“For I am the Lord your God who takes you by the right hand and says to you, ‘Do not fear, for I will help you.’” — Isaiah 41:13

Over the last several years, the Lord has been cultivating a deeper trust in me—a trust that is learning to accept His invitation to live in the present moment with Him.

That invitation has become especially powerful over these last few weeks as I have stepped back into an active cancer battle.

I have been tempted to look back over the past months and ask, What went wrong? What did I miss? And then, almost immediately, my mind races ahead into the future—wondering what is coming and what lies ahead.

But I have heard the gentle whisper of the Holy Spirit:

“Amy, I want you to stay in the present moment with Me. I have gifts I want to give you every day—and the greatest gift is My presence.”

So, that is where I am learning to live.

In early August, I began experiencing an unfamiliar fatigue and weakness. This led to a full PET scan at the end of August, which revealed that the metastatic breast cancer I was diagnosed with in early 2024 has now spread to my spine, liver, and some lymph nodes.

This past week, I had a liver biopsy that confirmed that it is the same cancer. My oncologist has sent the biopsy for additional testing, which will help determine the next line of treatment. I also had a brain MRI last week, which thankfully showed no evidence of cancer in my brain. We are deeply grateful for that.

There have been many unknowns, but I’ve also felt God’s presence deeply. Monday morning, in my Bible reading, the Lord highlighted Deuteronomy 31:8:

“It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not leave or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.”

Before we left for the hospital, Don shared that he had received two different emails that morning, both containing that very same Scripture.

We knew our Good Shepherd was giving us His presence and promise for the day.

 I went to the hospital that morning, and I want you to know how powerfully the prayers of friends like you carried me.

God blessed me with a beautiful, kind nurse who reflected Jesus’ love and joy in a profound way. She and the doctor carefully explained what to expect, as I would be awake during the procedure. I am always amazed by the deep peace God can bring in the middle of discomfort and the unknown.

The doctor asked me to raise my right hand above my head and to keep it there. My heart and mind went to a quiet place, and my thoughts became focused on singing the words of the song Goodness of God:

“I love You, Lord. Oh, Your mercy never fails me.
All my days, I’ve been held in Your hands…”

And just as the doctor began, I felt a comforting hand take mine and hold it.

No words can describe the comfort and peace that washed over me in that moment.

God’s presence was so real.

After the procedure, I looked at my nurse and thanked her for holding my hand. She looked at me and said,

“I am a part of these procedures many times a day, and I have never done that before. But I felt compelled to hold your hand.”

I smiled, because I knew that hand was more than just a nurse’s hand.

My Father was reminding me: “I am here. I am holding you. You do not have to be afraid.”

I don’t know what the days ahead will hold. Many questions, more testing, and treatment decisions still lie ahead. But I know who holds my hand.

And for today, that is enough.

I am learning again that faith isn’t always about knowing what is coming next. Sometimes it is simply saying yes to Jesus in this moment, receiving the gift of His presence, and trusting Him with the moment after that.

Thank you for walking this journey with us—for every prayer, text, call, word of encouragement, and act of love. We feel so deeply held by the community God has surrounded us with.

He is still our Good Shepherd.

He is still faithful.

And He is still holding our hand.

“Do not fear, for I will help you.” — Isaiah 41:13

++++ Prayers:

The next line of treatments begins 9/29. Pray that my body responds well.

Pray for divine wisdom and guidance as we seek God’s leading and guidance for the path forward.

For the presence and power of our Good Shepherd to heal, guide, and sustain us.