Hope Warrior

I chuckle as I open the microwave and rediscover my coffee cup. There it is! It has been a few hours since I misplaced that thing. This is Alissa again, Nicole’s sister. Nicole and I always laugh when we did the silly stuff our mother did. It’s funny how we just do what our parents did or do, without even realizing it.

I’m leaving tomorrow to see one of the most important people in the world to me–Nicole. Goodness. This lady inspires, lights up, shines, and exhibits the love of Christ. I know God is surrounding her, holding her, and strengthening her. He always has. No matter what fire she goes through, no one would be able to tell. She’s always smiling. So, tomorrow I’m looking forward to seeing that smile.

This week, Nicole’s dear friends, Laura and Shelly came over to read scripture and sing hymns. Nicole was in her element. Her eyes glowed and that kind smile radiated. My dad took a video of them reading. Nicole was clenching her exercise ball and nodding. What she was really saying, was “Amen, Praise Jesus or uh-huh.” I can hear it now. That sweet voice, I often heard when I attended church with them. She loved every minute focusing on the Creator of Life. Our Savior. Thanking Him and praising His name above all names.

Psalms 34 says, “I will extol the Lord at all times; his praise will always be on my lips. I will glory in the Lord; let the afflicted hear and rejoice. Glorify the Lord with me; let us exalt his name together.” David reminds us that regardless of our circumstances, our trials, or the fire we are facing; we should praise Him during all life’s storms. He wants us to move in His direction and in order to do that our Faith needs to grow. Trials help us do just that. They aren’t permeant. It’s a refining process, taking out all the imperfections, to make us more like Christ. God is preparing us to get to the destination. Nicole always preached this to me as I faced my own trials. She told me, “give thanks for your trials and if I didn’t have trials, there is something wrong. Trials are God loving you. God is growing your faith through all storms.” She not only preached that, she lives it. She has praised our Savior for the trials and tribulations. She always and still clings to the Creator. For there is no one who can give her strength and comfort, like our King. This journey for Nicole is a fire. It has been calm and then roaring. But, the one thing that has remained consistent is Nicole thanking God for her trials and for her having more Faith in Him than ever before. If that’s not inspiring, I don’t know what is.

When Nicole and I were little our church put on a “Mother and Daughter Tea”–It became a tradition for my grandmother, mother, Nicole, and I to attend. We wore fancy dresses, and hats, and the best china was placed on the table. Nicole and I loved it! What little girl wouldn’t want to use expensive glass cups, and saucers, and eat cookies?!

This past week my mother surprised Nicole by having a “High Tea”. Abbey, Ashton, Scott’s Mom, and two of Nicole’s dearest friends came. These people are her world. They help her keep going. Through the videos and pictures, I could see how much Nicole enjoyed this moment. A special girls day with great conversation. How special! It reminded me of us sitting at that fancy table all dressed up giggling, laughing, and playing tea party.

Nicole’s sweet former players came to see her this past week. It was a special moment for her. She was smiling and enjoying hearing what was new in their lives. I know it made her day, that they took the time to stop by. The players she has all coached, mean so much to her! Nicole loved pouring into her soccer girls or any of the kids she coached. Through the years, it became a ministry for her. Let’s face it, high school is hard. But for Nicole, she saw it as an opportunity to love these kids. To encourage them, talk with them, and point them in the right direction.

Prayer requests: Continued prayer for strength and comfort for the Inman family. My siblings and I are all headed to Little Rock this weekend. Prayer for a good time, wonderful memories, and for us to give the family what they need at this time. We love them soooo much!

Praises: Scott and Nicole had a great appointment in St. Louis. It looks like the treatment is helping and may be some improvement! Praise the Lord! She has been more alert and awake. Thank you for all the prayers, cards, visits, meals, and just the abundant amount of generosity you have shown to The Inman Family. It is overwhelming, the amount of love received. God is so good and will continue to do wondrous things. You can count on it!

Hello! Or maybe I should say, Hello “Ya”ll” I have to laugh at that because most of Nicole’s family resides in Minnesota. So, when she moved to Little Rock she started the southern twang. We always got a kick out of it and my mom buys anything with “ya “ll” on it for her! This is her sister, Alissa, writing. So pardon me, I did not major in Journalism (Like Nicole, have the silliness, or heart that she does!)

If you are reading this, you have a special place for Nicole, just like I do. She is one of a kind. Not only do her soccer kids look up to her, and her students, but I always have. She is something.

My family moved to Dallas 5 years ago so it has been so great seeing her many times throughout the year. My kids just adore their Aunt Nicole. She has always spoiled them and they look up to their 4 big cousins so much. I am grateful for the many memories we have had these past few years!

I wanted to update you on all the “Blessings” Nicole has had lately. I am reminded of the Scripture from Romans 12: 11-12 “Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, and faithful in prayer. ” Paul is essentially saying here that believers in Christ shouldn’t be lazy in their enthusiasm. We should remain intentional and treat others well in the body of Christ. Well, goodness people!! Nicole is seeing generosity and intentionality among family/friends. She is seeing people serving our Lord, by their actions and love. I think not only has she seen our Father through all of you, but other people have too. It has been so remarkable seeing the church love on her family and the servanthood is pretty amazing to watch!

A week ago Nicole and Scott headed to St.Louis for their first treatment on Avastin and Infusion therapy. Upon returning it was so sweet to see that their neighbor and friend Phillip built a wheelchair ramp made with scripture underneath it. What a remarkable thing! This means so much to Nicole! Do you know when Scott and Nicole built her house, each brick was marked with scripture? She spent weeks writing on them. (They have a lot of bricks!) So I know Nicole is praising Jesus riding up and down it, knowing it has God’s word all over it! And can I just tell you that Phillip also put in an extended shower head! Nicole has fallen so many times, so this is such a blessing. Wow, to see God’s servants at work, is pretty amazing. I can’t tell you how much it means to get the things they need to help with their new normal.

Here is sweet Laura. She comes to Nicole to read her Bible verses every week. Nicole loves that. It has been so hard for her to read anything so when Laura comes, I know there is comfort for Nicole and she is delighted to be reminded of our creator. They have always had a special friendship! Oh, how scripture gives us strength during tough times!

Ok. This lady…You have all seen her. Nikki Funk. Goodness. Lady. There is nothing Nicole would do without her. When Nicole could speak, it was Nikki this, Nikki that, I’ll call Nikki she’ll take care of it. Yup. Well, Nicole. She is taking care of it. She is fighting with you. And for you when you can’t. These days it’s hard to find good friends. Even in the church. So I cherish their friendship and she is like a family to Nicole. She is there sitting with Nicole from the morning until night. She is such an inspiration for what real friendship and love are all about. I truly admire that and I know Nicole perks up each time, she enters the room!

Here is a picture of Nicole and her DQ. She is loving EVERY minute of this Dilly Bar! When we were kids my grandparents lived a block away from DQ. Every summer when we would visit them they would take us to DQ. It was a special treat for us. It was so delicious! Nicole’s favorite DQ has always been the crunch cone. Well, they don’t have those anymore, but she still loves the ice cream at Dairy Queen. Amazing how having small reminders from childhood brings comfort and joy.

One of the things Nicole told me she has learned about this whole process from receiving the diagnosis to now, is making time for people. She told me, this diagnosis has made her slow down and created ways to know people she didn’t know that well before. It was a blessing! She loved having people sit in her living room talking with them as they brought meals over and loving on their family in different ways. She loved every minute getting to know each person walking through that front door. She reminded me she could see how important it is to make time for people and how God wants us to build relationships with others. She now knew how to pray for each person and what was going on in their life. It was so wonderful for her to pray for others. She has always been a prayer warrior! So, each and every person that has walked in the Inman door, trust me it is putting a smile on her face. She is dancing inside with Joy, that you are there sharing a moment with her. YOU have made her day!

Lastly, a few weeks ago I was able to see Nicole and she had more mobility and could put together limited sentences. It was such a special time for me. We laughed, held each other’s hands, and cried together. She has always been so strong! But through this time I have been reading to her Psalms 91. What a wonderful scripture being reminded of who God is. He is our protector, our comforter, and a wonderful reminder of His promise to those who love Him.

Psalm 91

1 Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High
will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.[a]
2 I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress,
my God, in whom I trust.”

3 Surely he will save you
    from the fowler’s snare
    and from the deadly pestilence.
4 He will cover you with his feathers,
    and under his wings you will find refuge;
    his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.
5 You will not fear the terror of night,
    nor the arrow that flies by day,
6 nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness,
    nor the plague that destroys at midday.
7 A thousand may fall at your side,
    ten thousand at your right hand,
    but it will not come near you.
8 You will only observe with your eyes
    and see the punishment of the wicked.

9 If you say, “The Lord is my refuge,”
    and you make the Most High your dwelling,
10 no harm will overtake you,
    no disaster will come near your tent.
11 For he will command his angels concerning you
    to guard you in all your ways;
12 they will lift you up in their hands,
    so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.
13 You will tread on the lion and the cobra;
    you will trample the great lion and the serpent.

14 “Because he[b] loves me,” says the Lord, “I will rescue him;
    I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.
15 He will call on me, and I will answer him;
    I will be with him in trouble,
    I will deliver him and honor him.
16 With long life I will satisfy him
    and show him my salvation.”

Prayer Requests: Please pray for Scott and Nicole’s upcoming trip to St.Louis. Pray for strength both for her family and her. Pray for comfort.

Praise: Praise be to Our Father! Nicole asked me a few weeks ago if I knew how much the treatments were. I did. I knew it was $21,000 per month and at least for now, not covered by insurance. I could see the concern on Nicole’s face. I told her, ” Don’t worry about the cost. God will provide!

” A huge thank you to all the people who have donated. I’ve cried watching God do amazing things and provide what they need, meals, taking care of Nicole and so much more! He is sooooo goood!