Sunday, February 20, 2011

Wonderful church service

Today I was annointed with oil and had hands layed on me and was prayed over at Living Springs Community Church.  Then I spoke to the congregation.  I started crying but my message was heard and received I believe with love and understanding.  Here is what I said..
I am up here today to personally thank each and every one of you for the caring and love that you have shown me and my family these past weeks.
As some of you know, I have been diagnosed with Stage 3 breast cancer.  I had a mastectomy and lymph node dissection last Friday and cancer was found in 10 of 19 lymph nodes.  I will now be getting chemotherapy and radiation.
During the last two weeks, my family has been blessed with an abundance of home cooked meals and food.  We have enjoyed dishes such as macaroni and cheese, lasagna, potatoes and beef, chicken noodle soup, roasted chicken and even country breakfast pie!  We are so grateful for everything our church has done for us.
I truly know now what being a Christian means.  I have met people before who call themselves Christians but would not raise a hand to help someone in need.  Before me I see true Christians.  I see people who live with Christ in their hearts.
I don't have anything to give back to you except my thanks and my time to work for the church but I do want to tell you this.
Ladies.. please don't put off your mammograms or other yearly tests.  I went a whole year after discovering my lump until I was diagnosed.  Don't take NO for an answer if you feel something is wrong.  Keep going back until you are satisfied.  A Doctor told me nothing was wrong and I lost nearly 9 months of possible treatment.
Men.. yes you Men!  You are probably thinking what does this have to do with me?  There are tests that you need to get done too!  Don't skip it because it is embarrassing or you feel fine.. my father had prostate cancer and luckily it was caught early enough and he was cured!  Don't put off your exams either.  No one needs to die of Embarrassment!
Lastly, I want to thank "Don't call me Pastor" Kurt Brown and his wife Sharon for organizing the meals for our family.  I feel so blessed to be part of this church family and I want you to know that each and every one of you are special and are here at this church for a reason.  You might not know what it is, but God does.  
Thank you again and God bless you!



2 comments:

  1. Sounds like a great church Linda.
    Helen

    ReplyDelete
  2. I'm so glad you have a good church to help and support you. xx

    ReplyDelete