She’s an Overcomer
There have been times in my life when I have wished I could know the future. I’ve learned not to wish for that anymore. It’s so much better that we face our days as they come and not live our lives in anxious anticipation. We are awakened each morning by our sovereign God whose hands are outstretched and full of the grace that we will need for whatever that day holds. So we face days and months and years like the one this year has been, and then, when we emerge from the deep and catch our breath, we turn around to see how it was God who brought us through. It’s then that we pour out our thanksgiving to Him for not leaving us the persons we once were, but loving us enough to help us grow into souls that look more like Him. And with hearts full of thanksgiving, we can finally celebrate. Because there is so much in life to be celebrated.
This past weekend, we celebrated my friend Denise. It’s been 8 long months since she first started her fight against cancer (I first wrote about it here), and 2 weeks ago, she finished chemo. I am so grateful to so many of you who have prayed for her and asked about her on a regular basis. It’s been a very tough road for her and difficult for those of us close to her to watch. But, she’s an overcomer. She’s done with this battle and (thanks be to God) she’s cancer-free.
And achievements like this have to be celebrated. So, a few of her closest friends decided we would do just that. So, we rented a limo, picked her up, and took her out for a night of fun.
The element of surprise was the best part. And the only tears that night were full of joy.
We got to feel like celebrities for a few short moments, but we’ll have these memories for life.
After dinner, we all went back to my house for a little more celebration. Nothing says “happy” like bright color and gold glitter, right?
We laughed really hard, ate really well, and had a super-sweet time.
I’ve had a literal lifetime of fun with this girl. Since I was only 3 years old when we met, I do not remember my life before her. But never have I been more proud, more thankful, or more inspired by her than this year. God has truly been with her. And, thanks to Him, she’s an overcomer. I love you, girl!
September 8, 2014 @ 2:58 pm
What great friends!
September 8, 2014 @ 3:55 pm
Thanks, Darrielle! She's a great friend to us, too! đŸ™‚
September 9, 2014 @ 7:16 pm
love!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
September 10, 2014 @ 1:03 am
This is an absolutely beautiful post. What a wonderful way to show the love for your friend and to celebrate her. Love this.
September 10, 2014 @ 3:59 pm
Thank you, Lucy!
November 1, 2014 @ 1:14 pm
Julie, I love this idea…I am a 5 year OVERCOMER of breast cancer myself, (All Glory to God) and I have just written a 31 days of Pink series on my blog Blessings, Suzanne that was started because of my journey:) It actually was a "bridge" from my Caringbridge site. Anyway, I love how you did this celebration, it really touched my heart..my friends did a scarf and hat party for me when I started chemo and so I know how meaningful something like this is!! I love your blog, Julie…you are so blessed with creativity! Blessings, Suzanne