Nothing as uncomfy as a mammogram

Well, maybe the sonar scan afterwards, "just to make sure we didn't miss anything..."

No, actually, it can get much worse, they can "see something there" and insist on a biopsy (like the last time I was here, in this beautiful new Mammography Centre with its beautiful flowery wallpaper, stylish couches, and cappuccinos).

Then the biopsy could lead to a verdict of either "benign" or "malignant", and so we as women have to go through this invasion of privacy once every two years, and then later when we hit menopause, every year.

But the years fly by faster as we grow older, so it feels as though it was only yesterday when I had my last "mammo"... turns out it has been three years! Elaine! Shame on you! You irresponsible fifty-year-old!

Even if you are a woman of faith and courage, there is always that niggling voice that whispers, "What if?"

So, the Lord, never wasting an opportunity to teach me a spiritual lesson, quickened this thought deep in my spirit to keep me busy while I'm waiting for the results. Think of a mammo as symbolism for a check-up of your spiritual health.

And, suddenly, I looked at it differently.

We need regular soul mammos. Our most private, innermost being needs to be exposed and pressed between the cold plates of introspection and scanned for any lumps of unforgiveness, hurt, disobedience, trauma, pride, or simply becoming lukewarm in our faith. The only difference is that we need to do this scan daily, not annually, and we need to ask the Holy Spirit to be our Radiologist. He who sees the deepest part of our hearts.

He who is gentle in the way He scans us and then delivers the news: "I see something, but I've got you. We will tackle this together. This is why Christ died, so that you can be clean and righteous again."

Thank the Lord, the (physical) mammo was clean, and there was nothing "to see" and no biopsy necessary this time.

I suddenly realised I had been holding my breath while waiting for the results. I let out that breath, relieved, and smiled at the kind doctor.

I won't wait three years again, I decided as I hung the bright pink cotton gown back on the hook and put my own clothes back on.

Thank You, Lord, for always being with me, even in the uncomfy times. My heart aches for all the women who have (or have had to endure) breast cancer, and I pray that You will be with them and strengthen them during this time.

Psalm 139:33-34 ~ Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.

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While we're talking of mammos and introspection, please do not miss this inspiring e-book by Jo Steenhuis: I, menopause Body.

It is now available on Amazon and it truly is an interesting read for women who are in or about to enter menopause. She says it like it is, she is funny, inspiring and full of tips and advice. Even if it is just to know that you are not alone in this season of your life. Visit this page to read more and to find the direct link to the Amazon website where you can buy the e-book.