The Physical Body Lost BUT The Spiritual Body Won

On Dec. 23rd at 5:25pm the world lost someone very special. We lost a woman of God, a wife, a wonderful mother, and an all around beautiful person. Her name is/was Lisa Hays. She was my preacher's wife and she lost her battle with lung cancer. Through out her struggles her faith stayed strong and so did the faith of her family. She did not complain or ask "why me God" but just fought with all she had. Every time I see Zebra print I will be reminded of Lisa and her faith. The following is why (it was written by her daughter Corrie).



"A year ago in October, we underwent our first biopsy. Mom had several swollen lymphnodes, but also a good sized tumor in her right lung. Instead of biopsying both, the surgeon, hoping to save us some time and stress, just ...biopsied the lymphnodes. They came back negative, and we all breathed a sigh of relief. He, in his awesome Swiss accent, told us "The possibility that the tumor is cancerous but the lympnodes are not is like finding a zebra in Alaska". However, just to be safe, our surgeon went back in a few days later, using a guided biopsy, going straight to the tumor itself. Her right lung collapsed, and they found the cancer. So, since the lymphnodes were just granulomas (there's a good explanation of that on Wikipedia if you're curious), but the tumor was cancerous (Stage IIIb, I might add), Mom became "the Zebra". It's kind of her mascot throughout all of this, and she always says that "she's surviving in a wilderness that is not her home". Keep surviving, Mom; you're doing one heck of a job.--Corrie"

Lisa's journey was documented on facebook through "Lunch for Lisa". It was a page dedicated to prayer and fasting for Lisa. People who did not even know Lisa started to "like" the page and started making comments. They also started to pray for her and her family. I witnessed with my own eyes someone who had never meet Lisa pray for her and even speak with her through facebook. The page would give everyone details on what was going on. We knew about the cancer found in her lungs, the pneumonia taking over, the hemorrhaging, the blood transfusions, the plasma, the ventilator, oxygen levels, hemoglobin levels, and through this page we knew when she was going to be taken off the ventilator.

Lisa battled with lung cancer even though she never smoked a day in her life. I would see her most evenings out walking with her husband, so I know she was also getting exercise. Lisa was just a healthy woman. A women we liked walking, singing, and spending time with her family. If people didn't know Lisa they had the opportunity to get to know her through "Lunch for Lisa" and learn how wonderful she was.

Although we will mourn we will also rejoice. God had a plan and purpose for Lisa and she filled that purpose so now it is time for her to go home. Home where she will never feel pain, home where she will never have difficulty breathing, a home where she can sing to the Lord, a home where children will welcome her with open arms, and a home where there is no pain or suffering. Our God is a mighty all knowing God.

The physical body (shell) was worn down and no longer useful. Therefore, God took Lisa and I am sure she is enjoying her spiritual body in heaven. Tears have been shed and will continue to be shed. We are happy the suffering is gone but we are sad for our lose. I think when God's purpose is filled then our life here on earth comes to an end. It doesn't make it easier to deal with though. It is human nature to not want death for anyone because we are selfish. Not selfish in a really bad way, but we just want our loved ones close, and I do not see anything wrong with that. In Lisa's case...she will be missed. Tears will flow, hugs will be given, condolences given, flowers, prayers, love, and we will rejoice, because we will see her again someday!!