January 11, 2023

Devotions from Judy’s heart

  When I think of our friend Connie, I think of a saint, for her life exemplifies Jesus in a myriad of ways. Just like Jesus said in Matt. 5:16(ESV), “In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” Connie’s light shines so brightly and all glory goes the Lord as she fights for her life after being diagnosed with a very aggressive Leukemia. She is so aware of Jesus presence with her in all of this, and has been in the hospital since Christmas, getting treatment. I’m sure everyone there also knows her love for the Lord for she is one not centered on herself but on others. The first day she could walk the halls she was greeting everyone and concerned for how they were doing.

  Connie is a hospital chaplain and also Executive director of Transformed by Love Ministries, that reaches out to the poor, the sick, and anyone needing help. Al and I came to know her when we attended her monthly ministry meetings. Her family has surrounded her with so care and love and priests come often to visit her and give her communion.

   A couple days ago she said it was the best day of her life, which is hard to fathom when she is going through so much. Her daughter wrote (and I will use some of her words)  on Facebook how Connie has been growing out her hair for the past year and loving her hair for the first time ever. But lately her hair has been falling out in a big way and the Dr. suggested maybe it may be time to cut it and not worry about it. Her hubby asked her how she felt about it and she told him she wanted a sign from God to tell her what to do for Connie has been trusting Him through all of this. God answered that morning. Her beautiful daughter Elizabeth who we also know, came to visit and as she was about to leave Connie said to her, “If I would look as beautiful as you do in a cap, I would get my haircut right now.” That is when her precious daughter removed her cap and said, “Now you know what you will look like with your haircut through me.” Tears started flowing. She had cut off all her beautiful blond hair for her mom so she would not have any worries or concerns. She sacrificed so her mom would have peace with this big step in her cancer treatment. Like her sister said, “What a beautiful and amazing moment that God would use her mom’s little girl as a sign that everything would be okay. This was a God filled moment as mother and daughter were united with a simple haircut and Connie knew how much He loved her and sent her own daughter to light the way.” After that the family, one by one, all shaved their heads as well, and it can be seen on Facebook. The daughter said her mom had taught all of them to put God first and there is so much love in the air as God’s presence is so evident amongst them. Please pray for Connie: If you would like to read more, her Caring Bridge site is: https://www.caringbridge.org/visit/conniebruesch