By Lisa Jenkins-Moore
About a month later , she went to the doctor for a routine mammogram , and later received a call requesting she come in for the results . At 42 , she was healthy and had no family history of breast cancer . Her friend assured her the call was only routine but Kristie sensed otherwise . As she pulled into the garage of her home one afternoon , she heard the Lord speak to her heart , “ This is why your house did not sell — I ’ m taking care of you .” She knew then she had cancer , and on the following Monday , she and her husband were given the news .
Though the news was awful , Kristie had great peace ; she believed the Lord said he ’ d take care of her and she trusted He would . After a lumpectomy and six weeks of radiation , she entered 2013 cancer-free . She knew God had seen her through the ordeal , and the walls around her heart softened some , but did not come down completely .
In 2015 , her best friend was diagnosed with breast cancer . Her friend ’ s husband heard about a “ Pink Impact ” cruise , so they both signed up so they ’ d have something to look forward to once her friend ’ s treatment was over . Initially , they thought the cruise was for breast cancer survivors , but later Kristie realized it wasn ’ t . At the airport , all the cruise participants were identifiable as they ’ d been given similar gear — t-shirts and bags with the event colors and logo . Women began approaching them , asking what “ campus ” they attended . It was only then they learned the cruise was a women ’ s conference hosted by Gateway Church !
Kristie met one cruise participant at the airport , a woman named Carolyn , who bore a striking resemblance to her mother ( who was also named Carolyn !). Carolyn was a sweet woman with a radiant smile and Kristie was instantly drawn to her . The cruise experience was incredible ; Kristie and her friend were both moved by the worship and speakers , but Kristie still felt distant from the Lord , unsure she could ever fully trust Him again .
Alone for a moment on the ship , she ran into Carolyn . She hugged Kristie and said , “ I love you .” Kristie began to weep as the woman began speaking into her life . Carolyn said , “ God loves you and has collected every tear you ’ ve cried . He is ready for you to move beyond your anger . He has great plans for you and it ’ s time for you to get busy .” Kristie responded , expressing her hurt and disappointment , but Carolyn continued , “ This isn ’ t about you , Kristie . It ’ s about God ’ s plan for your life . It ’ s time to engage .”
Something clicked for Kristie in that moment . Carolyn ’ s words rang true . Kristie was determined to make a change , but knew it would be difficult — she and her family hadn ’ t been to church in 19 years , and she wasn ’ t sure how to start . When she returned home , she shared the experience with her husband . A few weeks later , they had dinner with friends , one of whom gave her husband a prophetic word , confirming much of what they already knew — they needed to get back in church and committed to their relationship with Christ . They began visiting churches and landed on one in 2016 .
Kristie and her husband continued to grow in their faith and decided once again to put their house on the market . Unlike before , it sold in one day . Now they are living in a newly constructed house , next to her sister , on the property God promised her years ago — a house they know will be used as a place to share God ’ s love with others .
Everyone who meets Kristie sees the joy of the Lord in her countenance . Her journey was arduous — she struggled with anger , disappointment , and depression . Yet God relentlessly pursued her , wooing her with His truth and love . Her hunger for more of Him is contagious , and her life emanates His goodness . Though she still doesn ’ t understand the death of her mother , Kristie says , “ I trust God in spite of it , knowing He is always good .” You see , if we are to receive the peace that passes all understanding , we must travel through experiences we don ’ t understand . When we seek to know God , rather than understand Him , we will never be disappointed .
Connect with Lisa at www . lisajenkinsmoore . com to learn more about her writing and speaking engagements .
TEXOMA AREA Living Well Magazine | JULY / AUGUST 2017
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