The Bravest Woman I Know

"Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid: for the Lord Jehovah is my strength and my song; he is also become my salvation." -- Isaiah 12:2

I have always felt a little...oh, who am I kidding?...waaay more than a little sorry for myself since we moved to Florida. So far away from family and friends, I envied Dennis being able to get out and actually see and talk to people. Because I am back in TN every summer and for various holidays, it hasn't been possible to become really involved in the Church we attend, so I really haven't made even casual acquaintences there. I began praying for God to send me a friend, just someone I could visit, and talk to, pray with, even if just once in a while.

Turns out, right across the street, lived Rita Stevens, a tiny woman with a huge smile, who had been praying virtually the same thing. Rita and I would see each other at the mailboxes, or while out fooling with the lawn and plants, but never really connected until one day when I mentioned how much I loved her hair style. She laughed, told me it was a wig, and that she would let me borrow it. It was then she began to share with me her fight with cancer.

Rita and I began walking around the neighborhood in the mornings, and there are times I visit just to talk. We have a lot in common. Both of us grew up poor, in large families; we both like antique stores, sewing, and our coffee black. We have husbands whose careers have left us alone quite a bit, and we love to talk about our children and grandchildren. In our time together, I have learned how long and hard her fight against her cancer has been. Not that she complains...ever. Her faith, strong and sure, is the most remarkable I have seen. In our prayers together, I'm the one bursting into tears. She does not talk about the pain, but about the God whose healing touch eases it. She doesn't complain about the weekly visits to the oncologist, but praises the Lord for being able to reach out to others in treatment. The doctors and nurses are amazed at her attitude and confidence in Him, and her willingness to help strengthen and encourage others even as she fights the battle herself.

Rita just called me, laughing her infectious laugh, wondering how my Mom is, and how I am; then finally got around to telling me the Doctor has found new tumors in her shoulder. She knew I would be upset; by the end of the call, she was reassuring me. "God has this all in His Hands, and I don't want you to worry," she said.

I thank the Lord that He has brought this precious woman into my life. I have found a friend, a walking buddy, and a prayer partner. She is, without a doubt, the bravest woman I have ever known. Those of you who read this, please keep Rita in your prayers. As she puts it, "I know God is a healing God; but whatever happens, I am in His Hands."

"Many things about tomorrow I don't seem to understand;
But I know who hold tomorrow, and I know Who holds my hand"

Thank You, Lord...and thank you, Rita.