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Friday, May 18, 2012

Perspective

On Fridays, a group of people who love to throw caution to the wind and just write gather to share what five minutes buys them. Just five minutes. Unscripted. Unedited. Real.

Your words. This shared feast.

Write for 5 minutes flat – no editing, no over thinking, no backtracking.

Today's topic?

Perspective

Sometimes, it takes a radical change in life to see things from another perspective. I was always one who shyed away from people who were sick, especially those who were suffering with cancer and going through treatments, surgery, and radiation. I just didn’t know what to say, what they wanted to hear. I felt inadequate and had no idea what they were going through. I think back now to how cold and callous I must have seemed. My heart aches for a “second chance,” to be able to go back and do it over. . .

As I walked through my own time of cancer, I became so aware of my feelings, my fears, my doubts, my strengths and my faith (or lack of it!). Nothing meant more to me than the encouragement and help of my friends, my sister, my mailman, etc. Sometimes it was just a hug with no words at all. Sometimes, it was something left at my door, a meal delivered, a card sent, a phone call, a yard mowed, etc. All these dear ones taught me how to care, how to give, how to love and strengthen someone going through these hard times.

During this past week, two of my friends were diagnosed with cancer. And I found myself reacting so differently than years before. My experience gave me a new perspective -- I knew how they felt, the shock of the diagnosis, the fears, the what if’s. I saw the pain in their eyes. And I didn’t even have to think of how to react or what to say --- it came spilling out of me. My new perspective has given me a new ministry, one where I can come alongside and walk with someone through this, giving encouragement, direction and support. . . . . STOP!

5 minutes are up!

Linking up with:

12 comments:

hayley @ the tiny twig said...

yes, shared experience brings so much empathy and compassion. glad to come read your perspective from The Gypsy Mama. :)

Vicky said...

You just open up and even with a time limit- your words just flow out so eloquently! I'm so glad you feel both called and led to be there for those newly diagnosed- its such a hard place to be, but it can be swallowed just a bit easier when loving and gracious people like yourself show up!! Cora, I hope you fully know how much of a difference you make in this world!

Dee said...

You do have a talent for writing...the five minute limit would be difficult for me a non writer...but I bet I could do a grand doodle. :) I

Susie Swanson said...

You are a natural at helping people and writing down your feelings..It would be very difficult for me to have a time limit..Thanks for sharing..

Aritha V. said...

Nicely written. I recognize a lot and think that this is your dream and plan. People encourage.

Leaon Mary said...

Cora I love the idea of just writing for five minutes. I can't even get through writing a comment without having to backspace and edit. lol It sounds like an exercise I could learn well from. Your new perspective proves to me just how God uses things we go through. How He works things out for good...
Your five minute buzzer woulda went off long ago and I've deleted three more sentences. Suffice to say; I "get it."
Love ya
Bunches-
the last couple lines were easy.
Lea

Debra said...

Cora~

God picked a diamond when He picked you.

Kristin Bridgman said...

I love the comment above... :) Isn't it wonderful how God uses the stuff we would rather not have and use it to change us for the better. . .to use it to be a blessing to others. . .I pray I remember this when the next thing comes along that I would rather not have. You inspire me and so many others!
Love you:)

Penny @ Miss Pootsie's Primitives said...

Hello Cora! My goodness it has been a long time. How are you sweet lady? Was just Face-booking with Linda Pinda & Kimmie, and you came to my thoughts. I posted, "I miss Cora, has anyone heard from her?" Linda posted the link to your blog...and poof...here I am.
Just want you to know that you are in my thoughts often, and you're still one of the best writers/authors I have ever 'met'.
Love & hugs,
Penny King
Miss Pootsies Primitives

Penny @ Miss Pootsie's Primitives said...

Hello Cora! My goodness it has been a long time. How are you sweet lady? Was just Face-booking with Linda Pinda & Kimmie, and you came to my thoughts. I posted, "I miss Cora, has anyone heard from her?" Linda posted the link to your blog...and poof...here I am.
Just want you to know that you are in my thoughts often, and you're still one of the best writers/authors I have ever 'met'.
Love & hugs,
Penny King
Miss Pootsies Primitives

Penny @ Miss Pootsie's Primitives said...

Hello Cora! My goodness it has been a long time. How are you sweet lady? Was just Face-booking with Linda Pinda & Kimmie, and you came to my thoughts. I posted, "I miss Cora, has anyone heard from her?" Linda posted the link to your blog...and poof...here I am.
Just want you to know that you are in my thoughts often, and you're still one of the best writers/authors I have ever 'met'.
Love & hugs,
Penny King
Miss Pootsies Primitives

jeangary said...

Cora~
How beautifully written.You know,after seeing Pattie on Sunday evening, it left a flood of emotions going through me. Why Pattie....why someone who is so sweet; so innocent; someone who has so much on her plate.The one thing I do KNOW is that she is God's child; and that HE knows what she needs.She taught me valuable lessons Sunday evening.
Cora, you have been through so much yourself.It is a JOY to be your friend. I love you so much~Jean