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The Secret of Being Content

A Special Report for HICC Women's Day
Guest Editorial: U'i Tyrell & the HICC Women's Ministry

"I know what it is to be in need and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the SECRET of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do everything through him who gives me strength." Philipians 4:12-13

About two years ago I was diagnosed with Papillary Thyroid cancer. I went through two surgeries and radiation and it's been in remission ever since. But something frightening happened to me a few nights ago. I was asleep and I tried to take in a breath of air and my throat locked up on me. I couldn't get air in or out, I couldn't speak. My husband rushed to my side and tried everything he could to help me breathe and calm my fears. It was the most helpless feeling I've felt in years. It reminded me of the time I felt helpless when we went in for our ultrasound for our first pregnancy and the doctor announced that there was no heartbeat that our 1st child had died in my

Helpless, when I was 6 months pregnant with our 2nd child and was in a 3 car accident on the freeway not knowing if our baby would survive. It brought back the helpless feelings the day we heard the news that I had cancer and the risks involved with the surgery. I had helpless thoughts of not being around to see my children grow up.

The word HELPLESS in the dictionary means:
1. "unable to function; without help.
2. Deprived of strength or power. Impossible to control."

It's in these very moments, when we feel the most helpless, that God can renew us. He can give us strength, build our faith and give us hope to continue on our life's journey. When I was helpless, not able to breath, not able to do a thing to clear my airways it was in that moment God was at work, coming to my aid and giving me the determined spirit to not give up!

It is through these times he can also help those around us build their faith and turn to God, when they see the wonderful miracles that can come about. One day, shortly after my second surgery, I went to the store with my daughters to turn in our photo for our Holiday card. I was at the checkout when my daughters stepped away for a minute to look at some reading glasses across the way. All of a sudden I couldn't breath. I did everything I could to get the cashier's attention. Waving at her to show her I couldn't breath. She never looked up from her register. Then in desperation, I looked over at my daughters and pointed at my throat. They instantly ran across the aisles yelling "Help! My mom can't breath! Help! My mom can't breath!" I could see the fear & helplessness in their eyes. I soon collapsed and awoke to firefighters asking me where I was and who I was. When I was driven away in the ambulance there was nothing more anyone could do. My husband & kids prayed for me as did many other family members & friends. Although they were not the ones going through the crisis they saw what was happening and went to God for help.

The word HELPER in the dictionary means: 1. one who, or that which aids, assists or relieves."

That day, at the store, many people asked God to assist me, relieve me and heal me. God has been that helper for me and my family time and time again. And he can be that help in your life.,He can be there to help you when things get out of control, when you feel weak and during those times when you feel the most alone. The bible says in

1 Corinthians 10:13 The Message Bible "No test or temptation that comes your way is beyond the course of what others have had to face. All you need to remember is that God will never let you down; he'll never let you be pushed past your limit; he'll always be there to help you come through it."

He can strengthen you and be the HELP you need to heal your relationships,heall your family, your finances and your future.

Everyday I wake up with a new appreciation for life. I thank God everyday for the gift of breath. And I am grateful to spend another day with family, friends and help those around me. I don't know how long I will have to endure these challenges with my health or what else will come my way. What I do know is that I have learned the SECRET of being CONTENT in any and every situation. It is with God as my Help that I can do everything in this life because he gives me the strength to do it! Let God be your strength!

Valerie U'ilani Tyrell

[Editor's Note: U'i, along with the leadership of her husband Jody, lead the West House Church of the Honolulu International Christian Church]

Comments from Women about past Women's Day

"Women's Day was the first women's event I had experienced with the church! It was so inspiring to see real women with a real past and present life challenges of all kinds using Jesus Christ teachings to get through the day. It was also amazing to see the love all the women had for each other." - Sezon W.

"Women's Day has taught me to see ALL women the way God intends me to see them. I've met so many great women and learned we all have had common challenges. Witnessing the victory of a saved soul because of Women's Day is priceless! Thank you God!" -Amalia A.

"What I remember the most about Women's Day is the feeling of empowerment just seeing women gathered together. As I look around I saw all different nationalities and women from all walks of life. I wondered who met each one of them? What made them decide to attend? and Where would everyone be in their lives at the next Women's Day. Most of all at the next event, who in the current Women's Day will share an impacting story of how she became a disciple because of attending a Women's Day!" - Sina H.

"I've been to about 16 Women's Days and everyone has been a really special time! This is the 1st year I have been a part of the planning and it has been exciting seeing things come together. A few years ago, I had no friends come with me and of course that was a downer. Until I walked in and started sharing with others at our table, then all was well. One year I had 6 friends come and that was exciting and I needed all the help I could get. Every year at Women's Day has been different from the speakers to the skits and the sharing. Women's Day is such a time of bonding and a real highlight of the year." - Joyce T.

"I'm always excited about Women's Day because it's a time for women to bond and talk about womens issues. Two weeks before Women's Day I invited my friend Jean Alexander to come. Not only did she come, she studied the bible and got baptized on Women's Day! She is one of my best friends till this day. I look forward to Women's Day each year because it's a time to celebrate being with old friends & meeting new friends." - Dr. Malia E.