This month, I’ve had the opportunity to meet with several breast cancer survivors and listen to their stories.

I always walk away from those interviews inspired by the courage of these women when they faced the battle of a life-threatening illness.

Every one speaks of their incredible support system of family, friend, and even strangers they’ve encountered on their journey. Their stories cause me to reflect upon my own battle with cancer – leukemia – and it doesn’t take long before I am back in those memories.

One of the persons I relied upon for prayer was Mrs. Rhea Bernard. Her unwavering faith in God was evident by the way she prayed, and her prayers soon became a model for my own.

During the time I had cancer, Mrs. Rhea would assure me of God’s love and provision for health, which encouraged my faith.

I recently spoke with her and she shared her experience with breast cancer a few years ago. She said when she was diagnosed she told the Lord, “I’m in Your hands, You’re my healer and I would love to live to do more of Your work.”

God answered her prayer, and Mrs. Rhea has continued to serve Him. She is an active member of New Wine Christian Fellowship, where she can often be found leading morning prayer.

Although it’s been a long time since I’ve prayed with her, our prayers for our community, St. John the Baptist Parish, likely meet together as they rise toward Heaven because I still repeat what I heard Mrs. Rhea pray many years ago.

“May our parish, like its namesake, prepare the way of the Lord and point others to Jesus.”

Ronny Michel may be reached at rmichel@rtconline.com.