What's going on with me!

It’s been a long time since my last blog entry. A lot has been going on in my personal life. Physically, I am doing better. All four of my current doctors have encouraged me to get back to whatever possible normal activities, including preaching. I just have to “know my body” and rest when needed. To help with headaches, my doctor gave me a few tips on what to do before I speak. Yes, I still get headaches. I’m looking forward to the day when I am completely healed from them. I’m scheduled to have another MRI done in June. I still have a “tumor sheet” that must be monitored. Because my concentration and memory has gotten better, I have returned as the Director of the Soul Care Counseling Ministry of my church. I’ll be back on the road, with my faithful husband/driver, ministering in conference this week. I’ve been attending church worship service sporadically, but more frequently.  

 

The Sunroof!

My facial muscles, seems to be regressing, therefore I’ve started my speech therapy exercises again. My hair is slowly growing back. The “sunroof” on top of my head is slowly filling in, except in the area of the “parting of the Red Sea” incision. Check out the picture. I’m not feeling this natural hair. My preference is the creamy crack! I’m addicted. Unfortunately, it will be a long time before I can put products in my hair, so we shall see if this natural hair grows on me. And when did I get all of this grey????? I thought I was a blonde! Blame it on the tumor! LOL! I AM NOT MY HAIR--- just wish I didn't have this jacked-up do! LOL!

 

In the upcoming days I will share some of the past pics and thoughts from my journey. I hadn’t posted it because during this recovery time I was having great difficulty writing and staying focused, As I look back on some of the stuff I did I can’t help but laugh at my silliness and praise God for bringing me thus far!

What Not to Say

Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone.”  - Colossians 4:6

I was inspired to write the following after reading an article in “Psychology Today.” My illness has made me the recipient of potentially harmful advice from well intended people. I thank God that I love to read and mediated on the pages of God’s Word, therefore, I am at a place where I know what to receive and what to disregard.  Christians are called to serve others. We must be helpers and not hurters to those who seek our help. Consider the following:

What Not to Say to Someone Who is Suffering or Hurting

“I know how you feel.” – You may have been through a similar situation, but you cannot get into the mind of the person you are helping. We all process pain differently. You don’t know how another person feel emotional, physically, or spiritually.

“You are not going to die. You will be okay.” – Dying is not a bad thing. The Bible says to die is gain. Victory can come through death. Don’t offer false hope for the sake of encouragement. You don’t know how God will work in someone’s life. Don’t suggest you have fate all figured out.

“If you need anything give me a call.” Most of us have probably been guilty of saying this someone in need. The statement is vague and places the burden of effort on an already burdened person. Instead, be specific. Ask questions like 1) When can I bring over a meal? 2) When can I come over to clean the house? 3) What items do you need that I can purchase to help with your life?

 
“You Know Your (insert family member) Loves You.” – Don’t project your healthy family experience onto others. There are adults who are products of abusive and unloving parents. This statement could be enraging.