Brain Tumor

“You have a brain tumor,” the doctor announced.

I was dumbfounded. Not me. I am the raw vegan exercise junkie who spent decades helping others with health. In an instant, my world was turned upside down. Maybe you know what it feels like to have the entire trajectory of your life changed in an instant. Anyone who has been there or is there now knows exactly what I mean.

With a single phone call, conversation, or unexpected event, the life you thought you were living turns out to be a complete mirage. So what do you do in times like these? First, let us start with what you do not do. I speak from experience. Do not hide.

Do not become bitter. Do not hate. Do not blame. Do not fear. Do not doubt. Do not lose hope. Do not self-destruct. Do not become paralyzed. Do not despair.

Do not forgo crying loud, long, hot, snot-coming-out-of-your-nose tears. And for goodness’ sake, do not weaponize your pain onto others.

All of these are carnal responses to a spiritual opportunity to grow, win, overcome, forgive, live, love, laugh, learn, teach, mentor, comfort, heal, seal, and reveal Christ. No, no, my dearest sisters in Christ, you are not alone. So please do not act like you are or as if what you do in response to what is happening in your life affects only you.

Your response to this will make or break not only you but also many more. So here is the secret sauce that helped me. It is Psalm 91; that is the key.

She who runs into “the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty” (verse 1, NKJV). It is during these times—times when we need more strength—that the One who has “all might” steps right in and provides us with cover while He works with our situations. Release your burden, and run under the safe shadow of His wings. View your life storm from there—where it is dry, safe, and warm.

Nothing and no one can harm us there. There we will find peace and calm assurance. There we can claim His promises. Be hugged. Be loved.

Let us talk more in glory over tea. God did a miracle in my life as I embraced this approach. I would love to hear how God completes His good work in you (Philippians 1:6).

SanDia Waller