Back when we lived in Ann Arbor, MI I went to a Tuesday morning women’s bible study at our church, Grace Bible. There was a woman there that always had a welcoming smile and who was one of those people you could just feel the joy from when you are around. This lady also had a steady state of peace and an abundance of wisdom and insight. This woman's name is Kelli. Besides going to the same church and the same bible study together Kelli and I had a few things in common. Both of us grew up in small towns. Kelli was a Pediatric ICU nurse, I was a Cardiovascular ICU nurse, both at the University of Michigan (now Michigan Medicine). Her husband is a surgeon, mine at the time was in training to be a surgeon. Our kids all line up in age within a few months of each other. Fast forward to a week and a half after we moved from Michigan to San Diego for Jeff’s fellowship training when we found out that Ezra had some things going on that would make his life challenging. We had so many unexpected things happen at that time and the support we received was undeniably a gift. I remember distinctly one day when we were on Ezra’s journey here on Earth that a message popped up from Kelli that had such kind and encouraging words. But what I remember even more is thinking, “Wow, what a sweet gesture for her to take the time to reach out when really we only knew each other from Bible study.” Kelli didn’t know it at the time but her message meant a lot to me and was one that has since given me courage to not be afraid to reach out more often to others myself knowing what it has meant to me, even if just an acquaintance. The impact of her message also came full circle just this last year. Kelli and her family moved down to Southern California at the end of last summer. In November I found out Kelli would be here in San Diego for a few days. A few years back I would have talked myself out of sending her a message to see if we could meet up but thanks to her message five years ago, something tugged at my heart to text her. Kelli graciously found time to meet up and we saw each other for the first time since we left Michigan. A week later our kids got to have a super fun play date with each other that they still talk about and we hope to repeat again soon. Besides the fact that Kelli is overall just an incredibly awesome person let me tell you why it’s important for you to meet Kelli. Kelli has had an obstacle in her path that started out as a bump and turned into a mountain, a very high mountain. A year after we lost Ezra, Kelli was diagnosed with breast cancer which then metastasized. The reason Kelli was in San Diego wasn’t for leisure but for treatments. Kelli is a true warrior and hero but never for herself but for God and His kingdom. She has never stopped walking on her path in this life even through she has had obstacle after obstacle put in her way. Instead of allowing the largest boulders to stop her in her tracks she keeps fighting to break through them with strength like I have never seen in a woman before. But even more importantly, she has done it with her eyes focused on Jesus every day of her life whether in the line at Whole Foods, picking up her kids from school, or at her appointments, allowing others to experience first hand the love and peace of God. When I met up with Kelli I once again was met with the presence that oozes out of her- joy, strength, peace, wisdom, and her love for Jesus. Even more remarkable to me personally was after I told her about Jeff’s situation in December, she reached out again, again, and again. Kelli made herself open and available to talk, listen, and help give advice and wisdom as to how to help us navigate the unknowns and answer any questions we had - physical, mental, and spiritual - now that the word cancer has entered our lives. A girl in the middle of the fire not only continues to fight her own battle but she became a consistent prayer warrior for Jeff and our family. I was already inspired by her before but this just showed her heart even more. What a testimony she has and continues to live. What a priceless gift and light of this world she is and continues to be to so many even though she is in a battle of her own that’s not just shooting bullets at her right now but full out bombs. Kelli had her scans this week and the results weren’t anything that she wanted to hear or see. Will you please join Jeff and I as we are honored to be in her army of prayer warriors to lift her and her family up for peace, wisdom, and guidance as they continue to fight the battle at full force. Kelli, we love you and your boys. Our hearts ache for all of you but know that we are in constant thought and prayer for you and your family. We know you are not only fighting the fight against cancer but you are fighting for God’s army and if that doesn’t stir any one of our hearts fighting the fight with you or the bystanders watching nothing more will. Thank you for being the fearless leader you are despite the challenges that this earthly body has given you. And thank you for allowing us to be on this journey with you.
Below is a link to her testimony which is worth every second of your time to watch. ♥️
So honored and humbled to know both of you. Sisters in Christ forever.
ReplyDelete