Kick it with Charla

The Fullness of Life

Whelp. I start chemo tomorrow.

After three weeks of testing, biopsies, scans, uncomfortable procedures, appointments, and more IVs and blood draws than I’ve had my live-long days, I am eager to get chemotherapy started (said nobody ever). I have a tumor the size of grapefruit that we need to shrink (not only is it cancerous but it’s causing the kidneys to not drain properly), and a bunch of enlarged lymph nodes that need to go bye-bye. And here I thought just had a back ache for three months. Bless my heart.

Last week was one of those reminders that we live life in a paradox. How we can hold both joy and sorrow at the same time is a mystery. I had two pretty hard days with necessary surgical procedures to prep me for the months ahead – physically and emotionally draining. But smack dab in the middle of all that, our eldest son did a low level flyby in his F-16 that was as thrilling as it gets for this mama. You can check out my Facebook post on that!

Then on Sunday, the amazing Snowmass Chapel family and community held a prayer service right after church which moved Tim and me to tears. Everyone stayed. Everyone prayed. To see them all holding hands in solidarity and faith, and pouring out their hearts to God on my behalf (as well as for all who are facing the unimaginable)…. Just. Wow. When you find yourself in a situation that is overwhelming and hard and uncertain, let your people show up for you. They will not disappoint.    

We sort of live our lives in the tension of opposites: two things that seem totally incompatible and yet can exist for us at the same time. Carl Jung says this paradox is what allows us to comprehend the fullness of life. I feel FULL and ready for what lies ahead.

Do not fear, for I am with you,
    do not be afraid, for I am your God;
I will strengthen you, I will help you,
    I will uphold you with my victorious right hand

Isaiah 41:10

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13 responses to “The Fullness of Life”

  1. chriss f. Avatar
    chriss f.

    sending prayers, strength and love today and every day. xo

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  2. BJ Adams Avatar
    BJ Adams

    Oh, Charla … I’ll be so with you tomorrow. I know how scary and overwhelming this is and how, at times, how it seems impossible to hold it all together. While I didn’t have chemo at VVH, I was there 5 days/week for 6 weeks for radiation. I have to say that the Calloway Cancer Center has really dialed it in and knows how to care for people who are facing the imaginable. To a one, everyone in the radiation dept was so kind and caring, and I expect nothing less amongst the chemo group.

    You’ve probably already been told this, but one of the things the Center offers are ancillary services like massage and acupuncture to help with treatments. If you have any interest in acupuncture, Cindy Wallis there is one of the most extraordinary, caring, gentle women I’ve ever known. You will feel totally received and heard by her – she is so gentle and tender – in her presence, you can just let it all go.

    You’ve got an army praying for you all over the country, Charla. I have no doubt that you will prevail.

    BJ

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  3. Laura Hansch Avatar
    Laura Hansch

    We’ll be thinking of you tomorrow and sending love hugs and prayers to you.

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  4. Adina Avatar
    Adina

    I love you so so much ♡

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  5. Vickie Falcone Avatar
    Vickie Falcone

    Precious Charla… leave it to you to infuse your challenge with a sense of lightness and faith. Please know that you are very much in my thoughts and I am wrapping you in prayers of comfort, love and light.

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  6. Annie Strecker Avatar
    Annie Strecker

    Love you Charla 💙 and praying for you🙏

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  7. Suzanne Robinson Avatar
    Suzanne Robinson

    Prayer. Progress. Patience.

    A friend of mine posted this today, and couldn’t help but immediately think of you, Charla💜 Over the years, you have, and even more so now, continue to be such an inspiration to SO many of us🥰‼️ your optimism, strength, and courage is simply unmatched‼️ Now is your time to simply BE, and HEAL‼️There are not enough words to
    express how much you are loved💞 You got his girl, and we are sending love and prayers every step of the way with YOU , Tim, Nick, Whren, Ben, Anna and you entire family 🙏🏻🌈❤️Love you🥰

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  8. Lee Zacha Avatar
    Lee Zacha

    Psalm 33:20
    We wait in hope for the Lord; He is our help and our shield.

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  9. Adelaide Waters Avatar
    Adelaide Waters

    This website, these posts – so raw and real and full of love. When it comes to fulfilling your ministry, Charla, you may be on leave of absence but you haven’t missed a beat!

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  10. Robyn Scott Avatar
    Robyn Scott

    My heart goes out to you and your whole family. I wish you showers of God’s light and love, and strength through this. You’ve got this! Your spirit and light can power through this hardship and we are all here for you. I’m praying lots!

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  11. Heather Beach Avatar
    Heather Beach

    Jim, our house church pastor, read this as an opening to church this morning, and I immediately thought of you. Read the whole Psalm 86 – it is beautiful. This is just the first half:
    “Hear me, Lord, and answer me, for I am poor and needy. Guard my life, for I am faithful to you; save your servant who trusts in you. You are my God; have mercy on me, Lord, for I call to you all day long. Bring joy to your servant, Lord, for I put my trust in you. You, Lord, are forgiving and good, abounding in love to all who call to you. Hear my prayer, Lord; listen to my cry for mercy. When I am in distress, I call to you, because you answer me. Among the gods there is none like you, Lord; no deeds can compare with yours. All the nations you have made will come and worship before you, Lord; they will bring glory to your name. For you are great and do marvelous deeds; you alone are God.”
    Psalm 86:1-10, NIV

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  12. Lynn Moore Avatar
    Lynn Moore

    Charla, I so wish that I could be there to give you a big hug. James and I will be praying for you tomorrow. I will tell you that our hearts have been so heavy since we heard the news. I hope you know how much you are loved by us and so many others. I cannot imagine what you are going through and how you must be feeling. God is so good and I know that he is going to take care of you and give you strength. Please know that we are all with you during this difficult journey.

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  13. Melinda Wright Avatar
    Melinda Wright

    Charla, I will be praying for you today and every day. You have an army of God’s people praying for you to have the strength and courage to get through this tough time. We love you and are asking God to protect you and help you fight this cancer. You can do this!

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About Charla

In March of 2023 our dear Charla was diagnosed with stage 4 ovarian cancer which had spread to the lymph nodes. Charla is a beloved friend and pastor to so many. In an effort to keep all of those who care about her in the loop, and lighten the communication load that would inevitably fall on Charla and her family, we have established this blog. Please post your comments of positivity, prayer, encouragement, and inspiration on this site, or mail encouraging messages via snail mail.

Prior to this diagnosis Charla had tossed around the idea of starting a podcast. With a background in PR and TV, years of expertise teaching and writing on parenting and other topics, a Doctorate in Ministry from Duke University, and 13 years under her belt of co-pastoring and leading a church, Charla has a deep well of wisdom to draw from and “kick around” in conversation in a podcast setting. We can’t wait to “kick it” (slang for “hang out”) with Charla in the years ahead and hear her declare triumph over this diagnosis.

For now, we join Charla in solidarity, with love and constant prayer, as she kicks cancer out of her body.

Kick it with Charla. And lift her up in prayer.