This is a true life story of pain & hardship. Be like Dorothy. Don’t Give Up – Nothing is too hard for God!

 

When you’re at the end of your rope, and there is “no hope” – just hang onto God’s Word.

 

    My friend, Dorothy Hudson, has had more serious health problems than I ever dreamed possible – and lived through them! 

    Problems began when she was 20 years old; she stubbed her big toe on the bed post. That injury turned into blood poisoning. Soon, she couldn’t walk! Dorothy’s foot was red,  swollen and with each step she agonized in pain. The doctor had her hospitalized and wanted to remove her toe, but Dorothy’s mother insisted they must wait “until tomorrow;” because she wanted her church to pray first.

    That night “mom” went to the prayer meeting at church and they prayed for Dorothy.   

    Much later that night, her mom showed up at the hospital with a prayer cloth, and there was Dorothy walking around – in her sleep! The pain was gone, and her foot was no longer swollen or red. There was nothing left for the astonished doctor to do – he sent her home! A miracle had happened while the church prayed.

     “The prayer of a righteous man (or woman) avails much.”  James 5:16

  

   At 29, doctors found that Dorothy had cancer in her left ovary. They operated and removed it. She recovered from that and worked for 12 years in a nursing home until she had a terrible fall – rupturing 2 discs, which had to be removed. She couldn’t work full time afterwards, but took care of elderly people in their homes.

    In 1997, Dorothy thought she was having a heart attack – pain in her chest which ran down both arms. In the hospital they found a disc in her neck had ruptured. The surgeon took cartilage and fused her neck. 

    Through it all, Dorothy kept praying, holding onto God’s promises of His love and care.

    “Beloved, I wish above all things that you may prosper and be in health.” 3 John 2.

 

    After her recovery, she went back to caring for other people in their own homes.

    About a year later, in 1998, cancer was found in her left lung. It was discouraging news, but doctor’s offered Dorothy an opportunity to try a new type of chemo treatment. After six chemo treatments and she was cancer free!  

    In 2001, health problems returned. After a number of tests, the doctors found cancer in Dorothy’s right lung. They diagnosed her with Lymphoma, which doctors said was very rare in the lungs.

     Again, Dorothy was praying and reaching out to the Great Physician – like other women had done so long ago.

    Dorothy’s story reminded me of the woman in the Bible who had suffered for many years and spent all her living on doctors, but rather grew worse! Then, she heard Jesus was coming to her town. Despite weakness or pain, she made the effort to push through the crowds – just to touch the hem of His garment. She knew if she could but touch it she would be healed. When she touched Jesus’ garment, He turned and saw her, and said:

     “Daughter, be of good comfort; thy faith

      hath made thee whole.”

                                      Matthew 9:20-22

 

    Dorothy’s medical treatment for this cancer included removing 2 ribs and the lower part of her right lung.

     Six months later, more cancer was found; this time in the upper part of her right lung. Dorothy’s doctors removed one more rib and the upper area of her right lung.

    Recovering from all this, Dorothy’s story sounded like a miracle to me! But, it doesn’t end there!

    About a year later, more cancer was found. It had returned – invading Dorothy’s left lung, again. They sent her to Louisville, KY for six chemo treatments. This time, Dorothy could hardly believe the good news – she was healed. It was a wonderful miracle for Dorothy! Her lungs have been fine since then. 

 

    In 2003, due to severe arthritis, Dorothy’s left knee required surgery. The surgeon used laser and made three holes in her knee. “To get all the cancer,” Dorothy told me.  After three days on a walker, she was “good as new.” Another miracle for Dorothy!

    In March 2007, Dorothy finally went to see a doctor because of the extreme pain in her hip. An MRI showed the hip was “gone” and had to be replaced.

    It was another setback, but she held on believing Romans 8:28 that “All things were working together for her good” – no matter how bad it looked, or how bad it felt.

    Dorothy went to church and asked to be anointed with oil and prayed for, according to the scriptures.

      “Is there any sick among you? Let him

      (or her) call for the elders and let them

      pray over him, anointing him with oil in

      the name of the Lord: And the prayer of

      faith shall save the sick, and the Lord

      shall raise him up, and if he have

committed any sin it shall be forgiven

him.”                         James 5:14-16

 

  Two weeks later, the MRI was “Normal” – another miracle for Dorothy! This miracle should remind each of us that Obedience brings blessings!  She did what the Word said, and God gave His blessing.

   The doctor said: “The test was negative, we don’t have to do anything.”

    “I am 70,” Dorothy said. “feel better now than when I did when I was young.”

    Dorothy still works, taking care of older folks, who need help to stay in their own home. “I just give the Lord all the praise.”

    I hope that Dorothy’s faith during overwhelming health problems has inspired and helped you. Remember, God loves you and wants the very best for you. Don’t give up!