At the beginning of this journey everything was so very overwhelming. So many questions and — to tell the truth — too many answers: Everyone has an opinion, a recipe, someone they know who had cancer, a secret cure. In the whirlwind of all this there was just so much which left me feeling paralyzed. I was afraid to take a step — in case I took the wrong one and messed up everything. I was afraid of missing God’s will for me!
It was in this chaos that I reached out to dear friends L and V, who I consider my mentors. As we interacted, they talking and me mostly crying, the Lord spoke so beautifully through them:
“Debbie, you have been walking with the Lord for over 35 years you know His voice. Just listen to Him. He will show you and you will know which way to go.”
The odd thing is that after that talk with them my journey went in a direction I never thought it would. I really wanted to fight cancer naturally but at every try the door was slammed shut. We interviewed several doctors who I thought for sure would be a perfect fit, but they weren’t. Patrick and I were led to a Brazilian oncologist (with the very reputable Seattle Cancer Care Alliance), who has a wonderful and laid-back manner and who I knew was the one for us. Having Dr. Martins’ team (accompanied with a couple of naturopaths as advisors on diet and supplements) seems to have been the best option for me.
After my friend’s exhortation to listen to God’s voice I noticed how the Lord just took control and slowed everything d…o…w…n. Originally when I would move from doctor to doctor many times I would have to wait a month or more just to get an appointment. Or when I was told that I would first need this scan or this test, I would then find out the first available appointment was five weeks down the road. Really! In all this chaos there was and continues to be an Anchor holding me still, holding me calm, just holding ME. It has been a place of peace, comfort, hope, joy. A place where I could go and just be just breathe and not even think about the “C”.
As time went on my realization was that if most of the medical field was not panicking about me waiting around for the next appointment or scan, then I really just needed to let go and trust God for His pace during our whole journey. I was to adjust pace for a marathon and not a sprint.
God has been so faithful to reassure me of His presence. Most days there is a verse, or a song, or a friends’ encouragement that affirms me that God has all of this under control. Cancer may have taken Patrick and me by surprise but it has certainly not surprised God.
Lessons gleaned:
- Be still and know that I am God.
- If God is for me who can be against me?
- God’s timing is perfect every time.
- His sheep hear His voice.
- When giving advice to others, ask God first.
- When receiving advice from others, ask God about it first.
- God is the author and perfecter of my faith.
- My journey is MY journey. This is a special time with a special interaction between me and God.
Thank you again for walking this journey as my friend. Praying for you as you walk your special journey with God.
Love,
Debbie (and Patrick too)
Debbie O'Connor's Journey 
Thank you for sharing your “gleanings.” I was very encouraged and heard the Lord speak to me from your words…..I’ve been struggling to stay “still” before Him. I believe with you in His pacing and peace. Love you!
Georgie
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Thank you dear soul sister. So many things the Lord has for us on this road less traveled. Being still is not easy but so worth the gems and treasures we are able to spy out. Praying for you.
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Thank you, sweet Debbie! What a testimony! While we wanted to encourage and strengthen you, you have encouraged and strengthened us.
Continuing to pray daily for God’s blessing, healing and comfort.
Much love,
Kathy
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Love you Kathy. Thank you for your heart and passion to walk this journey with me. Your encouragement and prayers are much appreciated.
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Love the wisdom you have gleaned.
We are trusting God to sustain you daily! We love you! We
Rejoice in your confident faith.
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Thanks Sandra. You and Robert are a blessing!
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So good to hear from you. Your mentors (L and V) gave you wise counsel. We continue to pray for you on your journey . We pray God’s perfect will for you. We pray for courage, strength, healing and rest. Thank you for your updates as they help us know more perfectly to pray for you. We love you!
Sent from my iPhone
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Thank you for those prayers. God is faithful . I praise God for the people he has put in my life who give me godly advice and counsel.
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Debbie, This is beautiful to see. God is so faithful! Blessings, Judy
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Thanks Judy. I know you asked about juicing. I had to stop juicing in early March when the cancer started affecting my pancreas and my ability to process food for some reason I just couldn’t juice without feeling really sick. I have just started reintroducing juicing again very slowly and for the most part my body seems to be responding nicely. Thanks for your support and wealth of information you share for this journey.
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God loves each of us as individuals and you are right. It is your journey.
May God continue to guide you and the doctors and Patrick as you rest in Him!
Love you!
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Thanks Bridget. You have been a faithful friend and appreciate your support and encouragement!
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So appreciate you my dear sister! Sharing your journey and the lessons learned have been a real blessing to me. We are also praying for you without ceasing. Love you!!!
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Thank you for your very clear explanation of how you came to choose this path for healing. I needed to be reminded that “God’s timing is perfect every time.”
love and prayers for you,
Cindy
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Thanks Cindy. God is so faithful to walk us through each baby step. You prayers are much appreicated.
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Thank you Debbie. I’d lke to include your “lessons gleaned” in my ACTION Briefing. Would that be alright? We pray for you and Patrick to keep rejoicing in this battle. That is the battle.
Yours in Jesus,
Thomas
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Thanks Thomas. I hope you got my response to your request but yes, please feel free to use whatever will work for you.
And you are right about the battle. Thanks for the reminder!
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Hi Debbie,Thank you for sharing your perspective as you walk in this valley with the Lord. I think of you often and pray for you. I appreciate you and your perspective. I will continue to pray for you for healing. Our God is compassionate, gracious and merciful. “O Lord, let the light of your face shine upon your servant and daughter Debbie and fill her heart with greater joy.”Love,Young-AeSent from my T-Mobile 4G LTE Device
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Thank you so much Young Ae. How I miss being able to get together and fellowshipping with you and Jeff. Lord willing we will once again be able to have the privilege of getting together soon. Thanks for your ongoing prayers for healing. Love you my friend.
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Thank you Debbie for sharing every step of your journey. We are learning and being ministered as we read your blog. We pray God strength your body, soul, and spirit every day. We will be by your side always. God bless you and your family.
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Hi Debbie,
Your post reminds me of the words to the Casting Crowns song, “Just Be Held”. I especially love the lyrics, “I’m on the throne, stop holding on and just be held”. Rather than clinging to God, just be held, He is in control and has you in his arms. Check out the full lyrics on YouTube. The words are beautiful.
Thanks for keeping us informed. It’s always good to hear from you!
Love,
Carol
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I know that song. But I will look more carefully at the words, thanks so much, Carol.
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