posted by Ed Noyes
Monday morning about 10:30am, lying in the pre-op area of Helford Hospital, we gathered around Miriam for a short time of prayer. She looked a bit tired and wan. Having no eyebrows and no eyelashes gives that impression. But her dancing eyes and occasional flashing smile erased the impression in an instant. Miriam's mom, Ruth, her Uncle Wes Brown, and Dick and Stephanie Sullender, pastors of FBC Monrovia, had all joined us for the start of the day.
Wes read the verses from Paul's letter to the Philippians -- 4:6-8 : "Don't worry about anything, but in all your prayers ask God for what you need, always asking him with a thankful heart. And God's peace, which is far beyond human understanding, will keep your hearts and minds safe in union with Christ Jesus. In conclusion, my friends fill your minds with those things that are good and that deserve praise; things that are true, noble, right, pure lovely and honorable."
Then we prayed together, as so many of you have prayed with Miriam and with us over these last 5 months. We thanked God for his gifts. We thanked God for the doctors, nurses, lab technicians, receptionists, counselors, fellow travellers and friends that He is using to help heal Miriam. We asked God once again for his help, his guidance for her doctors and all the others involved in the surgery, for each the ability to give their best. And finally we asked that God would use this occasion of sickness to bring a measure of health and blessing to the people we touch on the journey. An hour later, Miriam was rolled on to the operating room and the rest of us returned to responsibilities for the day.
At 2:30 Dr. Yim came out to give me a brief report on the surgery. He was pleased. It had gone very well. He saw no obvious visual indications of active cancer in the lymph nodes. The preliminary pathology screenings of lymph nodes and breast tissue done during the surgery returned negative too. After spending the night in the hospital, Miriam returned home on Tuesday.
When we think about things that are "true, noble, right, pure, lovely and honorable" we have plenty of concrete examples to ponder from these recent months. God has surrounded us with his love and with remarkably talented and compassionate people, not all of whom would even admit an allegiance to him, but nonetheless reflect a part of his character and purpose. Thank you all for joining us in asking the Lord of all creation for what we need during this season in our lives.
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