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A Verse to Memorize from Lorrain

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Women Living Well Blog: A Verse to Memorize from Lorrain

Women Living Well Blog

Monday, January 12, 2009

A Verse to Memorize from Lorrain

Last night I sat in a room with over 100 women from my church and listened to Lorrain tell her story of living with inoperable cancer. When I see Lorrain in the hallway - she is always smiling - and she opened by saying - "I've been asked to share how I am able to have joy and smile in the midst of my trial and my answer is God - but I think you all want to hear more than that." - and we laughed!


About 7 years ago Lorrain battled breast cancer and won. Last year when she went in for a routine exam, she requested a chest exam where they found lung cancer. Lung cancer is rarely curable. So for the past year she has battled this mean monster. She has lost her hair - and as you can see in the picture it is back! But after chemo and radiation - this nasty cancer stuck around. She is now on a daily pill (just released in 2008) that keeps the cancer in a form of remission - but no one knows how long it will be effective. One side effect for her, is a rash that burns on her face. Lorrain has suffered a lot of blows to her vanity - and she shared how, even after losing her breasts and hair, this rash on her face has brought her to tears.


And then she said something that made me pick up my pen --she said - "I have a verse that all of you should memorize. This verse has comforted me." I heard paper rattle, pens click and I was hanging on every word and ready to hear -- what verse does someone turn to in a time such as this? Then she said it - "memorize John 11:35 " and she paused. I thought hmmmmm... John 11:35 - it's not ringing a bell - I've memorized a lot of verses but this one is not coming to me. "Jesus wept." she said.


That is not what I expected her to share - and the impact of that one line will stay with me forever. The shortest verse in the Bible "Jesus wept." has never really "spoken" to me before and now it has a loud voice. Yes, even Jesus wept. It's okay to cry. I try not to cry in life - it makes me feel weak. I am always embarrassed after I've cried. But "Jesus wept."


Then Lorrain said: "Someday we will look back at the dirty little speck we called earth and wonder why we ever asked for more time. But for now it's all we know.


"Life is a vapor."

Yes, Life is a vapor - and life really is a bowl of cherries - sometimes it's sweet and sometimes it's the pits. But Lamentations 3:22 and 23 say "Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness." If you too are in the midst of a trial - go ahead and cry, "Jesus wept."

Walk with the King.

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8 Comments:

Anonymous Anonymous said...

Thanks for posting this--I wasn't able to make it last night .(

And LOVE the new layout! Rock on girl

January 12, 2009 at 7:36 AM  
Blogger Courtney (Women Living Well) said...

I wanted to write something about my blogspot makeover - but sharing about Lorrain seemed MUCH more important! Hearing her speak reminds me of what REALLY matters in life! Truly inspiring!

January 12, 2009 at 7:44 AM  
Blogger Kelly L said...

Wow-I wish I could have been there too. Just reading it gave me goosebumps! How inspiring and encouraging!

January 12, 2009 at 8:05 AM  
Blogger Lindsey said...

Wow. I was having a "poor me stuck all by myself in Panama" pity party sort of morning. But now I am convicted, humbled and so thankful to my precious Savior for each blessing and for this story. I need to go talk to Jesus...

January 12, 2009 at 4:56 PM  
Blogger Courtney (Women Living Well) said...

Lindsey - my heart goes out to you - it's not easy on the mission field - the sacrifices are HUGE and I know that the trials have to be more frequent!

Hold tightly to Christ - I was just reading in Matthew 14 about when Peter walked on the water - as long as he faced Christ he was able to walk on the water also - but the minute he took his eyes off of Jesus and looked at the winds he started to sink. But when he said "Save me" it says Jesus immediately went to him.

Keep your eyes on Jesus and you won't sink - but if you do - call out to Jesus - immediately he will be at your side to rescue you! He loves you!

Press on!
Courtney

January 12, 2009 at 5:19 PM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Thanks so much for posting this! It is the first time I've been on your outstanding site and I'm a fan already! I'll definately be visiting often for a daily dose of inspiration, Courtney. Today, this inspiration came through Lorrain, thanks to you! I can't voice how needed this was in my life right now. Thank you, God bless.

January 17, 2009 at 10:20 PM  
Blogger Courtney (Women Living Well) said...

Darlene - so glad you found the site! And I'm glad you were encouraged from Lorrain's life. She is a warrior and an example to us to press on even when we feel weary!

Press on!
Courtney

January 17, 2009 at 10:34 PM  
Blogger Lisa said...

I am so glad that i found this site. Lorrain has touched so many people. I know several years ago when she was first battling breast cancer she inspired me. With her strenghth and courage. God has really used her. Her faith in God is so awesome. The courage that God has given her. I know i always have said I want to be able to be like Lorrain. Trusting and having so much faith and courage in God. You are always in my thoughts and Prayers Lorrain.

January 31, 2009 at 10:33 AM  

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