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Ribbons of Faith
Ribbons of Faith
Ribbons of Faith
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Ribbons of Faith

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Since the 1970s, the awareness ribbon has been used as an identifying symbol for things we care about. No matter what color the ribbon, it is a common marker for awareness, action and hope. Ribbons of Faith is the story of one woman’s reliance upon the Lord after a diagnosis of breast cancer. Using excerpts from her journal and emails, you will read about her fears and hopes as she seeks God’s perspective. It’s honest, sometimes funny, and encouraging for anyone going through a difficult time in their life.

LanguageEnglish
Release dateJul 25, 2011
ISBN9780983664895
Ribbons of Faith
Author

Annette Ferrell

Annette Courtney Ferrell is an 11-year survivor of Stage 3 breast cancer who delights in sharing stories of God’s faithfulness in difficult times. Throughout an intensive ten months, she endured four different types of treatment for the disease. One of her favorite scriptures is Psalm 119:114: “You are my refuge and my shield; I have put my hope in your word.”Annette is the Office Administrator at Lake View Park Church of the Nazarene in Oklahoma City, where she has served for 22 years. She and her husband, James, have been married for 30 years. They are active members of Lake View Park Church of the Nazarene and have served as coordinators of Dave Ramsey’s Financial Peace University. Annette is a fan of college football and basketball, enjoys reading the Oklahoma Today magazine, and likes to visit state parks to enjoy the native surroundings in her home state.

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    Book preview

    Ribbons of Faith - Annette Ferrell

    Ribbons of Faith

    Annette Courtney Ferrell

    www.DustJacket.com | Info@DustJacket.com

    © Copyright 2011 Annette Ferrell

    eBook ISBN: 9780983664895

    Dust Jacket Press

    PO Box 721243 - Oklahoma City, OK 73172

    www.DustJacket.com | Info@DustJacket.com

    P:800.495.0192

    www.facebook.com/dustjacketllc

    Follow us on Twitter at: DustJacketLLC

    Unless otherwise indicated, all Scripture quotations are from the Holy Bible, New International Version® (NIV®), Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved.

    Scripture taken from The Message. The Message (MSG), Copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene H. Peterson.

    Smashwords Edition License Notes

    This eBook is licensed for your personal enjoyment only. This eBook may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each person you share it with. If you’re reading this book and did not purchase it, or it was not purchased for your use only, then you should return to Smashwords.com and purchase your own copy. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

    To my husband, James, who means everything to me:

    You are the most wonderful husband in the entire world! Our lives took an amazing turn that summer day and your strength, humor and steadfast presence have been a source of pure joy for me. You have been the supportive and loving husband every woman wants to have. This is quite a journey we are on and there is absolutely no one else with whom I would rather take it. I love you!

    To my parents, Mike and Ruth Courtney:

    Mom, I always wanted to grow up to be just like you, with your gentle and quiet spirit. You are a rock of strength and love that flows from your deep faith in the Lord. Your life has been an example of holy living that I want to emulate.

    Dad, the years as a pastor refined your outstanding ability as a wordsmith and I am grateful some of it was passed along to me. I can even thank you for making me look up the definitions and spelling in the old Webster’s Dictionary! Your prayers for me and your humorous stories have both been a source of great encouragement.

    Contents

    Cover

    Title

    Copyright

    Dedication

    Introduction

    Acknowledgments

    1. A Day to Remember

    2. God Uses Doctors, Too

    3. Bald Is Beautiful (Maybe)

    4. It Was Worse Than We Thought

    5. Insurance and Inspiration

    6. Stem Cell Transplant (Reinfusion)

    7. Radiation and Lymphedema

    8. Let The Celebration Begin!

    About the Author

    Introduction

    We all have those dates on our calendar to remember a moment that took our breath away:

    -high school graduation

    -the birth of a child

    -sunrise on a crystal clear day

    -our wedding day

    -being hired at the job we worked so hard to get

    -hearing I love you for the first time

    -moving into our dream home

    And then there are moments that kick us in the stomach and knock the breath right out of us!

    In June 2000, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. There was no history of breast cancer in my family, so this took me completely by surprise. During the eleven months from diagnosis to the final radiation treatment, I was on a journey like no other I have ever experienced.

    Since that traumatic date I have sometimes worn a pink ribbon to mark myself as a breast cancer survivor. It seems now that there is an awareness ribbon for almost every kind of medical or social disorder. Almost everyone knows that pink is for breast cancer, but here are some other awareness ribbons:

    -Red, for HIV/AIDS, heart disease, or pro-life

    -Jigsaw or Puzzle, for Autism or Asperger Syndrome

    -Orange, for self-injury awareness, ADHD, or leukemia

    -Silver, for ovarian cancer, elderly abuse, or learning disabilities

    -Black, for mourning, sleep disorders, or gun control

    -Yellow, for support our troops, missing children, liver disease

    -Purple, for lupus, Crohns disease, cystic fibrosis, or pancreatic cancer

    -Green, for Lyme disease or organ transplantation

    The list of awareness ribbons seems endless and almost all colors share various meanings, but the common theme is awareness. Wearing a ribbon says, I want you to notice this disease/disorder/issue!

    This book is my story. While my story is a journey through breast cancer, the theme is not so much cancer as it is faith. And it was faith in God through a relationship with Jesus Christ that was my anchor through all the ups and downs of this part of my life. This book is not a comprehensive medical or theological discourse. It was born out of the journal entries I made during the first year after the diagnosis. Underneath it all is a confidence in the Living God who I was sure would bring me through not somehow, but triumphantly. That is the title of a devotional book by Dr. Bertha Munro and seems to best describe my attitude. I didn’t know if I would survive, but I knew where my hope came from.

    Cancer is a terrifying disease. Enduring the treatments took everything I could muster—and then some. It has been eleven years since the diagnosis and, while there have been additional scares along the way, as of this writing, I am cancer free.

    Whatever the color of awareness ribbon you may wear— whether you or a loved one is dealing with a physical disease, emotional turmoil, or any other challenge life throws at you—this book is written with the hope that it will be an encouragement to you. We can wear our awareness ribbons and let them be ribbons of faith.

    Acknowledgments

    There is a host of individuals who helped make this book possible. It seems that a simple thank you is not enough, but it is all I have to give. My deepest gratitude is extended to you who have shown me kindnesses over and over!

    Pastor Jim Williams of Lake View Park Church of the Nazarene, who gave wise counsel to me and my husband in the early days, when cancer was still only a possibility. Your spiritual leadership and friendship continues to be a blessing to us. I remember my surprise when you said, You ought to write a book. I had no idea what would be worth saying, but you planted an idea and God has brought it to this point.

    My friend, Beta Noel, gave me the courage to believe that James’ selection of a red wig was the best choice when my hair fell out. A few years later, as we sat in the restaurant and I told you I was trying to write a book, you encouraged me with your immediate support, helping me to believe that I could do it. Your expertise with the English language has been a priceless asset to me.

    Not too many people in the world will adjust their own schedule to help a friend in need, but Nona-Sue Mellish and Tami Waits did just that! You gave your time at my bedside when I needed extra care. You were truly God’s hands and feet as you were chauffeurs, aides, and whatever was needed.

    The entire congregation of Lake View Park Church of the Nazarene in Oklahoma City gathered around us in a loving circle of practical help and spiritual support. James and I could not have survived without your incredible acts of kindness.

    ONE

    A Day to Remember

    "Annette, I have to be honest with you. This looks really ugly; it is probably cancer. I don’t want to scare you, but you need to be prepared when you come back on Thursday for the results."

    This was the statement from

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