Mindy’s Story
Mindy and her husband (and my favorite pastor), Brett
Eight years ago, as we were preparing for our oldest daughter's wedding, two meaningful things came my way from different parts of the country. First, from Janice, a prayer warrior in our Florida church, who dedicated the 7th day of each month to prayer. She gave Brett a verse for me the day after our daughter's wedding: "Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze." (Isaiah 43:1b-2 NIV)
The second came from a longtime friend, Autumn, from our church plant in Oklahoma. She sent me a necklace with the inscription: "When you go through deep waters, I will be with you" - Isaiah 43:2. Brett immediately connected the dots, and little did we know that a health storm was about to hit. The Lord sent a message that served as a heads-up, later an encouragement and eventually a specific promise when I needed it most.
Mindy and her sweet family
As I embarked on the challenging journey of surgeries, chemotherapy, a broken foot, radiation, and more surgeries, God had already sent courage through that verse – a personal promise. In the depths of chemotherapy's "deep waters," I knew I was not alone, and I wouldn't be swept away. In the fires of radiation, I wouldn't be burned or set ablaze. While others around me faced dismay and fear, the prayers and support from many lifted me to the Father – my Healer.
It wasn't an easy season, but I learned invaluable lessons through the pain. I connected with people I wouldn't have otherwise met, leaned into the Lord like never before, grew in empathy for those with serious diagnoses, and realized that a diagnosis changes you forever. Throughout my lifetime, what I had learned about God proved true.
I am a journaler, and I documented over 10 pages of specific miracles God performed for us during that time. He strengthened us through His word and through others. You are not alone. My oncologist, Dr. Shalini Mulaparthi, testified that patients with strong faith in the Lord have a better prognosis and quicker recovery rate.
Lyrics that speak to me, "I don't know what tomorrow holds, but I know Who holds the day!" Friends like Cathy Angel, who had been ahead on the journey, provided help, hope, hugs, advice, and prayers when I needed them most. I couldn't imagine going through that valley without the Lord by my side.
-Mindy
