Our cups tipping over.

My mom once said "When life tips my cup over, I would hope that what comes out is faith, hope, love, trust, perseverance and strength", I'd say that time has come - life has tipped my mom's cup. Yesterday, with my dad and sisters, we sat in a room as the oncologist explained the Ovarian cancer was removed but it looks like it had come from somewhere else. That was not the news we had expected. Now it was more than just my moms cup tipping over, it was all of ours. We sat in a room together in silence until Serina suggested we pray. Prayer never seemed more comforting than it did in that moment. My sisters and I have shared that there's nothing like talking to God when there's no one else to talk to. It's in these moments when we are so helplessly transparent that we feel God's hope and presence abound. Today, my mom said her infamous words again as the doctor shared with her the news of cancer still being in her body and the need for chemotherapy. "As our cup is being tipped over I would like God to be glorified". This time she said it with more enthusiasm.

From the get go, my mom's desire is for this Cancer, this disease, to be an opportune moment for all to see God. To see God's triumphant work despite the struggle, despite the pain, despite the hurt, despite all the bad that comes with cancer.  She wants YOU all to see God. My mom has managed to remove herself from the heartache of this situation and put God's will and His desire in the forefront of this whole thing.  It was amazing to sit and hear my mom encourage someone on the phone today as they expressed their sadness and concern to her. "God is good, God is in control, God has me in the palm of His hand and God knows the outcome" were her words of encouragement. How is that possible? The very individual infected with the disease is the one with the greatest hope and faith. I give credit to the innumerable hours of prayer and studying my mom has done over the past decades that have prepared her heart and mind to live in the supernatural world and not in the physical. To see the eternal purpose of this journey rather than the physical pain and hurt. She "lives in the kingdom" she proclaims countlessly, and I can honestly say she does. This isn't shock. This isn't delirium. This is the heart of a woman who has spent more time with her heavenly Father than with anyone else. This is a woman who has spent years preparing herself for the spiritual battle we are about to endure. This is more than what we physicially can see.  In honor of my mom, Bea, I leave you with her quote "The physical is a shadow of the reality of the Spiritual". We have to look beyond what we can see and rest in the Hope that God has mighty plans and He will show Himself to be victorious in it, despite the outcome.

For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Ephesians 6:12

For now we are just waiting to see what tests are done to see where the cancer is coming from. Meanwhile, my mom is strong, hopeful and excited to see God's faithfulness. Her pain is under control and she walked today without assistance. She was able to eat and was craving Chipotle, of all things. My Dad is with her and even though he hates hospitals he couldn't see himself anywhere else other than right by mom's side. The girls and I are trading the six grandkids with each other to allow one another time to visit with mom. God has been so good in making our kids tolerant during the juggling. Thank you for all the sweet and supportive emails, texts and messages. We thank you for all your prayer, it is the greatest weapon we have in this battle.

Here are a few pics from yesterday.