“Where do cats go in a drought?”
Gail's Journey
"Where do cats go in a drought?" This is a question that was asked by my grandson, Finn, this week. His mother, Rachel, shared the whole conversation. He said, "Where do cats go in a flood?" Rachel said, "They go to high ground, like mountains." Then he asked, "Where do cats go in a drought?" Rachel replied that she didn’t think cats lived where there were droughts, but he interrupted her and said, "mommy, they seek water!"
He is so brilliant! In fact, if you want to know any facts about the solar system from our five-year-old Finn, he could tell you more than you ever want to know. Also, don’t challenge him, because he will quickly correct you with facts! He still loves the solar system, but is now into studying the human body. I have a feeling that this five-year-old may become a scientist or a doctor!
But his answer to the question about cats in the drought was brilliant on a spiritual level. You see, I keep going in and out of that drought as I fight this cancer. I continue to struggle with the neuropathy of my hands and legs and feet. My balance is sometimes off, I have to concentrate on walking, my legs and feet are heavy and numb, and it’s difficult to function with numb hands. I don’t want to keep complaining about the same things, but they don’t go away, they only worsen. Fatigue is always a problem, and is worse closer to chemotherapy treatment. Now I’m dealing with swelling in my abdomen legs and feet, along with some abdominal pain. The “chemo brain” continues to worsen with times of fuzziness of my thoughts and memory issues. I could go on, but this just gets more depressing. I know that you are rolling your eyes about now :)
I am, however, thrilled that the Lord has let me live this long. I still get to see sunsets and his beautiful creation. I still get to spend time with my awesome family and friends. I am blessed in many ways. He still gives me purpose as we continue to raise support for Gails Girls through Stadia Church Planting, along with Enhance. I am also looking forward to celebrating next month with my daughter Kristin, and Mike Russell, as they get married and start a new life together!
I am very grateful to all those who pray for me and encourage me regularly. Please know that your prayers have made a significant difference. The Lord does continue to bless us in so many ways. I also know God can still heal me if He chooses. I would love to have that testimony to share with a world who doubt His existence and His power.
Jesus is the living water and offers salvation and total forgiveness to all who would accept His free gift. I am trusting Him with my life and my situation. I have learned that in this drought I should seek water, as Finn said. I will continue to seek and enjoy Jesus, who gives living water.
John 7:37 (NIV) On the last and greatest day of the festival, Jesus stood and said in a loud voice, "Let anyone who is thirsty come to me and drink. 38 Whoever believes in me, as Scripture has said, rivers of living water will flow from within them.” 39 By this he meant the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were later to receive. Up to that time the Spirit had not been given, since Jesus had not yet been glorified."
There is also wisdom in Finn’s first question and Rachel’s answer. "Where do cats go in a flood?" Rachel replied that they go to higher ground. There are many references in scripture about God being the Rock, such as,
Deuteronomy 32:3-5 New International Version (NIV)
3 I will proclaim the name of the Lord. Oh, praise the greatness of our God! 4 He is the Rock, his works are perfect, and all his ways are just. 5 A faithful God who does no wrong, upright and just is he.
So I am going to continue to seek water through this drought, and higher ground when troubles come like a flood. I encourage you to do the same through any drought you may be in or any floods that seem overwhelming. Continue to pray and don’t give up. He hears our prayers and answers even when we don’t understand.
Finn is a pretty smart kid! We often learn so much from children, and we have much to teach them about God’s love and His word. Every child needs a nurturing home and a nurturing church family. This reminds me of Stadia’s motto, “We won’t stop until every child has a church”. Most of you have now heard of “Gail’s Girls”, and how we are supporting women who are being educated in leadership and church planting to transform their communities through education, clean water, proper hygiene, literacy, life-skills, trades, etc. They’re starting churches in homes, even in the midst of persecution. Thousands are coming to know Christ! Please continue to pray for them regularly, for safety and the success in ministry, along with showing love and support to their communities. This is so exciting!
There’s an updated video for July on the website at www.Gailsgirls.org. Many have decided to join us to support them financially. We still have a long way to go to meet our new goal to support another class of 25 women. We would love to have you join us.
Save October 6th, as we will be having another fund raising event in the park. This year it is called: Gail’s Girls family fun fest and 5K run! There is already a link available for you to sign up for the 5K. There will also be a family event after the run open to everyone, which will include a live band, kid-focused activities, food vendors and more! If you want to run the 5K before the party, sign up at the link below:
