A Mighty Woman of God

As our family and us have been going through this crazy adventure together there have been so many lessons learned that writing them all down would more than likely be impossible. As a matter of fact just hitting on the high points tends to be a bit more challenging than I thought for with so much going on picking a topic is somewhat like reaching into a grab bag. You just stick your hand in not really knowing what is there, grab something, and pull it out. One of the greatests concerns for me is that we would ever forget a single one of these lessons. After all if based simply upon the emotional cost these are extrememly valuable by every count. That in itself is truly one of the greatest of lessons to be remembered, that we never forget nor neglect the value of what we learn every day. that we seek to gain and retain a greater understanding of our God, our relationships, and so much more. The most important for me being the pursuit of God. You see by understanding Him and seeking to follow Him we become the very essence of who He desires us to be. And since there is no evil in God, and since our God is one of love and peace we too will be people without evil desires, people of joy, people of peace.
Does this attitude make sense to the world, absolutely not! You see to the world we appear to be foolish, weak, and almost sheepish, often seen as too meek and mild, allowing others to take advantage of us. Isn't it a little strange that the very essence of love and compassion, the utter lack of selfishness can be seen as a weakness? Don't get me wrong there is a place where love has nothing to do with being railroaded, however always looking at the larger picture is of far more benefit than loss.
Dawn and I have accepted the fact that we are in this trial for a reason much larger than we are, and hence we face a choice: go through it angry and bitter, or accept it for what it is and seek to grow and learn from it. Yes we have without hesitation or reservation chosen the latter. You see to do otherwise would be contrary to all we are and what we have espoused to be for over thirty years, hence the simplicity of the decision. Yet again nothing could be more contrary in the eyes of the world, the world (our flesh) you see wants to blame someone, it says if I am in pain others must be in pain as well. If I am hurting others must hurt, if I am angry someone must hear it, if I feel that I have been taken advantage of then I must seek retribution, if you have done me wrong I must seek revenge, and so on. The flesh seeks to be known, either good or bad it just desires to be known, however for people of God we would rather not be known than to be known contrary to Him.
The nurses of the oncology ward at Mercy were somewhat sad to see Dawn leave yesterday. You see she had made an impact on them, she had touched them, in a good way. Because of Dawn's attitude and joy in the midst of such a great trial she was able to share her entire story with one of the nurses, who of course left in tears. She was touched, blessed by a woman she didn't know, impacted eternaly by the peace from within Dawn. Another nurse voted her the worlds best patient, a rather dubious award without fanfare or fame, at least none that we could see. Yet somehow I believe that it pleased the Lord, that Dawn's actions, her response in the face of such chaos, pain, and hopelessness, made a difference in these lives. You see this is why there are so many praying for this lovely woman, because she has made a difference, and not by yelling or crying out to get her way or to be in comfort at the expense of others. No because she has always esteemed others higher than herself, because love is not just a word it is an action, a lifestyle, it is who she is, a Mighty Woman of God on that I am sure you will agree.
Dawn is home and resting, good moments are followed by those not so good, however she does look as beautiful as ever!
Gene