Heroes In Pink

"Brothers, join in imitating me, and

keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us."

Philippians 3:17

My husband taught from this passage yesterday, posing the question: Who are your heroes?

Oh, the world looks at celebrity...money....glamour. We tend to look at the ones in the spotlight who seem to receive all the accolades and recognition. But who do we emulate?

It's clear from this verse in Philippians 3 that God wants us to live in community with one another and make careful note of those who are following hard on His heels. We're to observe the way they keep their eyes on Jesus, because that spurs us on to do the same. I looked up this same verse in "The Message."

"Stick with me, friends. Keep track of those you see running this same course, headed for this same goal."

I'm thankful. I have a lot of heroes in my life. My husband...our boys...parents...friends.

But today I'm going to focus on just two. Two bold, strong, and courageous friends.

Dorinda was diagnosed with cancer last fall. It came as a shock to all of us. Dorinda is one of those people who lights up a room when she enters it. She seems to have this glow about her. She always looks beautiful and put-together. But more importantly, this dear friend has been a continual source of encouragement to me over the past 12 years. She and I both have a heart for marriage, and we've sat beside each other on various panels at church, fielding questions and learning together. As an "older" woman with grown children, she's often given me needed perspective and balance. As one who was rather transient and moved far away from her dearest friends, she gave me understanding and a listening ear as my heart & soul friend moved far away. Following our Sweetheart Banquets, she and her husband have always been the ones to stay till the bitter end, assisting in clean-up, wiping down tables, folding tablecloths. No one asked them to do this. They just want to serve. That's Dorinda. And now she's in this fight against a disease I've grown to hate so much. And even now, there's a smile...a contentedness...a joy in her countenance. Throughout these months, even when she hasn't felt good, she still has this positive, upbeat attitude. I know it's Jesus in her. Sometimes when I've spoken to her, my goal is to encourage her in the Lord. Without fail, she is the one spurring me on and reminding me of the Truth of His Word. She leads by example. She's my hero.

I met Fran several years ago on the homeschool message board I frequent. And then came the day when she heard that dreaded 6-letter word: cancer. Breast cancer, to be exact. This beautiful, vibrant young mommy received the diagnosis that we all fear. And so began her journey. It was at this time that God really connected us. I watched her fight with such strength and dignity and grace. I watched as her trust in her Father God seemed only to grow and flourish, rather than dwindling. I watched as God used her life and her testimony to turn all eyes to her Jesus, the One who was faithfully providing for her and meeting her needs. After many months of surgery and treatment, Fran received the news we were all praying for: she was in remission! But now, nearly 5 years since her diagnosis (and with two new little girls for a total of 3), she's received confirmation that her cancer has returned. Again, she's setting the pace. It doesn't mean she's not hurting. It doesn't mean she's not sad. But when the rest of us are grieving and hurting, she's the one to remind us: "He's going to heal me on way or another. Here on earth or with Him in heaven. I will come out the winner." So even when my heart is breaking for my friend, she continually reminds me that God still reigns in the deepest valley. She's my hero.

I thank God for these friends, these genuine heroes. Their example...their faith...their trust remind me that, no matter what, we can rest confidently and securely in our Father's love. All our hope is in Him.

Please join me in praying for these two remarkable ladies...

Update: Fran went to be with Jesus on June 16, 2010. Finally Home.