Cultivate Hope

Cultivate Hope

It’s been a stressful few weeks, but also it has been a very hopeful few weeks. Sounds like a Dickens novel, “it was the best of times it was the worst of times.” So, as not to be melodramatic let me elucidate. 

My family found out that my mother had bilateral breast cancer in August. We had a saga with insurance but thankfully short version of the long story it worked out. Mom had surgery 2 weeks ago. I flew to Florida to be with her (and Dad) in the hospital and at home. It was stressful, but I’m deeply grateful I could be there. My congregation was supportive of my absence, two local pastors covered in case of ministerial crisis and it was a gift to just go focus on my parents. Mom did very well, she’s impressive and we got the preliminary news the day of surgery that she would likely not need further treatment (other than recovery from a double mastectomy and reconstruction). Praise God! Note, since then (today actually) the doctor confirmed Mom will not need any chemo or radiation. Hallelujah! Also, since my aunts and sister were coming in waves to care for Mom I was able to head back to Winnsboro and not miss a Sunday in the pulpit. So, things fell into place. God is so good. 

Then we had news of this big hurricane, Florence, that was coming to South Carolina and it was going to be bad. I think the only tv program on when we got back to my folks condo was the weather channel. Stressful to see the news again and again. Next, one of my two flights home was cancelled; I could get to Charlotte but not Columbia. Church members are calling and suggesting I stay in Florida. But the Charlotte leg was still on and John was willing to come to Charlotte; so my Aunt and Uncle took me to the airport while Dad stayed with Mom until Aunt Ginger arrived. Aunt Ginger and I missed each other by less than 30 minutes. Bummer. As we’re driving to the airport I got a text from the airlines saying my flight was delayed, again. Stress. But we continue. I get to security and the agent all but calls down Jesus when she reads my destination...”honey, you sure you want to go there!” I smile and nod. Then, I got the full pat down of my pregnant self in the security line because I’m just lucky I guess. Lit up, something on their monitors. Eventually I get myself sorted and to my gate and the flight is delayed again. Deep breaths. After what felt like 9000 years we board the flight...there are a whopping 14 people. The pilot says prepare for some bumps. Yikes. But, the flight was smooth! The stewardesses were really nice and I had a good audiobook. Though by the time I deplaned and wandered through the Charlotte airport and got to John I was so tired, hungry and relieved that I just cried...poor guy. Like big alligator illogical crying. Doesn’t that response (crying)  to big emotions drive you crazy! But I guess it was just liquid relief. Since it was much later than hoped I’d arrive in Charlotte, we spent the night at my brother in laws house near Charlotte and made it back to Winnsboro the next morning. 

See, what I mean now of the theme of stress and hope. Moments of big worries and moments of divine providence. It is funny, in a very good way, how life not only reminds us we are not in control but also that we are taken care of by something much bigger than us, God. 

Oh and our gender scan was delayed until Monday the 17th...but the appointment happened and baby boy (yes it’s a boy!) looks healthy and happy. Heart, organs and such look good. God is amazing. Our boy is weighed in at 1.8 ounces and measuring about 5 days ahead of his due date. I also think he might be tall because I think from the pictures he’s got big feet. Excited to meet him in about 15 weeks. 

Grateful to be #WINNingwithyou

Pastor Meg