EXTRA! EXTRA!

Cora Writes Letter This Month

It’s been such a long time since I’ve written and I have so much to tell you in such a limited space – Lord help me! I am about a year overdue from mans’ predicted death sentence. This has been a very deep “passing through” experience – one I would never imagine possible. I have experienced first hand what it’s like to be a drug addict, a Kevorkian advocate, a suicidal person – empty, barren and angry at God. I have tasted the agonies of withdrawal, been tormented by demons while hallucinating, and tasted a little of hell where “the fire is not quenched and the worm never dies”. But I have also tasted Gethsemane – feeling a need for people where they could not enter in with me along with an inability to reach God – the place that caused Jesus to sweat blood until He was at last comforted. And even then He still had to face the Cross, tremendous pain, abandonment by His Father, death and the grave. But out of the awfulness of the plan to human eyes (even Jesus’ at times), came the resurrection, our great hope and our salvation.

And in ways I can’t explain I am beginning to taste that resurrection. Seeds of life, spiritual and physical have begun to bud that I thought were long dead. I am thoroughly changed by what I’ve passed through. Judgments, boxed-in theology, inability to love God and my fellow man and much more are being broken off of me like grave clothes. Limitations I placed on God are being replaced by an awe of the unlimited greatness of His power and Kingship. Compassion for the lost, for the sick, for those with addictions, and for the hopeless are growing in intensity. I see everything in a new way – through Christ’s eyes, not Cora’s. I truly am a new creation.

I take absolutely no credit for any of it – I fought most of it. BUT GOD had a plan and stood by watching all the while when I thought He’d left me. I even doubted my salvation! Do you see what your prayers have accomplished? I am forever grateful and still very dependent on your prayers as God moves me forward through the last shadows in the Valley of Death. He has somehow given me the eagles “wings” of Is. 40:31. And I am so aware that I must look up. The eagle who swoops too low is in danger of the snares of earth. The Lord has me in an intense mind renewal, washing of the Word, fellowshipping in song on CD and video and keeping my eyes on Jesus, the Author and Finisher of my faith. I know I did not do this nor can I maintain this on my own, but the Spirit of God has done this and will finish it. Where my mind goes is of utmost importance – I know this and must look away from fears and anxieties that can pull me back into the earthly realm. Please PRAY for me in this!

I am completely off of ALL pain medications, have gained an estimated 20 lbs, have good blood pressure even though I bleed constantly, have a strong heart and clear lungs even though I am pinned in one position on my back, have NO pressure sores after 10 years on my back! The hospice is amazed. My hospice team have become very close friends who share my journey with awe and excitement. We have sweet fellowship and they feel free to share their lives and struggles with us.

I have awesome friends who visit, write, pray and provide meals for Jim and Jenny. The flowers are blooming, the birds are singing and bringing their young to my patio door. Our turtle doves’ voices are heard day and night, calling in the new season of life. You all know how much God has spoken to me about Holy Communion and the reality of His Body and Blood. Well, God has even provided a priest – Father Johnson – who lovingly serves me Communion every day and considers it an honor to do so. He has become one of my dearest friends. I have so many intercessors both here and all over the world. I am rich – so very rich in God.

Do I have pain? Yes, but God is enabling me to endure and I believe it is less than it was when I was on morphine. Do I get scared? Yes, but I keep going because His life thrusts me forward and overshadows my emotions. I am learning to glory in my weakness in order to find His strength and grace – to RECEIVE – something I never could do before.

There is much more but I can’t go on now. I wanted you to know what your prayers are doing. I have no doubt we are being prepared for the plan and service God put us here to do. May your hearts be blessed and encouraged. May you know His great Love and enter into His rest and His peace. May His Kingdom come, His will be done in us all and in the Church now in our day – Amen. How I love you and yearn over you. Thank you for everything.