Women’s Ministry: Finding Strength in Community and Faith
“I rejoice in the Lord greatly over your concern for me. I have learned to be content with whatever I have. In any and all circumstances I have learned the secret of having plenty and of being in need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me. In any case, it was kind of you to share my distress.” Philippians 4:11-14
I just celebrated 13 years free of breast cancer! I wrote for our Women’s e-news in 2012 shortly after completing chemo:
“One thing I have learned in the past eight months is just how good God is. He has provided for me in ways I never imagined, answered prayers I couldn’t put into words and blessed me in the encouragement and acts of kindness of coworkers, church family and friends. I have been blessed with the best doctors. I have felt the support of an amazing sisterhood in Christ. So many who have traveled this journey before have reached out to me with their stories and words of encouragement. Thanks be to God for these gifts in the midst of my struggle.”
I truly felt God’s presence strengthening me to get through that time of trial. I was blessed in ways beyond my imagination. And I had no idea that 12 years later I would be serving in Sheridan’s Care Ministry sitting at the bedside of brothers and sisters in Christ praying for them as they are going through not only cancer but many other health trials and struggles. Many in our faith community are walking testimonies to God’s healing power working through today’s medical advances. Others have experienced life-altering healing with new challenges day by day. Some have walked directly into the arms of Jesus.
One thing I have noticed in my own cancer journey and in the lives of those I have visited is the huge difference the power of caring, praying, and sharing in someone’s distress makes. The Apostle Paul noticed the difference this makes too.
What’s your story of blessings through the care and concern of others when you were struggling? Might God be calling you to serve out of your experiences? We are currently looking for folks to share care and concern with our fellow brothers and sisters hospitalized, in rehab or care facilities. Let me know if you are interested!
But even if you don’t have time to formally volunteer one day a week or one day a month, look for ways you can share God’s love by intentionally showing care and concern for the people in your family, workplace, neighborhood, church. Make encouragement a daily gift you give away!
God of healing and restoration, bless us as we discern your call to share care and concern for those with health struggles. We trust that you will surely bless us as we bless others. Show us how even our small efforts can make a big difference! Amen.
This month’s devotion was written by Deacon Kathy Paisley. who guides Sheridan’s Women’s Ministry. Kathy is a certified Spiritual Director and while she is retired from full time ministry, she enjoys working part time with the Care Ministries, teaching a class here and there, and interviewing new members. Her favorite role is that of Mimi to Kane, Vayda, and Kai.