Over The Top

My portacath was the last visible sign of my cancer treatment. Radiation acted on my internal organs in a way I’ll never see with my eyes. Chemotherapy traveling through my bloodstream accessed every cell in my body, targeting stray cancer cells wherever they tried to hide. Multiple scars on my abdomen are visual reminders of the surgical resection and the temporary ileostomy I wore but now that my port has been removed, I feel like it is finally over!

My surgeon told my husband that I am an “over-scar-er.” Much to his chagrin, I scar really well. My body heals and then heals some more given the opportunity. Since my port was situated just below my right collarbone, I’m sure he was thinking I’d be self-conscious about the scar. There was a time when I worried over far less obvious imperfections, but at fifty-two, I’ve learned to appreciate this incredible “earth suit” custom designed for me by my Creator, God.

I recognize many new things to be thankful for each day. I am resilient, a survivor, every scar a testimony to God’s faithfulness and creativity! My body and yours is hardwired to do what we were each created to do- point to our Designer in over the top ways. Each of us living and loving, serving and worshipping God by making the most of what He has entrusted to us means we will function as part of the one body, that is, the body of Christ, each doing its unique part so that the whole body thrives.

“Just as our bodies have many parts and each part has a special function, so it is with Christ’s body.

We are many parts of one body, and we all belong to each other.

In his grace, God has given us different gifts for doing certain things well.

So if God has given you the ability to prophesy, speak out with as much faith as God has given you.

If your gift is serving others, serve them well.

If you are a teacher, teach well.

If your gift is to encourage others, be encouraging.

If it is giving, give generously.

If God has given you leadership ability, take the responsibility seriously.

And if you have a gift for showing kindness to others, do it gladly.

Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other.

Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically.”

Romans 12:4-8, 10-11 NLT

https://bible.com/bible/116/rom.12.4-11.NLT

“God has carefully designed each member and placed it in the body to function as he desires.

You are the body of the Anointed One, and each of you is a unique and vital part of it.”

1 Corinthians 12:18, 27 TPT

https://bible.com/bible/1849/1co.12.18-27.TPT

“Put your heart and soul into every activity you do, as though you are doing it for the Lord himself and not merely for others.”

Colossians 3:23 TPT

https://bible.com/bible/1849/col.3.23.TPT

I don’t think God limits us to just one gift, nor do I believe Paul’s lists are exhaustive. I write and I teach by the power of God’s Spirit alive in me. I also love to serve and encourage others. I am married to the most generous man alive who is also a strong leader and a kind-hearted servant. What makes the body of Christ beautiful is its wonderful variety! What unifies the body is our connection to Christ, the Head. As each of us responds individually to Him, He coordinates our movements to accomplish His will.

“Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.

Glory to him in the church and in Christ Jesus through all generations forever and ever! Amen.”

Ephesians 3:20-21 NLT

https://bible.com/bible/116/eph.3.20-21.NLT