Waking up early this morning, I was able to view all the posts of friends far and near that were praying for me yesterday. Due to a biopsy that found noncancerous abnormal tissue, I had a procedure to remove the abnormal tissue and to ensure there is no further concern. We are praying that the procedure will further confirm that there is no cancer.
Today, I am overwhelmed with gratitude. Certainly I am grateful for your prayers, because I know the power of prayer. Yet, my heart is so full this morning seeing so many people that have been so dear to me take a moment a bring my need before the Lord. I thought of how each of your stories connect with mine.
Hermanos Dominicanos: When I think of my my beloved hermanos Dominicanos praying, I know the power of their prayers. In fact, I really learned the power of prayer from them! These are a people who have seen hardship, trials and also so many miracles. Their faith never ceases to astound me. Oh how I love my familia Dominicana!
Friends in the journey: The friends that we have met in this journey, visiting churches, or those that came to us in the DR, those that partner with us through so many years, so many trials in prayer and finances. You have so often been a source of strength, to say thank you is not enough.
Pastors: Our mentors, leaders, pastors that are praying for us, when you took the time to pray and let me know--I know you are very busy people with so many responsibilities, I am overwhelmed by your love.
My MFF family-- you will always be my family, no matter where you live or where I live. God gave us to one another so it means a lot to me to know you are praying.
My SAGU family: My people group. my students, my colleagues. You are the people that live shoulder to shoulder with me (only now we wear masks). You see me on the good days and the bad days. You have loved us and supported us from the moment we walked on the campus. I cannot begin to say what your prayers mean to me because you are the family that God has given us for the part of our journey. You are people of prayer and beautiful faith. I love you all so very much. Thank you for praying.
My biological family: I have been blessed to be born into a family that believes in the power of prayer. My mama and daddy faithfully pray for us everyday and I am so grateful to always be covered by their prayers. I also have so many wonderful praying relatives that took that time to post. Though we are scattered all over the world, we remain close because of our faith. The heritage that we carry is so significant to me in these days of trusting the Lord .
So in this week of Christmas, I am in the middle of some unknowns. The now, and the "not yet." And isn't this really what Christmas is? It is a celebration of the now. NOW Jesus is with us. NOW He is my prince of peace. AND it is the celebration of the NOT YET. Jesus is coming again!!! And when he comes there will be no more sickness and no more pain. The NOT YET gives me beautiful hope in a world of pandemic and pain. The NOW gives me peace because, HE really is with us, right here, right now.
I love each of you mucho y grande. Merry Christmas