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Friday, November 15, 2013

To those who have been praying.

This may come as a surprise to people, especially outside of my family, but I’m a pretty private person. Don’t get me wrong, I will blog about every dating story I have or how I think I’ll be the star of 27 Dresses Part 2; but, when it comes to personal matters I like to keep it private. However, tonight I’m going to let everyone in on what’s been going on in my life. Why? Simply, because so many people are praying for me right now and I want every person to understand what they've done for my family and me.

So here is my story…

I’ve always bruised easily, but over the past couple months I’ve had some pretty epic bruises. One bruise went from my knee all the way up my thigh. I’ll wake up in the morning looking like I punched myself all night. Side note, did you know waking up with unexplained bruises means you were abducted by aliens? I’m still holding on to that possibility. Sorry, staying serious… On top of the bruising my legs have been swelling. Which is every woman’s nightmare! This, and a few other symptoms, led me to believe I should try going to this place called a doctor’s office. I went to my regular doctor thinking I had a vitamin deficiency or a crazy food allergy, and I left being tested for leukemia. I didn't even know how to spell leukemia. So as you can imagine, that was quite the night. Let’s fast forward to today. I’m currently seeing a Hematologist, apparently one of the best in the nation, but to me he is a gift from God. I’ve never in my life felt like a doctor cared about me more than him and his entire staff.  They know me by name. My nurse called yesterday and said that my doctor can’t stop thinking about me, that I’m always on his mind. Over the course of two appointments, I’ve had 32 vials of blood drawn (apparently I have a little left), ultrasounds done of my legs, I’ve been poked and pricked and now I’m just plain tired. Today I met with my doctor again and he believes I have a blocked vessel. The blood flows out of my heart, to the rest of my body but has a hard time getting back. This blockage could be the result of many factors, but regardless it needs removed. My doctor told me today that he’s ruled out leukemia, liver disease and kidney disease. PRAISE JESUS! That was a beautiful moment! This coming Wednesday I go in for a full body CT scan so the doctor can confirm it’s a blockage and identify the cause.

Over the course of this testing, I’ve learned so much. I’ve learned that a lot of people care about me. It’s amazing to wake up on the day of my doctor appointments to so many texts from my family and friends. I’ve learned that my parents are even stronger than I knew. You see, my appointments are at an oncology center. I sit in a waiting room full of people fighting for their lives, when I check out, the last thing I see is a sign encouraging people to beat cancer. It’s a scary place, but you would never be able to tell for a moment that my parents are afraid - that is what gets me through. I’ve also learned a lot about perspective. I whine that my legs aren't thin enough, but my legs have carried me through three half marathons. Right now, while they’re swollen and bruised and it hurts to run, I am so thankful for my legs because they move. Finally, I’ve learned a lot about my faith. It’s really easy to have faith that God will protect me when I sleep, that He’ll bless me in my career but it gets a little challenging when I’m praying that I don’t have cancer. BUT, if there is one thing I know it is that I serve a mighty and strong God – I know that He will carry me through. So whether I am getting abducted by aliens or it’s a blockage, I know that God is in control. I know that whether it’s a broken finger or a broken body, GOD CAN HEAL. I was driving to my parents' home today feeling a little scared, so I started playing MeredithAndrews “Not for a Moment” (you must listen to this song) when a semi-truck drove by and on the back someone wrote in the dust “God is good”. That my friends, is the God I serve. A God who hears me cry and answers.

So all of this to say, to those who are encouraging me daily with texts, messages and calls THANK YOU. With every call and text you are encouraging my spirit. Thank you for showing me love. THANK YOU for calling my parents and praying with them, I can’t imagine how hard this is on them. To those that are praying for me THANK YOU. It’s so amazing to me that people are praying for me all over the U.S. AND other countries. I can tell you one thing, I can feel it. People doubt God because they can’t physically feel Him, but I can feel Him. I can feel His peace saturating me. Every time fear creeps in, God pushes it out. It’s so amazing to me that people who have never met me are praying for me. Christianity is truly about being the body of Christ and being a family, and I’ve never seen/felt that more than now. If you’ve made it to the end of this post, I should probably thank you too. :)


God is so good.  

9 comments:

  1. Ashley... you are an inspiration... to me and to many others because of your faith and morals. You have so many people who care about you praying for you because of your own kindness, and caring towards others. You've got this... you, God, and all those who care about you and are covering you with their prayers. Valery C

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    1. Awe thank you so much Valery!!! :) You always bring a smile to my face! Thank your for the encouragement and prayers. You're amazing!

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  2. hey sweetie it is just killing me inside to see what u r going through right now..it is so easy to keep ones faith when all is going just the way WE want our life to gobut so much harder to keep our faith when things don't seem to happen the way we think it should be. you my sweet granddaughter are an example of how each one of us should be during a time of concern. you have always been such an inspiration to me~your faith~your caring ~love of life~good friend~smart~love of family~faithful to your promises to God~beautiful inside and out~and so many more wonderful characteristics...I am so proud of the Godly women I see each time we get together..Ashley u are covered in prayer and like your mom said satan picked the wrong family to get involved !!!!!!! (john 14) PEACE I LEAVE WITH YOU=MY PEACE IGIVE UNTO YOU=NOT AS THE WORLD GIVETH,GIVE I UNTO YOU=LET NOT YOUR HEART BE TROUBLED,NEITHER LET IT BE AFRAID....these are words of Jesus I am praying ...praying for a complete miracle of healing so that your body with be perfect..JESUS is our healer and I know he will guide the doctors with wisdom.....our church in florida, churches in texas, people in Illinois, ohio, Michigan from our end are praying too. I love u kiddo and hugs-love-and prayers are being sent to you...I believe in you and I believe in God's promises, and I believe in the power of prayer.....God's grace and the power of the Holy Spirit be with you and guide you.....all my love , grandma ( oh yes and grandpa !!!)

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    1. Thank you grandma!!! I love you SO much! Thank you for your prayers and all you amazing encouragement!

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  3. An angel walked into my house
    Right into my front door
    I said who are you
    and what are you here for
    He said i'm an angel of the Lord
    sent down from up above
    to help you in your time of need
    and to show you Gods love
    See the Lord heard your cry
    He wept for your pain
    and seen the tear in your eye
    and you praying in His name
    He wants you to know
    your not alone
    He's watching over you
    He holds you in His arms
    and He will always see you through!

    I pray for your complete healing in the name of Jesus Christ our Lord and savior.
    Amen

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    1. Amen! I love this so much. Thank you for sharing and for your prayers!

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  4. I'm so glad they ruled out leukemia. .praise God! That is the first thing I thought of when you said you were experiencing bruising. Will continue to pray for you and your beautiful family for a quick and complete resolution. Romans 8:28. Oh and yes, not only CAN God heal but He ALREADY HAS.

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    1. Amen! Thank you so much for your prayer and encouraging words!!!

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  5. Hi Ashley this is Katie Danielle and Kevin's friend not sure if you remember me but I stumbled upon this on Molly's page and just wanted to say I will keep you in my prayers and ask my grandma to reach out to her prayer chains. I'm sorry you are having to go through this but glad you're seeing God in it all.

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