John 15:12-14
“Love each other as I have loved you!” I grew up in a very loving, large family with four siblings. I was the first born; followed by two sisters. Then came along our one and only brother, follower by our “little" sister! When? Following WWI and the Great Depression. We early learned: the Love of God, the treasure of Giving to and Caring about friends and neighbors in need; the great blessings of the examples of discipleship and prayer set forth by our parents, grandparents, and our ninety four year old Great Grandmother — all actively involved in church and community.
By the time I was 7, WWII had begun. Some say that we were “victims”. However, as I reflect on this time, I did not “know” the word—it was foreign to me! In fact, I truly value the life lessons learned: learning to pray for each other; friends and family members called to service; reaching out with love and caring for all in need; the call to discipleship and prayer; and being guided and reassured by our parents, grandparents, Sunday School Teachers, and Pastors that “GOD loves us and hears our every prayer; and in HIS time answers those prayers. Today as I reflect on these times, prayers and events, I ask myself many questions: were we too protected; too naïve? We felt very safe and loved! The answers always seem to be no; it was the LOVE OF GOD and our family which seemed to mute the seriousness of the war.
As the war was coming to an end, our brother was diagnosed with polio, confined to an “Iron Lung” for 5 1/2 months. Dad was working long hours, 6-7 days per week, as supervisor of construction at the Prisoner of War Camp on Perry Island, Sandusky Bay, OH. We were quarantined for eight weeks—in our home. Mom spent every day at the hospital with Fred; and we were in the loving care of our Grandparents. Dad worked 10-12 hours, drove many miles home to Toledo; and went to the hospital each evening with Mom; then came home for prayers and bedtime. Our prayers were answered in many ways.
After many months of being confined to the “Iron Lung”, Fred was finally able to be weaned off, discharged at long last to Toledo’s Gillette Children’s Rehabilitation Hospital for 18 months of extensive physical therapy and school. This was our first, but certainly not our last time we encountered the LOVE OF JESUS and GOD'S GRACE. Yes, I was and we all were changed!!
Each on e of us, each in his/her own way, has become stronger and more faithful servants. And yes, we have experienced many more challenges in our separate lives with our beloved spouses; however, each and every challenge has strengthened our walk as a disciple of Jesus!
HOW WAS I CHANGED? First, the majority of my life challenges have been major health issues; extending over a number of years; and scattered in-between college, grad school, marriage, and the enjoyment of living in community with Family and Friends. As I mentioned, I grew up knowing and firmly believing that “Jesus Loves Me”! And “I am NOT ALONE” However, this gift of His Love and my willingness to share it or give it so unconditionally was NEVER so “front and center” to actually living every day of my life as it became 28 years ago on February 12, 1987.
Two weeks earlier, I had been diagnosed “suddenly” with Coronary Artery Disease (99% blockage of the major coronary arteries of my heart). In the two weeks between the diagnosis and surgery, many immediate and major decisions regarding my return to work; if and when; and what about my many commitments to my church and family responsibilities
My prayers were so often for guidance in helping others in challenging times—all of a sudden, my prayers were for me, ONLY! I was feeling so conflicted and self-centered; so dependent! Then as I prayed for guidance, support and courage to do HIS will, I felt a sudden sense of calm come over me. Then a soft voice saying: “You are NOT alone!” And, I fell asleep! When I awoke, I no longer had that feeling of self-centeredness; instead, the empowerment to immediately pray “FOR ME”, for HIS guidance, direction, and also to lift up my family—especially my mother who had experienced the death of Dad, just one year earlier at this very time. Yes, also for me, my beloved husband who had died just 8 years earlier on January 27, the very day I received this present diagnosis.
Lessons learned at age 52; — go to Jesus in prayer FIRST AND FOREMOST asking for personal guidance; cleanse yourself of your own “pity party”; then lift up your concerns for loved ones. Never give up! We are NEVER EVER ALONE; or too old to learn, give of our love, or share our GOD GIVEN GIFTS; and CARE FOR OTHERS WITH LOVE.
FINALLY, STRIVE TO CARRY THE MESSAGE OF GOOD FRIDAY FORWARD
With Gratitude toward GROWING DEEPER IN MY SPIRITUAL JOURNEY.
My prayers were so often for guidance in helping others in challenging times—all of a sudden, my prayers were for me, ONLY! I was feeling so conflicted and self-centered; so dependent! Then as I prayed for guidance, support and courage to do HIS will, I felt a sudden sense of calm come over me. Then a soft voice saying: “You are NOT alone!” And, I fell asleep! When I awoke, I no longer had that feeling of self-centeredness; instead, the empowerment to immediately pray “FOR ME”, for HIS guidance, direction, and also to lift up my family—especially my mother who had experienced the death of Dad, just one year earlier at this very time. Yes, also for me, my beloved husband who had died just 8 years earlier on January 27, the very day I received this present diagnosis.
Lessons learned at age 52; — go to Jesus in prayer FIRST AND FOREMOST asking for personal guidance; cleanse yourself of your own “pity party”; then lift up your concerns for loved ones. Never give up! We are NEVER EVER ALONE; or too old to learn, give of our love, or share our GOD GIVEN GIFTS; and CARE FOR OTHERS WITH LOVE.
FINALLY, STRIVE TO CARRY THE MESSAGE OF GOOD FRIDAY FORWARD
With Gratitude toward GROWING DEEPER IN MY SPIRITUAL JOURNEY.
Joanne C. Wayne
February 10, 2015
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