Since the blog started last week on the topic of my fight with cancer, over 1,500 people have taken time to read my story and that number is very conservative. There have been several different ways that people have learned about the blog, most through email, cancer websites, Twitter, Facebook, and other social media outlets. The comments and encouragement have been overwhelming and even embarrassing. I never wanted to do the blog to draw attention to myself but to motivate others, and give hope and encouragement.
Recently, I read a book called An Uninvited Guest, and my first impression was that this was a book for women and I would not get anything out of it. Boy was I wrong! Everything written in the book I had gone through with my fight with cancer. Quickly, I remembered that cancer is not a death sentence and that I am not the only person who has fought the fight. Today, thousands of people will learn they have cancer, thousands more will start their five years of remission, and thousands more will end their five years of remission being cancer free. As I read the Scripture in the book, I was reminded how God’s Word was so important to me through the journey. When nothing else was working, I would pick up my Bible, pray, and read. After I had done for hours, somehow I would feel comfort to get through the day. I know there are all kinds of books out there to put the battle of cancer in perspective, but I have to say this book was different. I honestly wish I had the money so that every cancer patient, survivor, and caregiver could have a copy. My other wish is that I could make them read it once they have it in their hands.
I have not had a bad life I am very blessed even though parts of it have been tough. God has allowed me to do things in this life that most people only dream about. I know what it like to ride a tour bus across country, fly on a private jet with only a couple of people, and go to Kid Rock’s during a snow storm. I have eaten at the fanciest restaurants and met people who made a big impact on this nation, I have seen American idols become stars, and seen loving, all- around- good people become pre- Madonna’s. This is what I have learned, at the end of my life all the things that have been a part of me that do not increase the kingdom of God mean nothing. I can have the best of everything, but when God calls you home you have nothing. I can worry about what is going to happen or how it will all play out, but there is only so much I can change.
However, I can help people, encourage, motivate, listen, try to make a small difference in one person’s life, create a memory, and maybe spark some hope. I can’t fight the cancer battle for you, but I can share what worked for me. I am not here to sell you anything; I am here to share my story. However, if you want to be blessed daily as you travel through your cancer journey, give An Uninvited Guest a try. I just bet that you will feel the same way I do. If one person’s life has been affected by this blog then every tear that I shed writing this was worth it. If you read this blog every day, you have been a part of some healing within me.
Back Stronger then Ever!
