Trials and Tribulations

A lot can happen in just a couple of days.  On Monday evening (less than 3 days to surgery) the doctor's office called to tell me that the insurance has been denied.  They wanted me to jump through some more hoops, and to wait, in which case, jumping the hoops they wanted could potentially cause me to be rejected for other reasons.  You might imagine what the last couple of days have been like. I've felt like evil (the insurance company?) has been lurking at every turn, trying to keep me from my surgery appointment (tomorrow!) and the joy of "new life", which I pray will come some time afterward. 

Without getting into financial details, after a lot of time on the phone with various people, and the constant support of my husband, I'm able to tell you that the surgery is happening.  However, the insurance company better lookout, because after I'm feeling better, they'll be getting a petition from me along with several strong letters.  I have a friend who's "in the know" about these things and she's going to help me.

I know that not everyone has the ability to move forward as I am, and I truly feel blessed and very grateful today.  Yesterday, the day was filled with tears, anger, and frustration.  In the midst of it all I received the daily reading from the ELCA (copied below).

​Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his power. Put on the whole armor of God, so that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For our struggle is not against enemies of blood and flesh, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers of this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, so that you may be able to withstand on that evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. Stand therefore, and fasten the belt of truth around your waist, and put on the breastplate of righteousness. As shoes for your feet put on whatever will make you ready to proclaim the gospel of peace. With all of these, take the shield of faith, with which you will be able to quench all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.  Ephesians 6:10-17 (NRSV)

 
My armor may very well be slippers and a warm blanket at the moment, but I am strong and I'm standing firm, putting my trust and my life in the Lord.

Progress in preparation is going well.  Today has been my third day of only liquids, but I'm feeling pretty much okay.  I'll be getting a call soon (after 6:30 PM this evening) to tell me what time surgery will be tomorrow and when to arrive.  After midnight - I'm not even allowed to have liquids, though I can have a sip of water for medication in the morning.  I'm praying that the weather will be good enough tomorrow for me and the surgical team to get to the hospital!

So, my friends, thank you for following me and thank you for your thoughts and prayers. 
My next post will be from the other side (of surgery).

Blessings
Pastor Deb