paying it forward x2...grace in suffering

Holly, at a Life-Size Catholic Blog, hosts a meme on Tuesdays where she invites fellow bloggers to share *something* they have found somewhere else that might be of iterest to others.

A month or so ago, she featured my "for sarah" post. I was kind of amazed that something that seemingly wrote itself late one night gathered as much attention and affected as many people as it did.

This week, while surfing, I ran across a blog, Raising Saints, that I'd never seen before.  That is my first "Pay it Forward".  The link takes you to postings from July. The author is the mother of seven (ages 2-13) and is dealing with stage IV breast cancer. This touched me, because her situation was so similar to something a prayer friend of mine is dealing with. (She is the mother of three dealing with stage IV lung cancer.) Both have found out that the cancer has spread to their brain. The faith and humor that both of these women approach this tremendously challenging situation with is just beyond words, and something we can all learn from.  Take a minute to offer a prayer for each of these beautiful ladies and their husbands and children. 

My prayer friend - the one with lung cancer - has a caringbridge site, but not a blog.  She posted this(Pay it Forward #2)  earlier this week: 

I will have 2 doctor appointments this week to discuss plans, options, treatments, etc.  The problem is that my cancer has not followed any rules so far (and neither have I).  It is hard to plan for something so unpredictable.  My cancer doesn’t look like or act like other cancers .  That would be WAY to boring.  From what I gather we will just have to live in the moment and roll with the punches.  The most important thing to me right now is that I be at peace and still have some joy in my heart in the midst of the hardest of trials.  I can honestly say that I am in a good place now.  It is not something I have earned or achieved.  Please don’t think that highly of me.  I feel like Jesus outstretched his wounded hand toward me and I just grabbed it tightly and never want to let go. I feel like he is a protective older brother that is very wise about suffering and love and he wants to bring me to the Father.  I think, read, and pray often through the intercession of Our Most Holy Mother, Mary, to which I have a special devotion and admiration.  I am surrounded by so many wonderful family members, friends, and neighbors that take care of my every need and will love me and will not let go until I am secure in my Father’s everlasting arms.  What more could I ask? It is plenty enough for me.

And this: 

I will leave you, this evening with the lines of my favorite prayer;




Prayer of Abandonment





Father I abandon myself into your hands; Do with me what you will.



Whatever you may do, I thank you:



I am ready for all, I accept all. Let only your will be done in me,



And in all your creatures.



I wish no more than this, O Lord. Into your hands I commend my soul;



I offer it to you with all the love of my heart,



For I love you, Lord



And so need to give myself into Your hands,



Without reserve, and with boundless confidence,



For You are the Father.









Charles de Foucauld







All in all, beautiful writing and beautiful faith.  P(r)aying it forward....