“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.
Oh, Amy. My heart breaks for you and the days ahead. I love how Jesus has already met you in this and I’m so grateful the brain scan was clear. Thank you, Jesus! You have a host of people who love you who will be standing with you in prayer. Thank you for sharing your heart so that we can join you on this journey! Love you so much!
I keep thinking of Psalm 139:13: God knit you together in our mother’s womb. He has known and loved you from the very beginning, and he knows every step of your life (Psalm 139:16).
We love you, we’re praying for you, and we are here for you every step of the way.
Amy, I am amazed at how you can continue to inspire people/me in spite of the challenges you are going through, and that you can see God‘s hand, and all that is happening, and continue to trust him with your healing and your future… You are such an inspiration… Please know I am continuing to pray for you, for direction and guidance as to the right course of treatment, and for you to continue to trust and be comforted through your faith in Jesus…. blessings, jan
Hi Amy,You amaze me! As I was praying for you, God reminded me that your strength comes from Him. Part of Isaiah 41:10 talks about how God will strengthen and help us. It is so clear how are God is doing this for you. 💜 Your words are so encouraging. I will pray that your body responds well as you begin treatment next week. As your heart and soul continue to focus
Dear Amy, I still have Is. 41:13 posted around the house. Your “hand holding” incident is SO like our Father!! I was hospitalized during COVID and my roommate snored like Jim and was a Christian. He so abundantly provides for us in our deepest need. He is with you and will give you your heart’s desireWe and so many others are praying for you. 💕💕💕💕🙏🙏🙏
Dear sweet Amy, I’ve been praying as God leads. He loves you so much. When you take His right hand, you’ve grasped the most powerfully effective & holy, loving heart of the Father. Safely in His care, He leads. 🤝
Oh, Amy. ♥️ I don’t even know if there are words for how much your faith is ministering to all of us right now.
I know this is not the news you wanted. It is not the news any of us wanted for you. And yet, even here, you are pointing us to Jesus.
Thank you for letting us see what it looks like to have a hope that is bigger than circumstances. Your strength is strengthening the people who love you, but I know that strength isn’t something you are somehow manufacturing on your own. It is the Lord holding you, carrying you, and shining through you.
I am so grateful for you, my dear, sweet friend. I am grateful for your life, your friendship, your faith, and the way you continue to remind all of us where our real hope is found.
I wish I could change this for you. I can’t.
But I can love you, pray for you, walk beside you, and keep trusting Jesus with you. And I will.
XO ~Melissa
Amy, I’m standing with you in prayer and thanksgiving for your daily life honoring God, working with the opportunities He gives you to serve people He loves, whether in home and family or the expanded family of ELI. I am so thankful for what I have learned from you. He does indeed hold your hand. He is The Name Above All Names, a song I shared with people over the years because of hearing you sing it. We pray for your every need in His Name. Love, Aunt Shirley
Praying that Abba Father will be so close you as you undergo further treatments, Amy. May the God of all comfort be with Don and your sons and other family members as you walk the road the Lord has set before you. Love and prayers, Silk Handley
Amy, Jervaun and I are so touched by the authenticity of your words surrounding His presence and the grounding of the only moment we truly have, now. What a great reminder.
I’m so often drawn to Paul’s words in how he faced such adversity, yet persevered in such faith that we can reflect on so many years later. Your words we can reflect on in the present.
We will more actively pray in every moment. My nighttime petitioning will include Mr & Mrs. Rogers Family neighborhood. lol.