They say, what doesn't kill us makes us stronger... I don't know about that... There are days when I don't "feel" strong. There are many days since cancer, that I just feel plain vulnerable. Cancer took a lot of things away from me and stripped me of a naiveté I didn't know I had. It showed me who would be there for me and revealed who wouldn't. It left it's mark on my body - but more than changing my body - it changed who I am. I found out about myself - I don't trust easy, I don't believe mere words, I know what it is like to believe people will be there and then they are not. I learned to grow dependent upon myself and upon God. I chose to become better and *not* bitter. Cancer (like a tornado) took the screen door called bullshit clear off "the house of me," what you see in me is a woman who is genuine, who does not play games, who does not get caught up in drama, who does not sugarcoat, who is strong because she had no choice but to become strong. The tide of cancer washed away a lot of things in my life that I honestly had thought were solid, stable pillars. It made me realize what is really important and what isn't. My life use to be in beautiful water color type hues - but now it is in vibrant passionate colors. I know what I want, to live an uncomplicated "Henry David Thoreau" simplicity type of life in the middle of nature - writing for the Lord, building people up, loving wholeheartedly and being surrounded by those I love. I love fiercely with ALL that I am because I know that tomorrow is not promised to me. Wholeheartedly without reserve, without pretense, without games, without stipulations or hidden agendas or expectations or "strings attached." It sharpened my God given gift of having a discerning Spirit. I can see through the bullshit and through games. I notice everything (even if I don't mention what I see). I think that having experienced cancer gave me an "honest strength." Yes, there is definitely a vulnerability within me - one that is so scared to screw up living. One can't help but feel a huge responsibility when one is given a second chance at life. The only zombies I believe exist are people who are living empty lives. Chasing things like a "dog chasing their tail" people who just don't get it - they want "MORE" and are never satisfied with what they have. They are superficial and one dimensional. They think there is someone or something "better" out there and what happens is they miss out on the blessing before them because they can't recognize its right in front of their very eyes. They are living, but really - they are who the Jones' really are - the walking dead. It shouldn't take a life threatening illness for people to wake up to what is important in life - I think most of us think that the bad things in life "will never happen to us" - but it can and it does. Cancer is no respecter of persons - be it wealth, race or age. So think about what you really want out of life. Someone once said to me as a child, "If you have your health you have everything" - I didn't realize until after cancer how true that is. Love double-fisted. SHOW people that you love that you love them - DON'T wait. SHOW THEM NOW. Tell them! People NEED to be told - and often! If you have been hurt in your past, don't allow that past hurt from keeping you from being loved. If you do, the only one who is hurting you - IS YOU. Holding back could keep you from the very thing you have been longing for. Life is waaaaaaay too short for that. Be open to allow yourself to BE LOVED. You just *might* be surprised.
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| The Truth is God holds my life in His hands and sometimes our plans are not His... This is where "walking by faith" and not by sight comes in. I trust Him, I believe Him, I love Him. You can trust Him too. It's not about what God "does for us" it is about what God DID for us. "For God SO loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him shall not perish but have ever lasting life." (John 3:16). In the words of my favorite song - "For You my God are REAL no matter what I feel. You never let me go. And what I know, is there will never be a day, You aren't just a breathe away and through it all I've got to hold to what I know. I could throw my fist in the air demanding answers, but in spite of all the questions, I'm still giving YOU my life. And if it doesn't turn out like I think it should it doesn't change the fact You're always good, Your ways are higher than mine..." (Lyrics from Tricia Brock's What I know) |
YES, I can admit to feeling vulnerable but I don't think that is a weakness. I think admitting it shows my strength. A person can be vulnerable and wise at the same time. What doesn't kill me, makes me stronger - no, what didn't kill me made me wiser, took the pretenses off my life and showed me that all I want is to live a life of simplicity, honesty, and love and that I am not dependent upon myself - but on God who holds my life in His hands. It also taught me to pay it forward in ANY way I can - I am doing just that because I know that the best is truly yet to come... Come "best" I'm ready for you.
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