My Story…His Story, Part 4

PART 4.  A “New Hairdo”

Four rounds of Chemo were behind me.  I rang the bell to share with everyone that I was finished, but I was tired.  Honestly, I could not wait to begin my progression back to health and normalcy.  It had been quite a journey the last few months.    

“Lord, what should I wear?”  

This was one of my last check-ups, meant to ensure that I was healing properly.  Long mornings of commutes, labs, medications, and doctor appointments were almost over.  As I scanned through my closet of big, oversized button ups, I grabbed my huge, back and red checkered shirt which engulfed my petite frame. I had found that these shirts were best to wear to appointments, especially when dealing with constant blood drains, IV’s, and bloodwork. This particular shirt had been found by my husband and I at a garage sale for only $2! An insane steal! 

I never dreamed that God would use that shirt to remind me of Himself.  As I walked downstairs to eat some breakfast, I happened to look out that special window, dazzled by what I saw.  Perched on the bare winter tree were dozens of cardinals, sporting their bright, new cherry red hairdos.  They were beautiful, just beautiful.  Their feathers were perfect and stunning.  They sparkled like priceless garnet gems in that backdrop of winter.  The backdrop of barrenness, of humility, of brokenness.  I could not take my eyes off of them.  Their crimson color radiated off the drab branches.  They shined.  They glowed.  And you know what us ladies do when we get a new hairdo?  We want everyone to see it.  We want to show it off!  

  

And then the Holy Spirit directed my eyes downward to the crimson shirt I had decided to wear.  I was in shock and awestruck.  What?  Really?  Me?  Am I hearing what I think I am hearing?  Could God be assuring me that as I am coming to the end of the worst part of this cancer journey, that I really do have my “new do”?  Will this suffering have a purpose and a plan that He can use in my life to radiate His glory?  

It was like the Lord said, “Shelley, now you go and proclaim my glory with your new do!”

What started as a thought that morning, became a confirmation the rest of the day.  That day at the doctor’s, the theme was not pink but red!  The branding was not a pink ribbon, but a crimson cross.  My lab nurse that took my blood even made the comment: “Here is a red bandage to match your red shirt!” I was shocked.  I had never gotten a red bandage.  Then I proceeded to tell her my story from that morning.  She got goosebumps.  We prayed.  Then came another divine appointment with a battle-worn cancer patient.  Her journey was more serious than mine.  We shared more words of encouragement and prayers.  By the end of the day, my husband and I were spilling over with praise at what God had done.  We proclaimed, and He got the glory. 

And with my head bowed, this crimson thread became my new battle cry…

“Father, I pray that my season of winter will allow me to shine your glory like those cardinals whose fiery red hairdos blazed from that bald, naked tree!” 

I believe that not much of Shelley was left after this journey, but there evolved a new, fiery red fervor after that winter season to shine God’s glory and exalt His Name in everything I did.

And this verse became my praise…

Isaiah 40:1-3

I waited patiently for the LORD; he inclined to me and heard my cry.

He drew me up from the pit of destruction, out of the miry bog, and set my feet upon a rock, making my steps secure.

HE PUT A NEW SONG IN MY MOUTH, 

A SONG OF PRAISE TO OUR GOD.  

MANY WILL SEE AND FEAR, 

AND PUT THEIR TRUST IN THE LORD.

But to add more praise and purpose…God gave me another venue…

Soon after this incredible experience, our pastor asked me to share my story to the church on Christmas Eve that year.  What?  Christmas Eve…when everyone goes to church.  And I am sure you know what I wore? 

I wore my red shirt.

“Ad Gloriam Dei”, “For the Glory of God”.

***So now what?  The Lord has nudged me that He has given me a story which needs to be told.  Why?  So that His Name could be proclaimed and His glory known!  I am convinced that Jesus is real, and He loves each of us with a steadfast love, and His deepest desire is not our good deeds but our unwavering trust.  Not a set of rigid rules but an intimate, living relationship with Him!***   

To Be Continued…
Part 5 in the next post OR search “my story”

Edited by JaeAnn Hines