Unexpected Twist:: God Moved Through a Brain Tumor
Jenna just days before her surgery
On Tuesday March 2, 2010; One week ago today; one of my dearest friends was rushed to the hospital with seizure like symptoms. Within hours they discovered she had a mass on her brain. 24 hours after that discovery they named it a benign tumor and started her on steroids and other pain medications so that they could allow time for the swelling in her brain to go down before putting her through surgery to remove the tumor.
Never in my wildest dreams would I ever imagine I would walk with a friend through a tragedy like this but alas this has become a part of her story and has now trailed its way into mine. This blog entry is not designed to give you details about Jenna’s tumor If you’d like to hear more about the last week you can see our updates at http://www.aussiejoyslife.com. I just want to share with you a few things I have learned out of this experience…
The thing that has blown all of our minds has been God’s presence and peace in the entire situation. Jenna has an infectious smile and laugh that has penetrated the hospital room for the 6 days she has awaited surgery. She has puzzled nurses and doctors with her calm and resolved attitude. And she has touched so many other patients with her sweet spirit and genuine love. She has shown us what joy in the midst of a trial looks like and has given me the courage to walk into anything put before me.
What I really want to share is the idea of COMMUNITY. Man, it has been incredible. Just today I was telling a friend that I don’t want this all to end because I have loved the community that has come out of this situation. We have spent so much time laughing and sharing what God is doing all around us. We have spent time pleaded with God in prayer and praising Him with our voices and even instruments (in the hospital!!!) I cannot tell you what that has done in my heart.
I truly believe that for the first time in my life I am seeing the fullness of God’s design for fellowship among believers. Void of selfishness, jealousy, and desire for status. Only love and a desire to serve has filled the hospital room 221 and then 708 for the last 6 days. I am starting to see why God calls us to this kind of community… it is so life giving. I have walked away each day so tired and ready for bed but also so refreshed and satisfied and loved. Even tonight I had a meal with Jenna’s family and another friend. Just sharing stories of what God has done just left me so energized. I believe this is the life we are offered as believers. And this all came in the midst of what so many would name a tragedy. But for Jenna it has been a time of joy and peace and rest… and that has allowed for us to experience true community and fellowship.
The COMMUNITY consisted of people from all sides of Jenna’s life coming together with two common factors: Jesus and Jenna. 
But our differences didn’t matter. We all gave to one another emotionally and physically. We met each others needs financially even. There was one moment when I cooked a meal for the family and another friend turned around and gave me almost the exact amount of money that I spent on the meal. As I gave, I received. For me this verse came to life at that moment…
And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. And all who believed were together and had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to their number day by day those who were being saved. Acts 2:42-47
And it continued… there were a core of us that were in and out of the hospital every day. I watched other scriptures come to life as I sat back and looked at how we functioned with eachother…
So then, my brothers, when you come together to eat, wait for one another… 1 Corinthians 11:33
But God has composed the body, giving greater honor to the part that lacked it, that there may be no division in the body, but that the members may have the same care for one another. If one member suffers, all suffer together; if one member is honored, all rejoice together. 1 Corinthians 12:24-26
I smile when I think about all the moments we have had over the last week. It has been such a sweet close-up of true God-centered community. My prayer now is that this will continue past today as she is on the other side of this journey. The surgery is complete and she is safely resting in the ICU. What does your community look like? Do you feel more alive when you leave a time of fellowship? Do you walk away knowing more about God and yearning to be with Him more? I believe true community will cause you to say a resounding “YES!!!” to all of those questions.
Tags: faith, Inspire, testimony