This will be long and I apologize for that. But the Lord has laid this on my heart to share…so I will be obedient.
There is a saying that many of us have heard often and it is that it takes a village to raise a child. I’ve also heard that it takes a village for everyone to get through this life…but after this past week…I don’t agree with that statement.
I looked forward to the plans for our evening, because we were getting together with our small group from church. Twice a month we meet and enjoy dinner together, then study God’s Word and end by spending time in praise and prayer. We were eating a fabulous meal accompanied by wonderful conversation this past week…when I felt my phone buzz. I checked it and saw that I had a new message in my medical portal. I debated for a second as to whether I should check it or leave it until the evening was over, but as they say, curiosity kills the cat and I had to find out what new information was waiting for me.
I clicked into my account and began reading the message from my pulmonologist. I read it once and then read it again…because I was not prepared for what I was being told. I then looked at my husband who happened to be sitting across the table from me, and I’m guessing I had a “deer in the headlight” look. He knows me well and of course immediately knew something was up. He asked me what was wrong and I wasn’t even sure I could find the words to say.
Of course, at this point, the entire small group was looking at me, and everyone was wondering what was going on. I proceeded to explain that I had just gotten a message from my pulmonologist and it wasn’t what I was expecting. As some of you know, I’ve been dealing with pulmonary issues now for 21 months. It started with bronchitis and I’ve had double pneumonia and then was diagnosed with MRSA in both lungs. No one has ever been able to figure out how in the world I developed MRSA…but then again…no one has ever been able to figure me out…period.
They finally told me that I have focal bronchiectasis in my right lung…which complicates the situation. I am currently on a new medicine that just became available the day after I was diagnosed with this, and it costs over $7,700 a month. Thankfully, I qualified for assistance from the Patient Assistant Fund, and they are picking up the cost for me. I am so blessed.
I have lived on antibiotics most of the 21 months, because every time I have gone off them…the infection flares. I have lost count at the number of doctors I have seen, with each doctor finally telling me that I am a “special” patient and trust me…they don’t mean that in a good way. My body just doesn’t react like anyone else, and they have not been able to figure out what to do to get me well.
They did finally discover that all eight of my sinuses were also filled with infection, so in January I had surgery to clean them all out and it was discovered that I have MRSA in those too. The surgery was considered a success, and the first two follow-up appointments were encouraging. But by the third follow-up appointment, I knew before ever walking in the door that the infection had returned. I had also ended my antibiotic, hoping that I wouldn’t need it again. But instead, not only had infection returned in my sinuses, but my lungs had flared up big time…telling us that there are still major issues that need to be dealt with.
Enter the message from my pulmonologist. I had messaged him that morning to let him know that my infection had returned and that my lungs were once again not doing well. I fully expected him to say that he was referring me to Cleveland Clinic, because we had had that conversation at an earlier appointment. Instead, he told me that he was afraid my options were very limited, and his recommendation was for me to see a Cardiothoracic surgeon and have the right lobe of my lung removed. To say I felt broadsided with this news…is an understatement.
Our small group was amazing. They let me talk and try to sort out my feelings. They commiserated with me…which was greatly needed. I didn’t need them to just say, “Oh well, you know God is in control and He will see you through”. Yes, that is true…but at that moment…I needed them to empathize with me. I needed them to try and feel what I was feeling…and they did just that.
We ended the meal and went through our time of study. I then began leading our praise and prayer time and asked what they had to share and one of the members stood up, took her chair, put it in the middle of us and said, “First of all…LuAnn get in the chair. I’m following the Holy Spirit’s direction…and we are going to pray for you.” I sat down in the provided chair and our small group gathered around me, laid hands on me and began to pray. Person after person lifted me up to God’s Throne. They went to battle for me…asking God to work in a powerful way. They asked for strength, for peace, for healing, for wisdom, for direction. They asked God to meet me where I was and lead me to where He wanted me. As they prayed, I felt peace fill my soul. I felt surrender fill my emotions. I felt the presence of my Heavenly Father who created me and knows every cell of my body. It was so powerful.
The next day, I had some family and friends who I knew I needed to update with this information. They told me they would pray. One dear friend asked me if she could share my need with some of her friends who I don’t even know and by the end of the day, she told me I had been added to four prayer chains from groups where I know absolutely no one. I felt SO humbled and blessed.
I’m here to tell you that after this past week, I’m convinced we don’t need a village. What we need is an army. We need an army of people who are willing to storm the gates of heaven with our requests. We need an army of people who will listen when we need to process…love us when we feel desperation…surround us in prayer when we need to feel their touch on our shoulders.
The dictionary says that an army is a “large organized body of armed personnel trained for war; a body of persons organized to advance a cause.” We are living in a dark world which is filled with people who are hurting. They are hurting physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually and what they need is an army of people who are willing to surround them. People who are willing to go above and beyond what is expected to make sure the person knows they are loved and being lifted up to God’s Throne. People who are willing to arm themselves with the armor of God…ready and willing to get in the middle of the “war” that people are going through. You and I need an army.
I have no idea what is ahead on my journey. At this point, I have another CT scan scheduled to see what the current status is of my lungs. Then, we are in the process of getting an appointment with the Cardiothoracic surgeon to see what his opinion is of my options.
What I do know is that I am so blessed to have an army to walk this journey with me. But I realize that many people aren’t as fortunate as I am. If you are one who doesn’t have an army…I would encourage you to surround yourself with Christian brothers and sisters who will go to battle for you. I know there are Christians who believe you don’t need to be a part of a local church…but I disagree. We need that fellowship. We need that support. We need that army of people who won’t run away when the going gets tough.
Because of this revelation this past week, I am currently working on something that will hopefully be of help to those who don’t know where to start. For those who need an army and for those who are willing to be an army for people they may not even know. Time is of the essence my friends, the battle is on and we all need to be willing to pick up God’s armor and go to war with those who are in need.
Stay tuned…but while you wait…be the army for someone this week.
“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the
strength of his might.”
Ephesians 6:10
“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another.”
Hebrews 10:24-25
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