To: Hermitage United Methodist Church
From: Judi Barnes, HUMC Member
Date: January 8, 2010
In early November, I had an MRI to diagnosis the source of some hip pain. Late on Friday that week I got a call from my doctor that the MRI showed “spots and nodules consistent with metastasized cancer.” Further tests were needed. I was in shock. I did not feel ill and had no symptoms of any illness. I went to the doctor because I had hip pain!
That Sunday, I went to 8:30 AM service. I focused on the scripture that offers “ask and ye shall receive”. That day I prayed and claimed God’s healing for my body. Regardless of the future diagnosis, I claimed God to heal me. I also prayed to go where God led me. I also “found” Psalms 57 in the living Bible. “O God, have pity, for I am trusting you. I will hide beneath the shadow of your wings until this storm is past.” I copied the full Psalm and carried it with me.
Over the next 7 weeks, I had 2 more MRI’s a CT Scan, a bone biopsy, a bronchoscophy, a colonoscopy, and multiple lymph nodes removed and biopsied. All lab test were negative for cancer. In fact – negative for any infection at all. Thanks to God.
Did I have cancer – and was healed before the tests were done? Was is all a misdiagnosis? I don’t know and I don’t care. What I know is that God’s will was done.
Needless to say, there have been days of soul searching and decisions to re-prioritize my life. I have changed my work load. I will be with my family more. I will value every day as if it were my last.
For all of us, today may be our last day.
People with illnesses have knowledge of possible death and time to prepare. But, everyday, people young and old die unexpectedly, with no thought to being prepared. My experiences over the past 2 months have brought home the value of time and family and our God.
