletcher, May God continue to bless you and keep you in His amazing
and abiding peace just as He has all your lives. Thank you for sharing His joy with us through
your faith and joy in spite of this marathon.
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