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We should always be quick to show our love and compassion toward those
closest to us and let them know how much they mean to us. Love implied
isn't the same as love shown, and it is for this reason that we are to act
out our love with reinforcing and thoughtful words, gifts and loving deeds
that show how special they are to us. The Bible declares in John 13:35,
“By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one
to another.” Be encouraged to lead by example and show the love that is
within you towards others that you may glorify your father which is in
heaven. (John 15:12-13) (1 John 3:16-19) (Matthew 5:14-16) (Philippians 2:1-7)
I hope today's message encourages and inspires your heart to have the same
love and compassion for your siblings that the Power's women have for one
another.
THE POWERS OF LOVE
By all accounts, the Powers' household was like any other in the Mt.
Greenwood community.
With five daughters close in age, and a son, there was, no doubt, never a
dull moment for their patient parents. And I thought having two daughters
less than two years apart was a challenge!
Like any other family overflowing with females, they fought, snuck each
others clothes and, in coming of age years, shared the all important teen-
age secrets. They supported each other in bad times and shared the laughter
in happy times.
Not much has changed in the years since they have grown into adults. I
recently read an empowering story about the Powers women.
They have joined forces to fight breast cancer with what they call Team
KA-POW. Membership to this team includes many friends and family who
support Annie and Kathleen, both cancer patients who are dedicated to
raising funds to find a cure for this dreaded disease.
Breast cancer is not the only medical affliction affecting women in the
Powers family.
Along with her mother Marilyn, Debbie frequently fights the painful flare-
ups that Rheumatoid arthritis brings. However, it doesn't divert her
efforts to support the cause of cancer research on behalf of her sisters.
But there is another side to this story -- an inspiring show of their
sisterly love that is a profound example of sodality in overcoming adversity.
Kathleen was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2001. Her sister Annie would
also be diagnosed with the same disease, one year later. Sadly, in 2005,
Kathleen's cancer was found to have spread to her pelvis and spine, while
Annie's breast cancer had also returned.
Through the demands of dealing with cancer and undergoing the rigorous
chemo regimens to treat it, a story of pure love and hope is born amid the
medical challenges.
For Annie, the desire to become a mother never faded though it seemed
unlikely. Medications and cancer treatments would prevent her from
becoming pregnant. And then, the “Powers of love” shone brightly on a
promising situation.
Annie wanted a baby of her own but wouldn't be able to carry one. But,
her sister Mary could. So Mary became a surrogate mother for Annie -- an
unselfish act of love that not many women would be able to commit to.
Little Mary Elise was born July 2, 2006, lovingly named after the aunt who
carried her, allowing her to grow right below her heart. To her mom, Mary
is a wee angel of pure love, an answered prayer from God above.
Sisters, they share many things throughout a lifetime. They celebrate good
times and hold each other up when bad times threaten to knock them down.
When family ties are sewn securely within the heart, there is nothing that
can't be done or overcome.
In writing this story I am reminded of an old expression, “It's not what
life hands you, but how you handle it that counts.”
The determination of these women is a gift of inspiration to us all and a
true testament to their parents, Marilyn and Gene Powers, who can be so
proud of raising such loving, caring and compassionate daughters.
There is no denying the Powers of sisterly love.
By Kathy Whirity
Read and meditate on these scriptures:
1 John 3:16-19 “Hereby perceive we the love of God, because He laid down
His life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren. But
whoso hath this world’s good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth
up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him?
My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed
and in truth. And hereby we know that we are of the truth, and shall assure
our hearts before Him.”
Matthew 5:14-16 Jesus declares “Ye are the light of the world. A city that
is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put
it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that
are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see
your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”
Romans 12:9-16 “Let love be without dissimulation. Abhor that which is
evil; cleave to that which is good. Be kindly affectioned one to another
with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another; Not slothful in
business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; Rejoicing in hope; patient
in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer; Distributing to the necessity
of saints; given to hospitality. Bless them which persecute you: bless,
and curse not. Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that
weep. Be of the same mind one toward another...”
Romans 8:28 “And we know that all things work together for good to them
that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose.”
All of these scriptures can be found in the King James Version Bible.
Today’s Selected Poem: CANCER IS SO LIMITED
Click here to read --- http://www.Godswork.org/enpoem173.htm
Today’s Selected Testimony: HOW GOD USED CANCER TO BLESS ME
Click here to read --- http://www.Godswork.org/testimony145.htm
In Christ’s Service,
Dwayne Savaya
Gods Work Ministry |
