Ever Present, February 27
Daily Reflections from Inside the Cancer Journey
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Written by Ashley Taylor
“Give praise to the Lord, proclaim his name; make known among the nations what he has done. Sing to him, sing praise to him; tell of all his wonderful acts. Glory in his holy name, let the hearts of those who seek the Lord rejoice. Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always” (Psalm 105:1-4 NIV).
Talk about being unprepared for what is about to happen—yikes! A couple of weeks after my cancer diagnosis, I entered the hospital for a surgery that included a sentinel node biopsy and a lumpectomy. My husband, James, and I thought we knew exactly what to expect that day. It turned out, we did not know what all was involved in having a sentinel node biopsy. The first part of the biopsy is lymphatic mapping to find the sentinel node before the surgery begins.
Once I was settled in a hospital gown and an IV was started, James, my younger daughter, Hannah, and my mom were able to see me before I was whisked off for the mapping. I was calm and ready to get this show on the road. I was wheeled into a room and given the TV remote for watching television while I waited. No indication of what was to come! In a very short time, three women from the medical staff entered (three?!) and proceeded to tell me what would take place.
Lord, I am not feeling so calm anymore. I need Your help—the strength and peace that only You can give. Fear is starting to consume me.
One of them explained the procedure, which entailed injecting a radioactive liquid in the affected breast. I was told that it would be painful. Two of them would keep me from moving. One offered her hand to hold and squeeze as hard as I wanted. If I yelled or screamed, it was okay. The procedure would not last long, but I would be wide awake without anything to numb the area.
I knew the procedure was to help me and had to be done. I called out again to my heavenly Father. “Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always” (Psalm 105:4). Prior to my past procedures and surgeries, I would go to the Lord in prayer. Saying the Lord’s Prayer brought me comfort. The Lord showed up in a mighty way just as He had in past times. In spite of the sight of the fog coming from the needle and from the canister containing the radioactive substance, I told myself that the Lord had my back. My body may have been present in that room, but my heart and mind were with the Lord.
One of the women commented, “You didn’t even let out a whimper.” I am not going to say it did not hurt; tears rolled down my face. However, the Lord provided me with the ability to handle the pain, giving me peace. When I sought His presence, He was there for me. My God is an awesome God!! “Give praise to the Lord, proclaim his name.…” (Psalm 105:1)
Pray: Gracious God, You are the giver of true strength, peace, and comfort. Let us not forget You are ever present and have our backs. May we always seek You and sing praises for all You do. Amen.
Your Turn: How does the song, “God is on the Move” by 7eventh Time Down affect you?
Ashley Taylor, Cancer Survivor
Ashley is married to James, and they have two daughters, Grace and Hannah. All four are big Tar Heel fans, having attended the same school, UNC-Chapel Hill. In 2020 Ashley obtained her roofing license to help with her family's business. She is a breast cancer survivor. She has been grateful for the opportunity to join the devo team for Cancer Companions, to reach out to others for God’s glory for His goodness in her cancer journey.
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