It was October of 1980.   My parents & sister and husband traveled from Indiana to Park Ridge IL for a visit.  They seldom drove to Chicago because they didn’t like to drive in the Chicago traffic.   It was always a joy when they came for a visit, but little did I know that would be the last visit for a very long time.  The coming months would be a changing point in all of our lives.

While standing in our kitchen one evening, my mother mentioned that she had a couple of lumps in her abdominal area.  The lumps were so large that we could actually see them protruding.  My sister and I both felt the lumps and couldn’t believe that she had not seen a doctor.  Mother was not one to go to the doctor’s office unless it was necessary.  We told her that she must see a doctor as soon as she returned home.  

After returning home, she called for a doctor’s appointment.  Her first appointment proved alarming.  The doctor told her there were several lumps in her abdominal area and that she should see a specialist.    We were very concerned because Mom was never felt sick.  The specialist told her he wanted to do surgery as soon as possible.

During this time period, I was attending a Bible study called “What Happens When Women Pray” by Evelyn Christiansen, and I asked the women to pray for my mother.  During the next couple of weeks as I prayed, I felt that God gave me an assurance that the lumps would disappear and everything would be alright.  I couldn’t believe that God had given me this assurance…then I started to think… “What if she doesn’t get better!”  Then the assurance I heard from God would just be wishful thinking.  I decided not to tell anyone.  God’s assurance gave me comfort in the days ahead because I chose to believe God spoke to my heart… that it wasn’t my wishful thinking. 

Or did I believe?    Reminds me of the little song I learned in church when I was a little girl.   “Don’t be a doubting Thomas.  Just take Him  at His promise.  Why worry, worry, worry, worry…when you can pray!

Reflection:  Do you  have a  doubting Thomas story?  Would love to hear about your experience and what you learned.  Stayed tuned tomorrow for Chapter two of ……. Doubting Thomas or Thomas the Believer?                           (See description about Thomas below.)

P.S.  I am recovering very well.   I don’t even feel like I had surgery!  What a blessing!  Each day is a gift from God…enjoy!  Blessings, Marilyn

About Thomas:  In Thomas’ best known appearance in the New Testament, ^{[Jn. 20:24-29]} he doubts the resurrection of Jesus and demands to touch Jesus’ wounds before being convinced.  This story is the origin of the term Doubting Thomas.  After seeing Jesus alive, Thomas professed his faith in Jesus, exclaiming “My Lord and my God!” On this account he is also called Thomas the Believer.^[6]