“Girls, I’d love to treat you to dinner to celebrate the end of Emily’s radiation treatments. Does next Thursday night work?”
The text came late October during the craziness of another morning that started in the dark pit of the radiation treatment room, and the words brought tears to my eyes. Yes! A dinner out with my best girlfriends sounded wonderful.
That next Thursday night, the three of us, dear kindred friends, sat closely in the loud restaurant, leaning in to talk and laugh. We caught up on life and shared hearts but eventually moved to the real reason for our night out: celebrating the completion of many dark hard months of my treatment for breast cancer.
We shared many stories and memories of these past months — moments of joy and triumph during tribulation — and also the times where I had difficulty finding joy and clung desperately to their love and help.
I sat there, tears filling my eyes as I marveled at the beauty and inexpressible comfort of being truly seen and loved, deeply and sacrificially, for so many months:
The spontaneous visit one evening early in the chemo process, after receiving a text from one of these friends saying she missed me and had made a chocolate treat especially with ingredients I could eat, and then we sat long on my couch as she gave me the gift of a safe listening and encouraging space.
The many times I wasn’t well enough to go to our Thursday morning Bible study that my boys also loved, so one came and gave my boys a ride, out of her way and a burden on her already overflowing plate; but nothing but grace and assurance was given in response to my protests.
The day I had to go to the ER and came home so sick, overwhelmed and heavy-spirited and one insisted on coming to pick up my boys and keep them for the entire afternoon and evening and feed them dinner. She texted pictures of their fun adventures while insisting that I rest and reminding me that this season shall pass and soon I would be feeling up for doing all the things I love to do with my people.
So many meals were brought and late night texts sent sharing deepest fears and concerns and always encouragement and boundless love.
Sitting next to me during chemo treatments and scary doctor appointments with laughter and a steady sisterhood of comfort. Organizing communications and meals delivered amongst a large group of friends and family. And always, always, simply being there. To walk the hard road, to carry burdens, and carry me in prayer to our Father, to listen and laugh and step in with a million large and small practical helps.
I never felt alone.
“You’ve crossed the Jordan River,” one of these friends told me as we sat at dinner. “And now we look back over the river, over the hard crossing, and we celebrate the faithfulness of our God.” And to commemorate, she shared that she was painting a rock — an Ebenezer — for me to keep and remember.
He is faithful.
One of His richest blessings is that of true, faithful, tender friends to walk through the river with and join hands in walking to the dry shore of a new abundant future.
Leave a Comment
Roxanne says
This could not have been any more perfect in timing . I just completed my surgery for breast cancer which was very successful . I will require radiation treatment but it’s not looking like any chemo. I too have a circle of friends that have been lifting me up in prayers encouraging me and giving me laughter that I so needed. God is so good to put these people in our lives. So ur dinner date is next week. Thank you God for the blessings of life.
Emily Green says
Oh Roxanne, thank you for sharing. So very true: God is so good to meet our needs and I am so thankful for the friends that have come alongside you and brought laughter and love. I’m sending you a hug through these words and prayers for your ongoing healing!
Emily R Green says
Oh, Roxanne! I celebrate with you as you’ve finished your surgery – hooray! Thankful that you have friends close to bring laughter and encouragement. God is so good to meet our needs. Love to you!
Emily R Green says
(looks like my computer decided to send both comments after freezing during one! =) double hugs!
Nancy says
Thanks for sharing your stories about your strength and your beautiful friends. After my husband’s serious stroke, my only true friend next to me all the time is the Lord Jesus Christ. At first, my husband’s friends helped, but now I am overwhelmed with my own job and caring for him, plus, we now have to move too. I only say this because others may be reading this as well that really don’t have friends like many women do for various reasons. For this reason, I type a to my dearest friend, Jesus Christ each morning, thank HIM that He never lets me down and always walks with me. The Lord miraculously helps me get through many days of sadness and no one phones me ever to see how I am. The Lord has constantly shown me that HE IS ENOUGH. We are all wired differently and if you are reading this and also don’t have such precious friends, let me suggest that JESUS does hear us and will walk with us. I do praise God for how he gives many people friends – I am listening to the Lord and sending an encouraging note every day for 50 days via snail mail – only because HE nudged me to do so……Now, I am rambling. I really like (in)courage and I encourage all of you to be YOURSELVES, whether you are social or a loner like me. God has a purpose for all of us!
Tired but greatful Mommy of 7. says
Thank you. Although I have 7 kids and an amazing husband I like you have no real friends. Except the women I see at a weekly support group for depression that I try to make it too, when the demands of my home (1 teenager, 6 little ones and a very sick husband) allow it. I have struggled with social anxiety my whole life and finally thought God rescued me from the loneliness when I met my husband (the social butterfly that he was). Unfortunately over the years he became ill and has nearly lost any trace of that confident, outgoing social man that he once was.
So now I write my “Dear Daddy” letters to a faithful Lord who I know is always holding me even on those days when the loneliness is unbearable and I ache from the need of physical contact, somehow God gets me through! And often times he uses you women at incourage to do just that.
Emily R Green says
I love the “Dear Daddy” letters … we are known and loved by Him! He cares for us as our Shepherd, and “gently leads those that have young.” (Isaiah 40:11). Blessings to you today.
Beth Williams says
Tired Mom of 7,
Praying for you sweet sister. May God bring about healing for you and hubby. Prayers for a few good friends also. May you feel His peace and comfort overwhelm you emotionally and spiritually!
(((((Hugs))))) from upper E. TN
Emily Green says
Nancy, THANK YOU! Your words speak such truth and encouragement. Jesus is our closest and most faithful friend, indeed. And I love reading how you are reaching out, sending love in the mail to others – so, so good.
Beth Williams says
Nancy,
Praying God will help with the move and make it a smooth transition. May He bring friends your way. Praying for a peace and comfort to overwhelm you emotionally and spiritually.
(((((Hugs))))) from Upper E. TN
Bev @ Walking Well With God says
Emily,
Thank you for sharing your story. How blessed you are to have such good friends and family to surround you and lift you up. I have found there were things/trials that I’ve gone through in which friends rallied around me and were my strength. I’ve also found that there were times, where it seemed like everyone was removed from my life so that God could have my undivided attention. He had to be my sufficiency because there was no where else to go. The good news is that God has never left nor forsaken me. He has been faithful to walk me THROUGH the valley of the shadow of death and not leave me stuck there. I have raised many Ebenezers to His faithfulness and as I look back over them, it gives me confidence to go forward knowing that He will always be in my corner. Lovely post! So glad you’ve crossed the Jordan…Praise!
Blessings,
Bev xx
Emily R Green says
Oh Bev, my heart resonates with your words. Yes! The truth is that in my dark, alone, hard moments – HE alone provided me the comfort and peace in ways that continued to reveal His faithfulness as our Shepherd. Thank you for sharing.
Sheryll Poel says
I am so happy for your references to Ebenezer (I Samuel 7:12). My husband & I have a dish of such stones: many with dates that mark successful surgeries…others with words that friends have painted to remind us of God’s faithfulness. Yes, God has, he does and He will HELP us.
Emily R Green says
I love that, Sheryl. ♡ He is so wise to call us to *remember* … He is trustworthy and looking back, we remember.
Stephanie says
Thank you so much Emily for sharing this part of your story! I really enjoyed reading. Thank God you are all done your radiation treatments! I pray that you continue to be blessed with your health and that you and your family and friends make so many more joyful memories together! Thank you Jesus for healing Emily! Have a wonderful weekend ! God bless you, and your family and friends. Sending love and hugs xoxo ❤
Emily R Green says
Stephanie, your encouragement and prayer means so much! Big hugs & love to you, too.
Christina says
Emily what a blessing this was for me. Eight years ago this September I received my diagnosis. Praise God no chemo but plenty of radiation. I crossed the Jordan too because of God’s faithfulness and Him sending friends & family to me. Thank you for your story!
Emily R Green says
Celebrating 8 years past diagnosis with you! Hooray! So very thankful for God’s faithfulness, always. Hugs!
Michelle says
This was so beautiful. Thank you for sharing. I’m praying for continued healing over you, and rejoicing in His faithfulness and provision for you during that time of crossing the Jordan. His love, mercy, and grace never fails to leave me amazed.
Emily R Green says
Oh Michelle, thank you. Your prayers mean so much! Love and hugs to you.
Daisy says
OMG how inspiring is your story! I am an Evangelist and i would like to share your journey with others at my church and during the women’s prison ministry that I am a part of…im sitting in my car reading this and MY own faith and courage has gained mileage Thank you…love you for your faith and story from infinity and beyond!
Emily R Green says
Praise Him!! Smiling as I read your words. 🙂
Isaiah 38:16-19: the living praise Him! Amen!
Florencia says
I am so happy to hear you have come this far and are already coming out the tunnel. God is faithful. I am still in that dark tunnel, trying to hold on to our Lord’s love and keep hope and faith. I wish I had these kind of friends or anyone beside me, but God knows why He does things the way He does. Thank you for sharing!
Emily R Green says
Florencia, Praying these words for you: “You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in You.” Isaiah 26:3 Hugs today!
Daisy says
Florencia as believers we are never promised a painless life, but we are promised hope and a Savior. proverbs 12:25 mentions “anxiety in the heart of man causes depression, but a GOOD word makes it glad…so for you my sister in Christ…”A merry heart doeth good like a medicine” The bible says it is good for you to laugh…it is good for you to have joy, so look in a mirror and inform your face to SMILE! See, it won’t break. Oh, look at all the smiles 🙂 May you have everlasting joy from this day forth…lasting joy, unspeakable joy, joy that is unshakable, and joy that turns a bitter frown into a radiant smile…keep smiling…Jesus loves you and so do I!
Florencia says
Thank you for your words Daisy! You know, I’m in a huge battle against anxiety and depression, and you have encourage me in the midst of a difficult night. I’m sending you a big hug!!
Mike Green says
I’m so proud of my beautiful wife, Emily, and happy that she is sharing her gift of inspiration with others as a writer. She is so excited to have her story published in (in)courage. She has been so encouraged by this first step that she launched her own website: emilyrgreen.com. I know first-hand how uplifting, cheerful and positive Emily is to all who cross her path. Congrats to my lovely, brave and talented wife, who is now a published writer. Keep encouraging!
KJ says
Beautiful. Tears in my eyes and my heart thanks God for his love through friendships.
<3 kj
Emily R Green says
Awww, thank you. Thank God!
Beth Williams says
Emily,
We all go through trials in this life. It is so helpful to have friends come along side and assist you in different ways. We must always remember that even if we don’t have really good friends-that God is a true close friend waiting to talk and walk with you through this trial. He may be trying to bring you closer to Himself. Always remember this we here at In Courage are ready, willing and able to pray for each of you. May God bless you all!!!
I have had some trials in last few years with aging parents. Things I never dreamed I would go through. God was always there for me . I also had some really good friends who I could call and just “vent”. One in particular was also going through aging parent problems. We could commiserate. I am forever grateful to God for these friends.
Blessings 🙂
Sarah says
Your friends sound lovely.
Julie Broadbridge says
Emily, Thank you for your inspiration and the timing is so perfect as I have made it through all the grueling External Radiotherapy and on 01/02/17 I came through the second and final Internal Radiotherapy and have completed all my Treatment. God has been with me every step of the way and had to teach me to accept and ask others for help. I love to bless, give and be there for others but have struggled to receive but have realized that God provides and I must not deny others their opportunity and stop their blessings. I thank God for my wonderful Husband Mark, my Son Peter and all the friends who set up timetables to take for treatments. As a family we received many meals, visits from Our Church Family and were so uplifted by prayers, gifts and peoples time. My Consultant is optimistic and thrilled I made it through the Treatments, despite many other Chronic Conditions that made it very difficult. I am now resting and recovering at home. I have crossed the Jordan too and God has so Blessed me with wonderful friends and His grace and Mercy has been sufficient for each new day. I pray you will continue to walk in your healing and move in your spiritual gifts to minister to many lives. Sending a Big Hug to You, Your Family and Friends. XXX
Beth B says
Uff, so I just read this today. Yesterday was four years since my beautiful best friend Sara went home after a three year battle. I hear her voice in these words as she would come three hours and me six to meet for lunch after radiation. We would sit and just talk, laugh and cry. She would talk about her little boys and many times we just “were” together. I never thought of it as anything more than two friends of 25 years making more memories but I hope that when I meet her when I get home we can celebrate our time at a really big table!! I love hearing survivor stories and friendships that are pure love. Last night Sara’s oldest boy, a senior, showed up for a really big game and his teammates all had on pink socks. Might heart broke knowing his mom is gone but it smiled knowing he too has Amazing friends! May God bless your friendships that with his love will be longer than forever