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The most profound change in my life was finding faith.
I explored this new awareness, but soon went back to my old ways after I felt physically stable. It wasn't until things got really bad, and I was at the lowest point ever in my life, that I really cried out to God. And, much to my surprise, He answered me.
The more I looked into developing a faith, the deeper my belief grew. I know for certain that God truly did rescue me from my brokenness. He restored my life and health when I was slowly losing everything. I really thought I would never be well again.
Having faith has given me the gift of grace to accept things as they are. I learned that I can't do everything, or anything for that matter. It's not up to me. God has a divine plan for all of us, and He calls us in a way only we can hear, although we often choose not to respond back. It took me years to finally listen to that voice that wanted the best for me. And yes, I had to get advanced cancer before I would allow myself to be rescued, but thank God I was saved. The gifts I have received from following Jesus are beyond my greatest expectations. The best part is it will never ever end, not in this life, nor beyond death.
I am very fortunate to have a newly built cancer shrine in my town, "The St.Peregrine Cancer Shrine and Chapel". It is the most beautiful place ever. I volunteer in the cancer resource center at the shrine, twice a week, to help other patients by offering information, wigs, chemo caps, peer connection, and spiritual support to those of all faiths. Even though the shrine wasn't built when I was going through treatment, I still appreciate the peace and comfort I feel whenever I'm there. It even has a wailing wall where people can stick little prayer notes in the slots. Having a "refuge" is really a nice thing when the crisis of having cancer overwhelms me.
The Human Spirit Lives In All of Us
posted by Steve Heart and Soul
Having spent 27 years as a type 1 diabetic, enduring heart surgery, receiving two organ
transplants, the removal of part my liver as a organ donor to a patient in need and being
diagnosed with cancer twice, I feel fortunate and lucky.
If I may I want to share an analogy on what is possible when we call upon our human spirit to rise above mans most threatening diseases, and just as important, to be there for others during their time of need. Our human spirit lives within all of us and becomes our inner strength. Do you know what the best part of our human spirit is? It thrives during our most challenging & difficult times, always ready to rise to the occasion and walk hand in hand with us.
There are two animals that characterize what living with and triumphing over some of
life's most demanding diseases.: One is the wild horned ram that lives in the deep canyons of Hawaii, and the other is the masked Siberian husky. Each possesses a unique combination of qualities that help make it possible to survive and even thrive under demanding conditions.
The Ram displays a rugged independence, to stand alone against the wilderness and its harsh reality. The Ram is determined to find a way that works for him. He is strong,
endures discomfort, and rises higher to the next level of mountain rocks, brush, and
vegetation. Essentially, he is a climber who will not back down from danger.
The Siberian Husky is a quiet leader, self reflective with a mask that distinguishes her
bold face. She is tender, compassionate, a free spirit, and is an optimist. The special
skill is her enormous endurance through the tundra that exacts a tiring toll on her body.
The husky is gentler than the ram and shows more warmth while the ram is a challenger with a die hard attitude.
Today as a survivor & caregiver, I know everything is possible and grateful for each day
I'm alive. But what is even more special & rewarding is the joy of helping others in their
quest to live a healthy life without pain or suffering. The spiritual qualities so
eloquently expressed by the gentle Siberian husky and the rugged ram are in all of us.
things to do
- become a "seeker"
- accept the unknown
- find a "refuge"
- look deep inside
- see the big picture
- pray, pray, pray
- allow God's help
- begin your journey
"this is love", photo, m.fletcher
Cancer has a way of shaking your life up. It made me question everything I was thought. In a way, I felt like a failure, as if I wasn't doing something right, and I desperately needed to figure out what that was in order to survive. I know now that there may not have been anything I did that made me develop cancer, but I did see a need to change some stressful areas in my life, especially those existing immediately prior to my diagnosis.
I distinctly noticed after my diagnosis I had a strong feeling of being closer to God, even though I was quite agnostic for most of my life. It seemed as if God had become available to me almost right away, without even caring that I wasn't ever a follower. This new found accessibility made me want to become a "seeker".
"Head of a young woman" Leonardo da Vinci
