Blessings From My Visit With Kathy

Yesterday, Clint and I went to Temple to see Kathy Verett. I wasn't sure what to expect, and I was a little nervous since I had heard how the cancer had advanced. I had toyed with what I could and could not talk about; it seems some topics don't really matter when one is facing this issue of life and death. I was afraid I wouldn't be able to think of anything to say. Ironically, though I hoped my visit would be an encouragement to her, in the end, I believe I was the one who came out being encouraged. (Maybe we were both equally blessed.) At the begginning of the visit, Clint and I mainly chatted with Nancy and Eileen. Kevin had gone home to rest for a few hours and Nancy and Eileen had wanted to spend some "girl time" with Kathy. I think they had had a really pleasant time before Clint and I arrived, taking Kathy outside to take in some fresh air and to pray. Kathy had prayed that she would be able to act and be as God intended her to be during this trial.

While we sat there and talked, Kathy was dozing in and out due to her pain medication. We hadn't seen Nancy and Eileen for some time and there was all the business of catching up on the details of life, and some of the details that involved my ex-sister-in-law, Shannon, were, I can definitely say in hindsight, devoid of life. It probably wasn't all that bad as far as "bad" goes, but if there is no life in it, then it's death and has nothing to offer anyone. I so wanted to somehow change the subject in midstream, but what would I talk about?

The Lord is Faithful! Who walks in, but the most darling couple. It turns out it is one of the elders at Highland, along with his wife. The Owens are very close to Kevin and Kathy. You know how it is when you meet someone and you like them at once? That was how it was with this couple. Before I knew it, she was singing over Kathy, "Jesus loves Kathy, this I know... And Kathy is weak, but Jesus is strong." It was so simple, but oh how profound. Her husband shared an awesome testimony about a man who had been given a 5% chance of surviving his cancer and how he had decided that he would be in that 5% and sure enough had been living 15 or 20 years since the diagnosis. All of a sudden, the 30% figure I had heard about regarding Kathy's treatment didn't seem so daunting anymore. And the next thing I knew we were asked to join them in prayer over Kathy. He annointed Kathy with oil, and prayed with authority and in the Spirit that Kathy might be healed. He prayed that Satan's voice that sounds out fear and doubt might be cast far away from Kathy and her family. There was so much more, but this prayer was definitely said in faith that Kathy would be healed. During our prayer, the Wausons had walked in and so there was much joy in seeing them for the first time since they have returned from Alaska. Audry and Mrs. Owen sang another song over Kathy. This song (I believe Psalm 121) was a song Mrs. Owen had sung over Audry when Larry was in the hospital with brain cancer. What a blessing it was to see these two sisters singing over Kathy! And Larry standing there as testimony of God's healing power.

I have had a hard time sleeping and keeping my mind off all that I took in yesterday. I felt I was privy to matters of such eternal significance, I cannot even comprehend the import of. Of course, there was sadness, for the pain and suffering that Kathy is experiencing, but at the same time, this indescribable joy and hope. When I left room 654, I felt a definite peace and confidence that Kathy is loved and kept by Jesus. In His keeping, there is nothing to fear. I was thankful for the bold faith the Owens had shown me as they sang and prayed over this dear sister. I was thankful that I had heard that Kevin (Kathy's husband) is walking in grace just trusting the Lord in each step. And that he knew the Lord had prepared him physically(through some exercise and diet changes) and spiritually (by revealing some scriptures to him to show him he was going to undergo some fiery trials) And so the Lord planned that Clint and I would be at the hospital at this particular time to experience the tremendous faith that we experienced. Thank you Lord, for your perfect timing. And thank you, that you love and care for the Verett family with your perfect love.