Be Not Afraid (Part 1)
Joann Condit of Phoenix, AZ, USA
Therefore, since we are justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have obtained access to this grace in which we stand; and we boast in our hope of sharing the glory of God. -Romans 5:1-2
No one wants to hear, “There is an anomaly in your mammogram. It is one centimeter in length. An ultrasound appointment has been made for you Monday at the Breast Health Research Center at 10:00 a.m.”
I presented my anxious self at the research center as directed, very aware in the depths of my being that my mother had died of breast cancer at the age of 65. Her younger sister was also a victim of this disease. Our oldest daughter is a 16-year survivor herself. At the age of 84, I had ceased to be particularly worried on my own behalf, but I really did not want to meet this appointment. I give daily thanks that Clay was not only willing to accompany me, but insisted that he be there to support me.
When I reached the second floor, I stood in awe just inside the door. It was beautiful! The paintings, furnishings, and vibrant flower arrangements were touched with shades of pink, as were the uniforms of the smiling staff.
Ushered back to the dressing rooms, I again found myself astonished. No paper or limp, cloth gowns for us. No, we were given spa robes. The chairs were suited for large, tall, average, or women like me with short legs. The magazines were current, and placed on a table was a dish loaded with chocolate chocolate-chip cookies!
Ushered into the ultrasound room, I was asked to lie on the table. My eyes were caught instantly by what appeared to be a large, four-paned skylight in the ceiling. The blue sky was brushed with small clouds and was viewed through what appeared to be sprays of cherry blossoms. It was so real I found my tense shoulder relaxing during the procedure.
Before long the technician asked the resident radiologist to come in. They conferred for some time before he left, and I was told to get dressed and that someone would come to take me to his office. By then, the dread was back, heavy in my chest. I was told to return in two days for a biopsy, because the image appeared to be a cancer “highly unusual for a woman of your age.”
We were at least three blocks away from the center before I could tell Clay what was going on. Of course, we had to tell our three daughters, and be positive and reassuring for them. We didn’t talk much that day, but I could feel the ball of fear and tears growing larger in my chest. We went to bed quite early, although I woke up frequently with a feeling of dread circling in my mind. When I awoke the last time, I heard distinctly in my head the words of an old hymn by Fanny J. Crosby. “God will take care of you, be not afraid; He is your safeguard through sunshine and shade.” All fear left me at that moment and did not return throughout the remainder of this particular episode in my life. The absolute assurance of God’s care for his creation has accompanied me.
Prayer Phrase
The kingdom of God is among you (Luke 17:21).
Spiritual Practice
Ordinary Time is a season for waking up to what is already here, to the kingdom of God already among us. Spend time each day breathing in the presence of God wherever you are. Notice how simple interactions, tasks, and relationships are sacred opportunities to share and receive God’s love, justice, and peace. Pay attention to the sacred quality of everyday, ordinary life. How is the kingdom of God seeking to be embodied through you each day?
Today\’s Prayer for Peace
Engage in a daily practice of praying for peace in our world. Click here to read today\’s prayer and be part of this practice of peace.
