Our faith is intermingled throughout our life, in joys and sorrows, in times of strength and weakness. We share with you one story of such faith. Lynn Lyons one of our active AJJ members, has been battling cancer for the past two years. Her latest diagnosis has not been positive. Yet Lynn is happy to help in the store, work with the Rosary makers and chat with the residents who have come to know and love her over the years. She is a woman of great faith who is an inspiration to many.
Lynn you really look so happy always. What is your big secret?
Well, God helps me more than I can say –more than I can ever thank Him. I feel so blessed
Have you always had such great faith?
In my young adult life, my faith was pretty dormant. I loved my father dearly and when he passed, I began to think more of God and the afterlife. I then began to volunteer here at the Home and I think my faith developed more and more. I came to know about Jeanne Jugan and in 2004 I became an AJJ associate as did my two sisters. Later I became the AJJ coordinator and as I had by that time retired, and the Association became so much part of my life. I was always trying to better understand the spirituality of Jeanne Jugan, especially her littleness and her poverty of spirit.
When you got your first negative diagnosis were you totally shocked?
I have to say it did come as a shock which was shared by my husband who at my request, came to hear what the doctor had to say. Yet, I must say God’s grace was there for me. I had not long ago come back from Rome where I had the privilege to be at the canonization of my favorite saint, Jeanne Jugan. Naturally I felt a great sadness, being blessed with a loving husband, family and so many friends but I try to be an optimist and so I began to hope for the best. I went for tests every 6 months and it looked as though all was well. I was so grateful.
Then last June the tests were not positive. How did you react to this news?
I was shocked and of course disappointed but I kept my hopes high for a cure. I began praying for a cure through the intercession of Bishop Fulton Sheen with Jeanne Jugan, and a number of other saints. I knew as never before my life was in God’s hands. So far there has been no cure but I keep praying and hoping. At first I thought I was bargaining with God but then I realized that Jesus was human and would understand. Now I am really counting on God for my life, for everything. I think at this point I understand better the littleness of St Jeanne Jugan and what poverty of spirit really means. I now use Jeanne Jugan’s words and often repeat “Blessed be God” for everything.
Faith and Life