LOUISE HINTON UMPHREY
“Now Faith” by Helen Adams “Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen” - HEBREWS 11:1 After graduating from high school, Louise married her high school sweetheart, Mallie Edward Umphrey. They were blessed with a wonderful family of four sons and one daughter. In addition they assisted in rearing seven grandchildren. This couple established a beautiful relationship with God and Louise was very active in church. In an effort to bring in extra income to help take care of the children, Louise remained in the work force for over twenty years. Just when they thought that everything was going very well, a series of tragedies eased into their lives. Louise stated, “This was a test of their faith.”
In 2002, Mallie was diagnosed with serious heart problems. Shortly after his discovery, Louise found a lump in her right breast. Louise went through chemotherapy and radiation. She said, “I don’t wish this on anyone.” Louise had to drive herself back and forth for treatments because her husband was too ill to drive. Every day at 8:00 a.m., she drove to the designated site to receive her treatments. After arriving home each day, Louise was too sick to cook or eat very much food. She weathered the storm and made it through this situation. It was a laborious journey, but she was reminded of the scripture in ISAIAH 40:31: “But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength;”… Louise’s faith in God was her saving “Grace.” In 2007, Louise suffered a setback. Once again, cancer invaded her body and she was diagnosed with the disease in the same right breast. This time the cancer required a mastectomy. Again, God brought her through this terrible ordeal. In the meantime, her oldest son passed away after a brief illness. On the night of his death, his mother had a conversation with him and felt that this was a revelation from God. He revealed to his Mom how much he loved her and was at peace with God. Yes, there is more to this story! How much can a person endure? Louise has been challenged with another bout of cancer. In 2011, her body was attacked for a third time. Presently, she is still taking chemotherapy and making some progress. She has encountered other illnesses which have impeded a speedy recovery, but her doctor tells her that she is a strong person and doing well in her present condition. Louise‘s husband of fifty-six years died on February 18, 2012. She has taken the grief and hard blows in stride. Louise feels that God and her husband are watching over her and there is nothing to “fear, but fear itself.” Louise’s Testimony is stated in her own words: “I have put my trust in God. I can’t say why ME. I just think why not ME. Everybody is battling some type of calamity. I try to keep the faith, don’t worry about anything, because I know from whence cometh my help.” Psalm 121:1-2: “I WILL lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help.My help cometh from the Lord, which made heaven and earth…” Today is a new day for Louise. She is a courageous, confident, compassionate, calm, capable and caring individual. Louise knows who has the power and is willing to face each battle with a smile. Her friends, colleagues, family members and Pastor (Reverend Dr. Nathaniel J. Wood and congregation) have been a tremendous source of help to her in a time of trouble and consolation. Remember the inspirational line of the late Jim Valvano (Basketball Coach, NC State University, Raleigh, NC), “DON’T EVER GIVE UP.”
Page 16