About 7 or 8 years ago, I met a girl named Christi. She and her husband had moved to Chattanooga to be a part of Calvary Chapel. He is a pastor there. They have 4 young daughters. I watched her. She had so much grace and there was just something about her that was captivating. I remember watching her with her newborn and wanting to be a mom like her. She was so beautiful and gentle-so full of joy. Jesus was obvious in her life- His glory on display through her.
I used to think, "I need a green jacket like that so I can look beautiful like Christi does". I would buy a green jacket but didn't look as beautiful as she did. I would think, "I want jeans like that so I can look as beautiful as she does", but, again, it didn't work. What I didn't realize was that it wasn't her clothes that made her so beautiful. She IS naturally beautiful...
but it was Jesus in her that was so amazing.
She knew Him in a way that I didn't.
HE is Who is so captivating.
It wasn't her green jacket.
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About 4 years ago, Christi found out she had breast cancer. She had to have aggressive chemo and radiation. She had a double mastectomy and horrible surgeries. She had no hair but she didn't wear a wig. She was still beautiful and still radiating Jesus- now even more. I remember her husband saying she read the book of Philippians so much that it was falling out of her Bible.
She never stopped trusting God. She never stopped praising His name. She never stopped worshipping Him. Many lives were touched and changed by their faith.
Well, 4 years passed and her beautiful hair grew back. Their lives had returned to normal and cancer was "in the past". Until recently. :(
It is back. It is in her lung and her brain and it is not good. Please pray for this family. I wish I knew Christi more because I want to learn from her. I want to love and trust God the way she does. It is mind-blowing how steadfast she and her husband have remained no matter what is thrown at them.
She has taught me so much even though we aren't close friends. I just watch. As does the world.
Pray for a miracle.
We are asking God to supernaturally heal her. Pray for God's grace to cover their family. They are the REAL DEAL and they are going through a trial like most of us will never know.
I don't understand why God has allowed this tragedy in their lives but you cannot help but see His beauty being poured out through their family.
Watch the video at the end of Rich's post....
Hug your husband. Hug your children.
Draw nearer to Jesus.
Pray for Christi.
10 comments:
Thanks for sharing. The photos and video were beautiful and inspiring.
Thankyou for sharing.... praying along with you for supernatural healing.
So here I sit on this beautiful morning, with my daughters at my side. Sharing with them again the story of my life and weaving it in with the Engles. I feel the triumph and loss at a different level today being a mother of two daughters then a young 12 year old girl. My girls see the tears and question my willingness to accept God's plans as the best when it was such a loss. Thanks Stephanie for letting me petition our most Sovereign Lord and Saviour on behalf of this family.
Oh Steph, I am crying. Thank YOU for being the Christi in my life who taught me to believe in big things and pray for miracles, because now I can use that to pray for your Christi. PRAYING.
wow. speechless. but my heart cries out for them to our Abba Father.
lys
I was just over on that website earlier! (I did a google search for Chattanooga photographer.) When I saw those pictures I though what a beautiful family. Then I come over to your blog and find this post. :( I will be praying for her.
I am having a really ugly cry and hitting my knees for this beautiful family. This is one of my greatest fears. I am crying out to my Father for strength, peace and a DIVINE miracle for this mama.
wow. as i sit here wiping tears from my face i am reminded of the time we shaved my father's head during his battle with cancer. she is beautiful and God's peace radiates from her entire being. special moments to share with her girls in the midst of such trials. special memories she is creating - joy in sorrow. peace in turmoil. happiness in sadness. amazing woman. amazing man. amazing women those girls will grow to become. thank you for sharing.
Praying this verse over Christi...
"Heal me, Oh Lord, and I will be healed; save me and I will be saved, for You are the One I praise."
Jeremiah 17:14
I was Christi's friend in middle school. Unfortunately we lost touch after those tender years. She was voted most beautiful then, and she truly is indeed beyond beautiful now.
Thank you for sharing her story.
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