10 February 2009

The C Word



So what's the sassy little stilletto for?

The answer in part is that Mother, the one we affectionately refer to as our "Maternal Person", has breast cancer.


Breast cancer.


The C word.


Boy, that word just knocks the wind right out of you. What on earth are you supposed to do with a cancer diagnosis?! It's terrifying! What if this? And what if that?

FEAR! Fear is overwhelming and immobilizing! The Bible commands us over and over "Fear not!"


"Trust in the Lord with all your heart

and lean not upon your own understanding" Prov 3:5


I suppose that's why it's called a "leap of faith". You have to look across a yawning abyss of the unknown and what if's and jump over that menacing blackness to a place of trust and peace... That means it's not easy. It takes guts, and strength, and chutzpah to have faith. Didn't God tell us to believe in and pray for miracles? How can we learn to operate that way automatically unless we are tested with real live, scary, challenging, painful struggles that require us to have cajones enough to trust God to intervene? The C Word (cancer, not cajones) requires a leap of faith, faith in action, not being immobilized by fear, leaning into God's immeasurable strength and power, and relying upon His ever-sufficient grace.

Of course, that doesn't mean that you don't deal with fear at all. It means that when something rattles you all the way down to your core, you CHOOSE to trust in Jesus, place that issue into God's hands fully willing to submit to His Will no matter what it may be, and you choose to push fear away and say "NO!" to it.

It's one of the essencial challenges in the Christian walk... learning to "Fear Not!" and trust God through the really scary stuff.

Like cancer.

Now, Maternal Person, she's a rock. She's a Jesus-following-veteran who's learned to rest in God's Will. Scripture says, "Fear not" and so she does not! Really. She has not worrying about the "what if's" down cold. She's a brick. She's more worried about how everyone else is doing, Poppy and us kids and grands. See what a mean? A brick!

She's choosing faith, and rejoicing in what great things the Lord will do through this experience, and deciding to live through it with JOY! Shoot, I wish that was an ability that could be passed down genetically. Like a love of really rockin' shoes.

A few details: Her prognosis looks good since her lymph nodes appear to be clear. We'll know more after the MRI results come in. We're confident that she is going to be OK, but treatment will include lumpectomy and radiation, possibly mastectomy and chemo. No fun.

An added bonus is that she's spent the last 2 1/2 months in a wheelchair and then finally a walker because a couple of days before Thanksgiving she tripped and fell and broke her leg! For real... no sassy shoes for her in months and months... just a big cumbersome brace.

We were joking that she's going to have to walk into the hospital for boobie surgery leaning on a cane because of her broken leg! That's a real knee slapper, don't you think?! Oops, not a knee slapper for her, though... Ouch! It's a wonderful thing that our mama has a wicked sense of humor. She never lets the tough stuff get her down.

So, I know you're waiting for the second part of the answer to the question above. Well, you'd just have to know our mama to get how much she would loooove these kickin' pumps.



So, if the breast cancer pink ribbon shoe fits...


and for now you have to wear it...


it might as well be smokin' hot!




"God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.
Therefore
we will not fear,
though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,
though the waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging."
Ps 46:1-3
(italics mine)

16 comments:

Julie said...

I am so sorry. I thought it was scary when I had cancer, then someone I love was diagnosed. That's when I really learned what scary meant. My heart goes our to you Laurie. If your mom is anything like you, I am sure she will kick cancer's ass. Thinking of all of you.

Anonymous said...

Hi Laurie!

Read your blog...I will be praying for a miracle.

If you need anything (i.e. a baby sitter, meals, help in general) while your mama is going through this please don't hesitate to ask.

Love to you, Jaclyn Yorkey

Nicholas said...

I just know in my heart that she will slap chop this evil cancer to it's death. And you are like her! You don't see that? You're crazy.

She's so lucky to have the support and love of such an amazing family, and that's why she's being a rock. It's like someone walking on a tightrope and not being afraid because if, and only if they do fall and things look ugly, there is a safety net. And her net is her family. And she is at peace with knowing you're all there to hold her hand, if need be. And to catch her, if need be.

Love and hugs to your whole family. I hope the kiddos are feeling better now too.

Prayers from NH - xoxo Lor

The Redman's said...

Praying for your sweet Momma! Those McClure women seem to be strong, sassy(in a fabulous way!!), Jesus lovin', beautiful women! Cancer doesn't stand a chance!!!

Loves to you all!!

emily said...

You know we love to pray for miracles here- I can't wait to see HIm shine through your beautiful mother- showing His glory to the world as she lives many, many more years to proclaim His good works.

Can't wait to see you- we are on a count down here. :)

HoodMama said...

Oh how loved she is! I'm praying for your sweet sassy momma and for you, her baby girl. He is mighty to save, indeed.

Jana said...

This is hard, my Mom had the same diagnosis and similar level and she's great a year later. Prayers headed your way and for your Mom.

Elizabeth Lyons said...

I'm so sorry to hear this news. What a great post you wrote, however. I've never met your Maternal Person (obviously) but I feel as though I know her a bit after reading this. I'll be keeping you all in my prayers and hoping for a speedy, uneventful recovery. Also hoping for a photo of her looking whopping cool wearing those shoes one day soon after she kicks cancer in its butt with one of them!

Liz

Anonymous said...

I'm so glad they caught her cancer early. And that she has so much faith and zest to fight. I'm sure its scary. And a yuckie thought about having the 'c' word and 'c' treatments. I'll be praying that your mom & dad are clinging to Scripture and mentally strong in this fight!

Anonymous said...

Prayed for your mom's healing, influence, and platform tonight. May she continue to be a testimony of God's grace.

Anonymous said...

Hey Laurz~
We are praying for your mama, you, and the rest of the family. I know that Jesus will be holding your mama's hand throughout the battle, and somehow I see you and your sister wearing those heels and marching into battle with her, too.
Love to you!
Tricia

Tish said...

oh, laurie, my deepest sympathies on the diagnosis for your mama. but i KNOW that God WILL be glorified by and through your whole family during this time. i will pray for your sweet "maternal person!"

Anonymous said...

Good word Laurie. You know we're praying - I laughed when I saw those shoes - your Mom would look awesome in them. She will inspire us all I am sure - Love you, Donna

Shelly Roberts said...

PRAYING for you and your momma!! God will bring beauty from ashes for sure. Love ya, Shelly

ErinOrtlund said...

Jani just told us about this, Laurie. We stand with you all in prayer! Please keep us updated.

FHL said...

Laurie, your mother is going to be on my prayer list. She sounds like an amazing woman, one that we can all learn a many little somethings from! Keep us posted on how she's doing.