Ronda's Testimony

It was in the summer of 2012 that Ronda was diagnosed with small cell carcinoma, a very rare, and very aggressive cancer with a poor prognosis.  In the months following the diagnosis, she faced surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation, along with the accompanying doctor, unexpected hospital visits. Extreme fatigue became her constant companion, as well as other physical side effects, isolation, emotional, and spiritual struggles.  Now, almost a year later, she shares some of her thoughts and how God carried her through. 

                                                                                                                     

God used people.  First, and foremost, was her husband, Steve, who proved to be a faithful and compassionate caregiver.  Ronda felt abundant love through her family,  church family, friends, and work associates.  Her boss at Parson's graciously gave her the freedom to come in just when she could for as long as she could, and for many months it was not at all.  The support of all encouraged her in tangible ways through meals, cards, emails, and phone calls.  

God used prayer.  Ronda recalled many specific answers to prayer during the long months, and the encouragement of knowing that others were regularly lifting her up in prayer, in general.  One day she realized a prayer she made as a child was now fully answered. Her simple prayer of many years past was to understand unconditional love.  This cancer journey brought with it the realization that God had answered that prayer.  Another prayer that Ronda expressed repeatedly to the Lord was that His will be done.  She prayed for physical healing, (as did many of us), but was willing to accept whatever God's plan was for her life.  The way she signed her emails was an expression of this, "resting and trusting in Him".  What better challenge is there for each of us than that - whatever we are facing? 

God used His word.  The Psalms, especially, ministered to Ronda as she related to David's cries to God with a heart laid bare and honest.  The journal she kept during these months often refers to the verses that God used to minister to her.  Hungrily, she drank in the comfort offered in those chapters. 

In this last year, Ronda repeatedly expressed the desire that God be glorified through this experience, no matter what the future held, and also that others would be blessed through her response to this trial.  At one low point last fall, she told me God revealed to her one specific way she could do that.  Instead of feeling inadequate because she couldn't put her thoughts in words, God reminded her that He had given her creative abilities that could be used to bless others.  She started looking on the internet for head wraps, a covering designed specially for women who have lost their hair due to chemotherapy.  The ideas started flowing and she became excited about how God could use her.  Shortly after that she did a demonstration at Parson's store on head wraps.  With her report of "no cancer" this spring Ronda is looking forward and asks for prayer that God will open up doors for her to combine her creative talents and her cancer experience to touch other women with the love that God has shown her.