Guest Ann Hair - Living - God is So Good

Welcome to my Wednesday feature God is So Good.  Here I will share stories - true and fiction, mine and others' - of the  Lord's presence in the midst of trials, struggles, and difficulties.

In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world. John 16:33b

 Ann is a dear friend of mine - a "neighborhood" friend, and my hairdresser. She was a HUGE support to hubby and me during his health issues (In fact, if my book gets published, her name will be in print LOL). She is my prayer sister and an AMAZING witness and woman. And she, as you see, has had her own trials. And they have blessed her.

Living

By Ann Hair

I was always cautious, even fearful. Then, thankfully, cancer invaded my body. It is still surreal five years after surgery. What is very real is the impact it had on my thinking.

Our son has always been more on the adventurous side, which caused some anxiety for his parents. Through him I realized that I had been safe and careful most of my life...not even a broken bone...and yet, I was facing the reality that this "thing" could take me out. I had done nothing to cause it, nor could I have been more careful to prevent it, yet my life was at risk.

This is when I began to really LIVE life. I knew the passage of scripture that Jesus came that we may have life and have it to the full (John 10:10). Now I understood with my being what that really means. After salvation, we are ALIVE.

So last year, when my husband suggested I learn to ride my own motorcycle (so we could take our teen daughter on his bike with him), I seized the challenge. He shopped for me a good used starter bike and brought one home in the back of our pickup truck.

One summer evening, I drove my car and he drove my bike to the school parking lot.

I sat on my bike and said, "Now what?"

No - this is NOT Ann ;) Photo source

He said, "Well, you need to start it."

I said, "Yes...How do I do that?"

I didn't even know how to start a motorcycle! We practiced balance and shifting and turning until I had confidence to practice for the skills test to get my cycle endorsement on my drivers license. It was all so scary and so thrilling at the same time. And it still is.

I have my endorsement now and we have been on many rides this summer. I wish I could describe the feeling after riding in a short sleeve T-shirt, the wind on my arms and the prickly sensation when I stop at a light. Smelling (not always pleasant by the way), seeing, hearing, feeling, all wonderfully exaggerated. Taking the lean on the curves. The heightened awareness of surroundings. The togetherness with my husband, daughter...and now, our son!

But... this IS her bike :D

This summer he received his cycle endorsement and rides his bike to work and college and on pleasure rides with us.

Now when people ask about the dangers of riding a motorcycle, I assure them I am not reckless...just living. And if I die riding that bike, don't be sad for me because I will have died LIVING.

 God is so GOOD.


Ann Hair is married 23 years to one great man; mother of one son, a college freshman; and one daughter, a high school freshman. (yes it's a blast!) She is a part-time home salon hairstylist and cancer survivor with a passion for following Jesus and sharing His love with others.
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God uses our struggles to allow us to truly live abundantly. And some of us  do. He is SO good!

Do you have a story you'd like to share about God's goodness in your struggles? Drop me an email and we can talk! 

 
Traveling Rough Roads With God's Strength