A SHELTER FROM THE STORM
Each Spring ushers in many storms throughout Kansas and other states. TV and radio
stations warn us when there is a tornado watch or warning, possible hail or damaging winds.
We hear the loud sirens and rush to get to a place of safety that will provide us the best
shelter from the quickly approaching storms. Looking back at my own cancer journey, I can
see that the storms of life are not limited to tornadoes or hurricanes or earthquakes, but also
include cancer, illness, family problems, the loss of a loved one or any of the other
difficulties bringing fear and insecurity into our life.
As a cancer survivor of many years, I still remember vividly the day of my diagnosis and
the storm of emotions that I and my family and friends went through in the days, months and
year ahead. Life had been calm before the warning signs of cancer became evident to me.
Cancer attacked me physically as well as emotionally and spiritually. I no longer felt safe
and secure. The storm watch had begun which soon turned into a storm warning and in the
center of the storm, we were surrounded by damaging winds that hailed down upon our life.
The diagnosis of cancer brought a whirlwind of emotions and left each of us feeling
vulnerable, fearful, and uncertain of our future ahead. The first storm had quickly come and
gone, but we had been warned that there would be many more storms ahead, leaving us
feeling confused, fearful and uncertain of our future. All around we saw injury, damages and
devastation. Where could we turn for help and hope?
The good news is that Victory in the Valley is here now and in May 2017 will celebrate 34
years of service and support to cancer patients and families. VV was established with a
foundation built on God’s love and a framework made up of caring staff and over 200
volunteers actively supporting patients and families on the cancer journey. VV offers, not
only a place of shelter from the storm, but for thousands of cancer patients, families and
friends each year, this means that Victory in the Valley is able to hold out a caring hand
offering assistance, support, encouragement and hope. Support programs and services help
lighten their load while equipping them with helpful information and encouragement. VV
volunteers offer personal visitation at cancer treatment centers, assistance with wigs and
canine friend visits. Support Groups provide the opportunity to share and listen and learn
firsthand that there is not only hope, but there are many who have survived cancer and are
enjoying life once more.
The mission of Victory in the Valley is to help make life better for those living with
cancer and it is fulfilled through VV supporters and volunteers whose compassion and
donations of time, talents, skills and financial gifts, help make Victory in the Valley” a safe
shelter from the storms” encountered on the journey through cancer. “If cancer comes to
your house…we hope you will come to ours!” Victory House is located at 3755 E. Douglas,
Wichita, KS. As one survivor once shared, “Anyone can probably go through cancer by
themselves, but how sad that they should have too!” Victory in the Valley is here for YOU!
©2017 Linda Mae (Palmer) Richardson ~ www.victoryinthevalley.org
A SHELTER IN THE STORM
My refuge on a rainy day - a shelter in the storm…
I’m covered by God’s wings of love in times I feel forlorn.
A place of rest when struggles come and dark clouds gather ‘round…
Where faith can quiet fearful thoughts without a word or sound.
A fortress from life’s troubled times – I feel safe and secure…
I know not what tomorrow holds, but trust I will endure.
In peaceful moments, hope appears to shine upon the way…
Then worries flee as blessings fill my thoughts with joy today.
God leads beside the gentle streams where tranquil waters flow…
Renews my strength in pastures green – restoring heart and soul.
With courage, I resolve to stand and walk to victory’s gate…
Hope shines its light upon the path where friends and family wait.
I’m learning trust is needed most when obstacles appear…
When fear stakes claim to peaceful thoughts and calmness disappears.
But hands of love reach out to help me rise and stand once more….
I look beyond the rolling waves and see the distant shore.
Then take my Father’s hand to guide me through the safest way…
My focus turns from problems as my heart is filled with praise!
I rest in God’s protection, sweet serenity I find…
His loving grace and mercy heal my body, soul and mind.
And though this journey’s not the path that I would ever choose…
I’ll walk on with assurance and the peace which God renews.
Then standing on God’s promises, I know He’ll make a way…
Empowered by my faith to conquer challenges today.
I’ll reach out to help others stand and walk beside a while…
Encourage those who fear they can’t endure another mile.
Uplift the spirit beaten down by thoughts of deep despair
Befriending those alone and lost as friendship’s love is shared.
Offering hope that God will guide to safe harbors calm and warm…
Our rescue from the ocean’s wrath, a shelter in the storm.
©2014-7-25
Linda Mae (Palmer) Richardson ~ www.victoryinthevalley.org
“O Lord God…Thou rulest the raging of the sea,
When the waves thereof arise, Thou stillest them.” Psalm 89:8-9 (KJV)
“The Lord is my shepherd… He maketh me to lie down in green pastures;
He leadeth me beside the still waters. He restoreth my soul…
Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for Thou art with me…”
Psalm 23: 1-4 (KJV)