You’ve heard the phrase, “it’s all fun and games until someone gets hurt” right? Well I’ve experienced this first hand.

My friend and I carried the same health insurance and as part of their preventative plan offered walk-in mammograms for women. To make this experience more enjoyable and endurable, my friend Lori and I decided to go through this process together. Mammogram Monday’s were born.

We’d meet, go have our mammograms and then enjoy lunch. What fun we’d have. We would laugh. We would chat. We enjoyed one another’s company. We looked forward to Mammogram Monday’s.

Mammogram Monday’s were fun until I received news that I needed to go in for a deep tissue mammogram. They had found something and wanted to get a better look.

Mammogram Monday’s were no longer fun.

In fact, Mammogram Monday’s have stopped altogether because I had to start making appointments for my mammograms and I had to go every six months.

I wonder if these biblical characters felt the same way.

Adam and Eve (Genesis 1-3)

Bathsheba (2 Samuel 11-12)

Esther (Esther 1-4)

Jonah (Jonah 1-2)

Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego (Daniel 3)

King Belshazzar (Daniel 5)

Lazarus (John 11:1-44)

Paul (Acts 91-19)

Eutychus (Acts 20:7-12)

These are just a few examples of things going along well and suddenly everything changes.

Perhaps you know how this feels. Maybe it was your marriage that you thought was fine. Or maybe your job. It could possibly be an issue with your child or even your church. Everything seemed to be good and then suddenly, something happened that changed everything. Suddenly, there is heartache. Disappointment. Discouragement. Grief.

During these difficult times, I know I have a heavenly Father who cares for me. I know that Jesus is touched. I know that the Holy Spirit is within me to comfort me. There is certainly no reason for any of us to go through these situations on our own.

There is an older hymn that reassures me that in fact Jesus does care. It may be exactly what you need to hear today. If so, please take the time to read through these wonderful lyrics and perhaps listen to a version of this hymn by clicking here.

And as a reminder that God does care for you, 1 Peter 5:7 (NIV) also reassures us that God does in fact care and that He wants us to lean upon Him. “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you.”

“Does Jesus Care?”

Does Jesus care when my heart is pained
Too deeply for mirth or song,
As the burdens press, and the cares distress
And the way grows weary and long?

(Chorus)

Does Jesus care when my way is dark
With a nameless dread and fear?
As the daylight fades into deep night shades,
Does He care enough to be near?

(Chorus)

Does Jesus care when I’ve tried and failed
To resist some temptation strong;
When for my deep grief there is no relief,
Though my tears flow all the night long?

(Chorus)

Does Jesus care when I’ve said “goodbye”
To the dearest on earth to me,
And my sad heart aches till it nearly breaks,
Is it aught to Him? Does He see?

(Chorus)

Chorus:

Oh yes, He cares, I know He cares,
His heart is touched with my grief;
When the days are weary, the long nights dreary,
I know my Savior cares.[i]

What wonderful words of encouragement and hope! I am so thankful for a loving God and caring Savior. I am sure my struggles in this life would have been overwhelming had it not been for their loving kindness and caring hearts. God’s mighty hand has indeed lifted me up (1 Peter 5:6) through these difficult times. Can you say the same?

I continue to go for a mammogram every six months. It’s not as fun as it used to be, but I know the benefits of preventative medicine and I intend to continue. But I do miss the companionship and fun Lori and I had on those Mammogram Monday’s. Just a little plug for women’s health here. Ladies, when was your last mammogram?

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

Donna

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