In July I began losing round patches of hair. Last week I was diagnosed with scarring alopecia. A biopsy showed that my hair loss is permanent. While I was sad, I was hopeful that a transplant or other restoration options would be available to me. I drove to Richmond to visit with various experts and each one said there was nothing to be done.
My husband, Mike, comforted me over the phone after each consultation. Before driving 2 hours back home, I was able to secure an appointment with someone who fitted wigs.
Waiting for that appointment was so hard. I pulled in front of the salon an hour ahead of time and drove away. I guess I felt walking inside make it final.
I love how God was preparing my heart even before I knew what was coming… I was listening to a book on audible and one quote resonated.
The anguish is real but there is something more real – more powerful – more all compassing than any loss, crisis, or trauma we can encounter… the love of God through the power of His son Jesus Christ.
In the middle of all my tears and the drive away from the salon, I ended up in a strip mall parking lot.
When I stopped crying long enough to look up – and couldn’t believe what was in front of me! I called my friend, Julie, and told her that I couldn’t go in the salon. But I could go do a little yoga – then an Irish dance and top it all off with a smoke! After a few more tears and some laughs, Julie did what any good friend does. She told me to face my fear – and “Get right back over there for your appointment!”
But really, Have you ever seen such a combination of businesses? 😀 I thanked the Lord for making me laugh in the middle of my heartache and fear.
With that I drove back to the salon. God in His mercy had directed me to an expert that works with people from several states. More importantly, Cheryl is a strong believer and knew just what to do for me in my vulnerable situation.
As I sat in her chair in a private room. I heard about Cheryl’s own battle with cancer and the many that come through her doors with much bigger battles than my own. She told me the story of a twenty year old that lost all of her hair two weeks before her wedding and of a pediatric case she would be working on soon. God was loving me and giving me perspective moment by moment. I had so much to be thankful for …
Mike and Cheryl worked me in for my wig.
I’m thankful for Cheryl’s heart and her skill. I’m thankful for the kindness of her husband, Mike.
This isn’t the end of the story. It is the beginning.
I want you to feel comfortable if you see me one day with a sassy wig and another day with a ball cap or scarf. I’ve got to figure all this out with riding bikes – hiking – and going to Guatemala. 😀. I don’t mind if you ask me questions or if you share my story with someone you think it will help.
We all go through the unexpected in one way or another. When it comes your way, remember with me these 5 things:
- Whatever you are facing today – God is for you not against you.
- If the enemy can get us to question our calling or question our identity, he can make is vulnerable to expecting less than God’s best. — Let’s don’t let him do that!!!
- The enemy wants you and me to feel condemned, overlooked, and left out. (All lies – let’s sink our teeth into truth).
- It’s “ok” NOT to “be ok” with what you’re going through. We don’t have to like it. Sometimes things stink.
- It is what it is… but more importantly –He is who He is. He loves me and He loves you.
We are not defined by our disappointments. Let’s don’t let them stop us for hard-charging the dreams, goals, and the purposes God has for each one of us.
Romans 8:28
And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.
ALL things …
With love,
Lisa
Lisa H. Bryant 