I love the book of Nehemiah. It is one of my favorites. Nehemiah is a man who is heartbroken about the state of Israel's city and walls. When he cries out to God about this, God basically says, "Batter up." So Nehemiah takes on the huge task of rebuilding the walls of the city, and he finds that he is not alone. There are many Israelites ready and willing to do whatever it takes to complete this task, but they encounter much opposition. So much so, that they "did their work with one hand and held a weapon in the other and each of the builders wore his sword at his side as he worked" (Nehemiah 4:17-18). He says that half of the people did the work while the other half were equipped with spears, shields, bows and armor. Nehemiah tells the people, "Don't be afraid of them. Remember the Lord, who is great and awesome, and fight for your brothers, your sons and your daughters, your wives and your homes" (Neh. 4:14).
I love the visual of this passage. It is very much like a picture God put in my head a few weeks ago (I hope to paint it sometime so my eyes can see it too). As I struggled desperately one day, a dear friend told me, "Fear not, you and your family are surrounded by prayer warriors that are in full combat gear doing battle to protect you all. Occasionally, a demon of fear will get through, but remember we are here." All of these words and pictures come together in my mind. And I am reminded that if you want to win a battle, you don't fight alone. Last week, Katie and I went to a specialty store to consider options as her hair begins to let go. It was more than a little difficult for a 13 year old girl and her momma. As she repeatedly said the words, "I can't do this." I found myself repeating a variation of all of the above sentiments: "Katie, we have to do this. But you don't have to do this alone. I will do whatever it takes to make this easier for you, to fight this with you." So now my hair is shorter than it has ever been, and we are acquiring hats and beanies to wear together. Because, just like Nehemiah said, our God is great and awesome, but there is opposition and we are going to have to fight together. In the past several days, the fighting has let up. Katie has been recovering this week and feeling well. Her counts are good and her attitude is great. She is so herself (what a joy)! I feel like I have had a chance to lift my head and look around at those who are fighting for and with us. And can I just say that you are a beautiful bunch of warriors?! I stopped in to see some colleagues (I haven't been to work in over a month) and former colleagues, and they just wrapped me in hugs and encouragement. Some incredible friends have put together a 5K run/walk (affectionately called the 5Katie) in her honor and benefit. Another family who loves Katie dropped off a hat box full of hats they had collected. My sisters, sisters-in-law and some of Katie's friends have all cut their hair (some very short) to match their battle gear. As we start into round 2 tomorrow morning, I am grateful for the reminder that Katie is not fighting alone and we are not fighting alone. Please be in prayer for the week ahead. She has several days of infusions which means side effects, boredom, traveling, yuckiness, counts dropping, and kid juggling. Meals and childcare are covered for the week - thank you. Blessings, Sarah
9 Comments
Shelley Coleman
11/27/2016 09:50:05 am
Love this! Love the part where you come alongside Katie and help her with the thing she "can't do". Ugh....what a hard place for a momma to be! What a picture of Jesus. Love you guys.
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Miranda Young
11/27/2016 09:54:07 am
Many prayers for the week ahead! You are all continually in my thoughts and prayers!
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Erica Hamilton
11/27/2016 12:14:56 pm
Contined Prayers for your sweet family and Katie. What an awesome family and momma she has. Prayers for strength and comfort!
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Brenda Cobb
11/27/2016 12:33:34 pm
You are all so inspiring. Love to Katie. Praying for the coming days. May you have strength and courage as you win this battle.
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Tonya cooper
11/27/2016 01:40:21 pm
Praying for y'all ❤️❤️
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Von francisco
11/27/2016 01:44:23 pm
Prayers and love going up every day for your family.
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Krista
11/27/2016 03:08:12 pm
Praying for your family. We have a awesome God that can move mountains. Believing in complete healing. HE has made the blind to see and the deaf to hear. Praying for you momma to continue to be strong for your sweet child..Praying for Katie to have no fear for she is a child of GOD🙏❤️
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Becky Shamblin
11/27/2016 06:36:44 pm
Love this! It makes me emotional seeing the love of God that has surrounded you all! What a blessing I receive reading your posts and a testimony to Jesus! Praying.
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Jennifer Nunley
11/27/2016 10:47:29 pm
Love you Sarah and praying for all of you daily. Oh how God is using you... what a blessing.
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