Tiny, Huge Things
It can be hard to find the good after having a week like ours. The last three times we went to the hospital, they gave us a cute baby to take home. This time, they gave us stage four cancer. Here are few tiny things that have happened the past year that now seem HUGE, reminding us God has a plan and knew our story a long time ago.
Six months ago, Simon received a promotion at work. His prior position had been working on the train where he would travel two to eight days at a time. It was a very physical job where he would sometimes be on his feet for 21 hours a day. On a busy month, he would be home just eight days total. He said his coworkers and regular passengers kept him sane during those times. A Trainer Position was posted late last year – the candidate would train new employees in the classroom, have an office, and travel just a few times a year. It was a long shot since others with more experience applied, but he was awarded the role. While we were just hoping for more money, God knew Simon needed something easier on his body and more time with family. Even this past week, Simon was able to go in and work a few hours. He has a manager that cares about him and wants to help anyway he can.
Two months ago, I had my annual review at work. My job is the front and back office at a Breast Health Center at the main hospital in town. It has been a learning curve the past eight years as I had no medical experience and learned to refine my customer service skills in an environment as sensitive as healthcare. At this recent review, my managers were pleased because they felt I had mastered many of the aspects to successfully help our patients from a clerical standpoint because being diagnosed with cancer can be a complex process. Those skills were invaluable this week as we navigated through a sea of paperwork, referrals, reports, and phone calls. We had to pick up medical records from three different areas of the hospital and I knew staff at every stop. I can’t even think of a word to express how supportive my coworkers have been. The closest word I can think of is family.
A month ago, I was standing in line at the hospital cafe with a hankering for a latte. A doctor I didn’t recognize was behind me, so being an extrovert, I introduced myself. He was the new oncologist with our organization. The Breast Center works closely with the Oncology department and we exchanged pleasantries. You can probably guess where this is going – he happened to be assigned to Simon’s case.
A day ago, we got Simon’s first medical bill. It was equivalent to one month of his salary and that’s WITH good insurance! But did we have to specifically ask anyone for money? Nope. Donations made only by the prompts of people’s hearts have come in. Enough to cover it, not enough to make us think we can do this without God.
A minute ago, I was checking email and got a message I had been praying for. Another young mother who knew Simon from childhood and went on this journey shortly before us. Other cancer stories can be helpful, but we were specifically praying for stories of the same cancer with families in similar ages to ours. This woman had a dream about Simon the night before hearing our story or reading the blog. Are you getting chills yet?!
Oh Kristy, yes I do have chills! God is good and my heart rejoices in the knowledge that you and Simon are feeling His presence so tangibly!
God is so good even in the details, prayers that God gives you continued eyes to see his goodness and LOVE!
Sometimes things don’t make sense when they happen, but it isn’t long after when we reflect and realize why! God reveals his plan each and every day to us and it is so reassuring to look back and put his plan into perspective! His plan is ALWAYS the best and always makes the most sense. Even if we don’t realize it at the moment, we do with time. Love you my sister!
Just amazing. Love this.
Yes my friend God’s Faithfulness during these times is a joy. Reading your blogs are like sitting having a conversation with you. 2Corinthians 1. I heard a long time ago. And when I go through something I say Ok Lord. Who can I help after We get through this. Love you
“Enough to cover it, not enough to make us think we can do this without God.”
Love you.
Beautiful.
What a wonderful testimony. You are all in my prayers.
Hindsight is always 20/20. I sometimes feel like I have blinders in going forward when things happen that I don’t understand but it’s in the reflection that the blinders come off. Love you all!
A mighty fortress is our God.
Wow! God works in mysterious ways. Continued prayers & believing.
Keep sharing your story Kristy. Seeing God work even in the midst of the worst trials is such an encouraging testimony to anyone who reads this. People need to hear this. And constant prayers for all of you!
Simon & Kristy,
I am encouraged to hear the ways God is working in this. Your faith and these stories of God reaching out to you are inspiring and encouraging!!
I join in faith with all the others who are praying with you and for you.
-Susan
Matthew 19:26b “but with God, all things are possible”
Always… one giant step ahead of you and it will never cease to astound you.
Crying! Love you both, love the Jesus we serve, grateful for His every provision of our needs!
Simon & Kristy,
What a wonderful attitude and story you have. God is truly a loving, healing God. You are both in our prayers. Please continue to update us on Simon’s journey.
Wow! Great testimony. God is so good! I pray that He continues to guide you on this journey and that He will lay his healing hands on Simon.
And remember Romans 8:31 – “If God is for us, who is against us?”
I agree with Kristy Lindsay. Keep sharing your story…. it is so uplifting to read what God is doing in your lives and it’s also such a great reminder that God is close to us. Always!!! In trials and in triumphs, we are not alone. Many prayers are with you and your family! !! Much love to you!!!!
God IS working here…I love you all tons! Still praying!
Kristy, Simon and family,
You continue to bless us at a time when you are the ones so deserving of miracles. You certainly are a physical and spiritual testimony to the fact that Jesus carries us through these times, as there are no other earthly reasons why you can still think so clearly, be the great, attentive parents that you are, write like a novelist and see the challenge of all challenges as containing support like only God can give.
Please know that every minute of every day your BHC family is here for you, hand in hand we walk through all things together. Thank you for blessing us with your unwavering faith; may we give back to you in a way that illustrates His love and care for you now and always.
With Love and Support Always-Flo and BHC Family
We don’t always understand what God is doing in our lives or why He allows terrible things to happen to us, but when we recognize and experience His personal touch in our lives, it is so assuring. Amidst this raging storm, you have felt His presence and you also recognize His hand at work even before Simon’s diagnosis. Kristy, you are such an encouragement and a testimony of His faithfulness. I love you and will continue to pray for Simon, you, the kids, and your family. xo
Kristy. Thank you for blessing US with your stories of joy and peace in the midst of struggle. Continuing to pray for you all on this journey.
Kristy. I pray for ur family. Love your story. I’ve prayed since ginette posted.
Nina
Simon & Kristy,
God is never early or late in any situation. My heart is so very blessed by reading your walk with God.
Going back to read some of these. I, too, started praying as soon as I heard from Ginette. I have been following your posts haphazardly – they are very emotional and challenging for me. However, they are good. They are good because they glorify God. It is also good to read the responses. I especially appreciate Deanna’s comment. She nails it. I’ve been there. When things don’t make sense and your world is torn apart but you KNOW God is there. And it is not karma, luck, or coincidence. It is GOD. Thank you for stating that. Thank you. Interceding on your behalf. Keep your eyes above the waves, Kristy.