It was the day before surgery. My last day with an unaltered voice and the last day of relative “normal” before the long and grueling months of surgery, treatment and recovery.
So much was packed into that one day. Imagine all you would need to accomplish if you knew the next three to six months you’d be completely out of commission.
Yes, exactly.
But when Colleen Swindoll-Thompson, Director of Special Needs Ministry for Insight For Living called and asked to do a video interview about my book, Undone, I couldn’t say no. It was something I needed to do.
In the interview, Colleen asked me questions like:
- What was the phone call that changed your life, and how did you respond?
- How did God comfort you and remind you of His presence in the moments following your cancer diagnosis?
- What have you learned about yourself during this tough time?
- Who has been helpful to you throughout your journey?
- How can we handle our darkest moments?
- What can you say to the person who feels that God is not showing up during his or her tough moments?
- Managing vs. Experiencing: What have you learned about trying to control situations?
- What would you say to those who are suffering?
The final video was released this week, Tuesday, March 3. Such tender timing. I’d be lying if I didn’t admit I felt a twinge of grief at its release. It seems like a lifetime ago, that day when I felt strong and could talk and eat without difficulty. Many days I wish I could go back, be unaltered, feel “normal.”
Even so, life will come back, one day soon. I believe it. In the mean time, I watched this video in its entirety, with far more joy than sadness. Somehow the strong, whole, clear-spoken Michele spoke to this beat-up, worn-down version of her. And you know what? She gave me a little more fight for my battle. She reminded me of Who’s in charge, and how deeply He loves. And she helped me see the beauty in the unexpected once again.
I hope it does the same for you, too.
To learn more about Colleen Swindoll-Thompson, her Special Needs Ministry or Insight For Living, check out their website and blog at www.Insight.org.
If you’d like more information about Undone: A Story of Making Peace with an Unexpected Life, please visit undonebook.com.
I can’t wait to listen. A reminder, my friend, that your voice is as beautiful today to our mighty healing Father as it was the day you did this interview.
Simply, simply moving and very meaningful to me today. In fact, the best medicine I could have taken today. Thank you for the courage to share your journey -the ups, downs, and in-betweens and for making Jesus so very, VERY real! I will continue to pray for your recovery as I touch my FEARLESS key-chain. The battle is the Lords. He is YOUR victory! He is fighting for you!
This is such a great interview, Michele. So, so glad you said “Yes”!
How wonderful that God used your words back then to encourage you afresh. He does that on occasion to me too, and it is very humbling.
Praying for you and for Undone tomorrow!
Hey Michele,
I had to chuckle a little when I read that you gave yourself a little more fight for the battle; that you reminded yourself through your own recording of some VERY important truths. I have the same experience when I listen to recordings of my talks. I think to myself, “That guy’s on to something. I need to apply what he says to my life!” I’m glad God is speaking to you…through you!