A Life-Changing Experience
Bev Rossin

A routine PAP exam led to an ultrasound which found a blood clo in the uterus. We waited a few days for the tissue to be tested. I really felt fine, not apprehensive or anything. Then the call came from my doctor, “Hello, Beverly, this is Dr. VanDyken. Got the lab reports back and it doesn’t look good. Unfortunately, there is some cancer there so I’m suggesting a hysterectomy.” Did those words ever change my life! I heard that “c” word and nothing else afterwards. Fear, shock, amazement, panic and much more flooded through mehappening? . Can this really be What do I do next? How do I tell my children? My parents?

At first, I had to go through the crying, some down time, my questioning. I had to have it all sink in and get accustomed to what was going on and what was to come. I had to accept my diagnosis and get ready to face
what was ahead. This took some time. I needed the week from the phone call to the surgery for this to become a reality for me.

Maybe some of you have been in my shoes and have your own testimony of God’s goodness. If so, you’ll understand how I felt. And yet there was something in me that wanted this whole episode to be a redemptive one. I didn’t want to say later on, “Well, I got through that.” Rather, I wanted to be able to tell what I learned or experienced from all of this. I wanted to have this be a life-changing thing for me and for those that I loved. (And did that ever happen!) I wanted God to get the glory in every way and for me to be a witness for his power.

God’s power came to me in the early morning hours when I couldn’t sleep - I’d sit in the living room with my Bible and pour out my heart to the Lord. I’d just talk - whatever I felt or thought - and he listened! He became so real to me. He came and “sat” next to me on the couch, took my hand, and cried with me. And then, one by one, people began to call. So many gals had the same exact surgery! Such a comfort they were! So much insight I gained as they shared what was to happen to me, what I was probably going to go through. Songs came to me “in the night” and ministered so much; songs such as: “I surrender all, I surrender all, all to Thee my blessed Savior, I surrender all.” I’d get the hymnal out and read and sing ALL the verses to the hymns. Another one was: “You are my strength when I am weak, You are the Treasure that I seek, You are my all in all. Seeking You as a precious jewel, Lord, to give up I’d be a fool, You are my all in all.”

It’s been seven months since my surgery. I’m feeling better every day. Now I feel that I should write down the things I’ve learned from all of this. God never “wastes” any experience, I firmly believe. So I’d like to share with my family and friends what has truly changed my life - for the better!

• I’ve learned - again - the Power of Prayer - sustained, persistent prayer. Prayer that doesn’t ask Why? but seeks only to know the Lord and his ways. I’ve come to appreciate so much the prayers of believerstheir earnest and heartfelt care for me. It overwhelmed me. Each card caused me to blubber all over again and yet smile and laugh with joy at the sentiments expressed. When I had a hard time praying for myself, I knew I didn’t have to worry because someone else was “holding up my hands” at that time. Such a comfort this was to me! You really can feel it when people pray for you.

• I’ve learned - again - the Comfort of God’s Word - I’ve read so many Psalms in my lifetime, but now it was like my name was written there! When the Word becomes very personal, God becomes very personal, too. When the Word speaks directly to your specific needs, you feel a comfort such as never before...as if you’re being “washed by the Word.” I couldn’t get enough of my reading. I’d go over passages again and again and see things I’d never seen before. It was as if I had new glasses on or something and could see fresh insights from “old” words I’d looked at many times.

• I’ve learned - again - the Beautiful Peace that Passes Understanding - I always wondered about that - a peace that could not be understood by us - could not be measured or weighed, etc. Now I knew it! Others around me, family, friends, seemed more upset than I was. I could sleep some nights and even in the hospital I was able to rest and heal. It’s a beautiful thing! It transcends your mind, your thoughts, your emotions, and just “floods you.” It actually takes possession of you and you find yourself wondering why you feel so relaxed! People would come to visit after I came home and would say: “You look great! And it’s only been a few days since your surgery.” I knew they were “seeing” God’s peace in my face.

• I’ve learned - again - to Value the Things God Values - What does He “value?” I believe relationships are important to Him. I began to appreciate so much my husband, my children, my grandchildren and sisters and brothers, my parents and friends. I saw them through new “glasses” and realized how special it was to see them, how special it was to tell them “I love you,” and how special it was to give and receive real bear hugs. The only thing going into Heaven is people and God began to show me that I needed to spend my energies there - with people - some I know and some I don’t yet know. I feel I have more compassion now and can feel for those in great need in a way I had not done before. I find I want to look people “in the eye” and say: “but how do you really feel?” I want them to know that I truly care about them - just as people truly cared about me. I have this burning inside to let people know that God truly loves them! I want people to know that He answers prayer. I want people to feel the love of the Body of Christ. These things seem to stay at the forefront of my thoughts.

• I’ve learned - again - the Blessing of Cards and Phone Calls - Someone you know is sick, in trouble, etc. and you say: “I’ll pray for you.” Not bad. But how about a call? A special card you picked out with care? You think those “little things” don’t matter? Well, let me tell you, they sure do! I’m going to buy even more boxes of cards and keep them on hand to send to more people. (My husband just groaned!) And I’m committed to not just saying I’ll pray for you, but doing it - right then - on the phone or in person - no waiting. When the need is expressed, I will immediately be lifting it to the heavenlies.

Truly God has granted me a special visitation of Himself during my ordeal. I hope and pray that I will not soon forget my “lessons.” I pray that he will remind me if I do! That big “c” word has not been my “destruction” as the enemy may have planned, but has rather become my “construction” - making me more and more into what God desires for me to be - making me into what the world needs to see of Him. I pray that he isn’t done with me yet. I justdon’t want his “making me” process to be quite as drastic. All Praise to Him!

Beverly Rossin
1065 Kings Way
Nekoosa, WI 54457