Who is the Least of These?

Cancer Support Community, is a non-profit organization (www.CancerSupportET.org) that helps cancer patients and their loved ones navigate through this disease by offering educational information and supportive programs. I was told about this from my friend Kim, the day I borrowed the kids outfits for the pictures. So Monday, September 12, I made an appointment to talk with them.  When I called them, I was feeling a bit sorry for myself and upset that I was going to a cancer group. I had cried a bit and had received a text from my father-in-law saying “Father has prepared a great work ahead for you as you have chosen to study His Word in depth. I believe He has a special assignment for you but we are hopeful too.” When I got this, I thought hmm…, how interesting; but, went on with feeling sorry for myself. Then God spoke very clearly to me, while I was in the bathroom brushing my hair. No, I did not hear an audible voice, but it was loud nevertheless. “Get over yourself!  THIS IS NOT ABOUT YOU!” Wow! I guess I was put in my place. So, I understood He wanted me to speak out, to be a voice for Him.

Ok, I have got this God, I will not feel sorry for myself and I will text my Bible study ladies, all five of them. So that is what I did, “God has put on my heart to ask each of you to do your breast exam. And ask each of you to get your mammogram. This is not from me, this is from God. Love you all!”  One of the ladies’ mother is a breast cancer survivor and she was putting off getting a mammogram. This made me think, I was on track and feeling pretty proud of myself. Remember, pride comes before fall… well once again I was put in my place quickly. “No, this is not enough; MY GIRLS are more than 5!” Ok, I am getting this, so I reluctantly emailed my friend who is a health reporter for the newspaper and told her I was willing to speak out regarding my recent diagnosis. However, I was not willing to email our friend the news anchor, TV is not for me!

As I headed for my meeting at the Cancer Support Community on Sutherland Ave. in Knoxville, I was feeling like I had a purpose. That I would share with them that I would help them, even though I was going to see how they could help me. Hmm.. very interesting once again, I put myself in an awkward position. I am sure the nice program associate thought I was nutty when I told her that I would help her if the need ever arises. So that need has not happened yet, but maybe one day it will and she will remember that strange lady with cancer who wanted to help the Cancer Support Community.

The next day I attended a nutrition class about Superfoods.  This ended up to be one of the hardest things I have done in my life. No, I did not have to sign a document stating I would never consume chocolate again, but I did have to introduce myself and say OUT LOUD that I, MARTI BAILEY, had BREAST CANCER! Isn’t that what the picture I had taken was for? It was taken so I would not have to utter the words I HAVE CANCER! I tried to find my voice, but found it weak and with tears as I introduced myself. I was able to say my name correctly, but I secretly wanted to introduce myself as someone else.  Because cancer, by the way happened to other people, not a “healthy,” “physically fit,” “young,” mother of twins! Then I remembered my Dad, yes, he was young, thin, had a young child (me), my friend Jennifer, and most physically fit person I know, and so many others including children had/have cancer . So yes, this does happen and did happen to me. Yes, I am the “least of these.”  By the way, there are NO superfoods and we are all the “least” of these as my dear friend Dr. Abby Blackmon has pointed out to me.

Matthew 25:40 “And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.’