A wise older woman, in a church we attended many years ago, gave me a piece of sage advice. We were discussing helping others when she told I must always be careful not to "rob people of a blessing." When I asked what she meant, she explained that often times God puts it on someone's heart to help in times of need. He may want to bless the giver more than the receiver. Sometimes, He wants to use someone to meet a specific prayer request or need. The help may come in practical forms like running errands, doing housework, or grocery shopping. Other times, it may come in the form of monetary blessing like the purchase of a gift card or a meal, offering to buy groceries, or help with a bill. She admonished me not to "let pride get in the way."
You might think this would be an easy lesson to learn but it hasn't been. Pride has a way of thwarting good intentions. I think God is still working on me in this area. In light of this, many of my friends and family want to know how they can help me during this time. Here are some ways you can help if you feel led to do so:
1. Pray! The most wonderful gift you can give to me and my family is prayer. There are so many things to pray for during treatment and recovery. Pray for the doctors to have wisdom as they administer radiation, pray for my skin not to become damaged and burn, pray for the swelling in my upper arm area to diminish, pray for Phil as he works long hours to provide for us, pray for my children as they each struggle to deal with my cancer diagnosis, pray for finances to meet mounting medical bills, and pray that I would learn the valuable lessons God wants to teach me during this time.
2. Be understanding - sometimes I may not feel up to talking with you on the phone. It doesn't mean I am ignoring you or don't care about you, it means I'm emotionally or physically drained and just can't handle it. In those times, please say an extra prayer for me asking God to supply His strength in my weakness.
2. Be understanding - sometimes I may not feel up to talking with you on the phone. It doesn't mean I am ignoring you or don't care about you, it means I'm emotionally or physically drained and just can't handle it. In those times, please say an extra prayer for me asking God to supply His strength in my weakness.
3. Stay in touch - send cards, letters, emails, texts, leave voice messages, and call when you can. Just knowing you're out there helps me get through this. Sometimes I feel so alone and lonely.
4. Give a gift - if you feel led to bless us, one of the most practical ways you could help is to make a meal or send a gift card to a local restaurant. There are times when I am so tired, I just don't feel like standing at the stove and cooking. You might not be in a position to send a gift card, perhaps you'd rather send a book or something you've made. Little ways of showing your love mean so much to us.
5. Share your time - There's nothing like a visit with a good friend! If you'd like to come by to visit, call ahead and let's set up a day and time.
6. Read my blog - it's an easy way to stay in tune with what's going on in my life. You may receive a quick devotional or you may step right into my heart as you travel this cancer road along with me.
Those are just a few simple ways you can help! I'll try really hard not to "rob you of a blessing," but it won't be easy. If you need my mailing address, you can request it by sending me an email:
bonnieannis@gmail.com
Thank you from the bottom of my heart,
Bonnie
