Faith Can Lift You Up

Something I wrote after my dad went through prostrate cancer surgery

Faith is a word that many people use no matter what religion.  How strong is your faith?  Would you consider it high, low, or somewhere in between?  I think that most people believe in God, but when it comes to surrendering everything to allow Him to make the choice that is right for them, it can be very difficult for some.

There is a saying that has been around since I can remember and every time someone reminds me of it or I happen to read it at the appropriate time, it brings me back to reality that as much as I believe I am in control of my life, the more I know I am not �" God is! 

“Let go and let God.”  These five simply one-syllable words are so small, but have such a powerful meaning when used together.  Let go and let God �" what do those words mean to you?  For me, it a concept hard to remember sometimes because I am such a strong-willed person and believe I can do anything on my own.  But to remember and give up your thoughts and struggles, and I mean fully give them up, everything just seems to fall into place.  The hard thing to remember is the fact that sometimes it might not be the way we would like it to happen, but it is God’s plan.

Those words remind me of my 30^th birthday.  I think most of us have fond memories of our birthdays, for the most part, and they should be a joyous time, but for me this birthday was one I would never forget.  My day started off normal with my usual upbeat, perky morning person attitude, but something inside just was not quite right.  It was a wonderful day with many friends calling and bringing cards by to wish me a Happy Birthday, and I even had flowers hand-delivered to me that morning, but in the back of my mind different thoughts lingered causing me great sorrow. 

It was not until I got home and was getting ready for bed did I finally allow the thoughts to pour out �" I was worried about my dad.  A week earlier my dad had been diagnosed with prostrate cancer and was having an early morning surgery the day after my birthday.  Even though the doctor said this was a very simple procedure, and my dad seem to be very tough and not concerned about what he was experiencing, my instincts told me he was a little more nervous about this surgery than he was letting anyone know about.  This must have been the feelings lingering in my mind all day, and it was at that time I broke down and cried uncontrollably at the thought that our family might lose him. 

The only thing left for me to do was surrender those thoughts and fears to God, and that was just what I did.  I got down on my knees and I prayed, and I prayed hard for God to please take my fears and I cannot tell you the instant peace I felt within my soul. 

The next morning I woke to that same peace and went to the hospital to visit with my dad before he went in for surgery.  As I looked at him laying in his hospital gown and appearing to show his true feelings of concern, I just remembered that peace inside of me and hoped I could pass it on to him.  I reached over to give him a hug and looked into his eyes while saying, “Don’t worry.  Everything is going to be okay.  I had a talk with the ‘Big Guy’ last night and He promised me it would be fine.”  Now, I do not know how much he believed me or even if he remembered me saying it, but I knew it was the truth.

My mother and I sat in the waiting room for what I am sure seemed like an eternity to her, but to me there was never any doubt in my mind that he would not be okay.  Not even when the doctor came out to inform us that the surgery was taking longer than expected.  Throughout the entire experience, I just believed that God was watching over everything and it just was not time for my father to go.

The doctor finally came out with the fabulous news that although it took longer than he expected, he was confident they had been able to get all the cancerous cells and my dad would have a full recovery.  Today, more than 18 years later, he is still kicking and making people laugh just like he has always done.

Although I know it can be difficult, in times of despair is especially when we need to trust in our faith and believe that God will lead us down the path that He knows is right for us.  My last thoughts for you whenever you are in doubt or feeling alone, get down on your knees and pray and  . . . Let Go And Let God!