Well, it's been one week since I last posted something. I guess it's about time I wrote another post. So, this past week has been emotionally draining. If you're wanting a happy read, then stop here. Click 'Back' and go to someone else's blog. I go to Westmeade Baptist Church. I've gone there my entire life. I love it. Well, Monday I found out that our Music Minister of seven years, David Burdeshaw, is being called to another church in Arkansas. His last Sunday is the 15th. It was such a shock. I bawled my eyes out. Some of you are thinking, 'Okay.. why?' and that's because you do not KNOW David Burdeshaw. I have always looked up to David and I always will. He has helped me SO MUCH in my walk with Christ. I can't put it into words how much he and his family mean to me. They're like family, not just a family who goes to the church as I do. I dread saying bye. But that's not all that happened. Let me give you some background before I continue. My mom's cousin, Belinda Webb, has battled a rare cancer called leiomyosarcoma for almost a year. If you've never heard of it, you're with the majority of people. It's a cancer of the smooth tissue, such as the tissue in organs and muscles. A local oncologist may only see one or two cases in their entire career. She was in the fourth and final stage of the cancer when she was diagnosed. They started treatments right away. During her journey, she sent me, my mom, and others text messages almost daily full of hope and her faith in God. There was never one sorrowful messages. Not one message of defeat. She never once gave up. She never once doubted God. Her faith was SO inspiring to me. I was absolutely moved by the things she would say. This woman who was battling cancer challenged ME to have more faith in God. It was incredible. The text messages start in August 2009 and end in June 2010. Belinda had been improving, until late in June when doctors discovered a tumor on her brain. It was the size of a baseball. After the surgery, Belinda lost her ability to talk and her mobility. Her husband, Gary, had to watch her and care to her every need. It was so discouraging to me. I didn't know what was going on in her mind. I PRAYED that her faith remained unshaken. Beth Moore, who Belinda LOVED, even wrote her a letter. Because of the wound made from surgery, the cancer spread quickly. More tumors formed and the tumor in her brain grew back. Belinda slipped into a coma and the doctors took off her life support. Sweet Belinda died around 12:OO Sunday morning. It was so bittersweet. I was so sad, so discouraged because of the way it ended. I believe that God put her in a coma though so that his child wouldn't be in pain anymore. I rejoice because I know she will NEVER suffer again. She is in GLORY with her Heavenly Father and I know He is so PROUD of her and her faith. I will miss her so much. But I will never forget the things she said. They have changed my life and my faith. Mom and I have typed up all of the text messages Belinda sent during her journey. They make up 23 type pages. The funeral is tomorrow and we're making notebooks that have the pages in them so that our family can read, remember, and reflect on Belinda's Walk. That's what we're calling it. I'll probably post some of her texts on her whenever I read through them again so that I can share her with ya'll. I know I'll see her again one day. And what a day that will be! I challenge you. When you feel hopeless and you don't understand what's going on, remember Belinda. Remember how she never once lost faith. Remember that she rejoiced always, even in suffering. And tell yourself, 'If she can do it, so can I.' Never give up. Always give God the glory He deserves, even when it's hard. Love Him as Belinda did. As I wrap this up, I ask that you pray for my church family as we deal with losing a great man and family, The Burdeshaws. And I ask you to pray for my family as we deal with the death of a loved one. Pray that even though it's such a loss, that we don't forget that she is better now than she ever was. Thank you.
Until next time.
Always,
Morgan
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