Happy week 17 of 2023. I’m here today as a messenger to tell you:
When we anticipate, God is going to participate WITH US. We can walk through life’s journey with joy, for His grace is sufficient to truly walk through anything.
I believe He is anticipating our willingness to participate with Him when these challenges arise. All we have to do is trust that He will provide.
Anticipate that God is going to walk with us, that He is going to participate with us through the unexpected journey. We have the choice to believe and have faith that Jesus was/is truly walking with us and cheering for us!!
I never felt alone in these unexpected moments. I can truly say that. God is good and He loves you and me. I’m reminded of this passage here today:
“The extraordinary level of the revelations I’ve received is no reason for anyone to exalt me. For this is why a thorn in my flesh was given to me, the Adversary’s messenger sent to harass me, keeping me from becoming arrogant. Three times I pleaded with the Lord to relieve me of this. But he answered me, “My grace is always more than enough for you, and my power finds its full expression through your weakness.” So I will celebrate my weaknesses, for when I’m weak I sense more deeply the mighty power of Christ living in me. So I’m not defeated by my weakness, but delighted! For when I feel my weakness and endure mistreatment—when I’m surrounded with troubles on every side and face persecution because of my love for Christ—I am made yet stronger. For my weakness becomes a portal to God’s power.”
-2 Corinthians 12:7-10 TPT
I wrote this recently and sent it to some friends and family members:
These doctor appointments have been hard. They haven’t been nice. This process is opening my eyes. I will use my voice and advocate for women to speak up and challenge the status quo of doctor protocol. I’ve cried. I’ve hurt. I’ve called out to Jesus to help me make wise decisions. He has shown up and the prayers have given me inner strength to walk through these new doors that have been scary with grace and a smile on my face.
This too shall pass, but the scares are going to last. May these scares be a sign and a testimony Jesus loves me. This I know, for He’s given me a new song and a love that truly grows.
I didn’t expect to find a tumor. I didn’t expect it to be positive for cancer. I didn’t expect to have surgery. But, God has been preparing me for it all. He has gone before me. He has emboldened me to use my voice and even challenge the doctor’s recommended approach. It has not felt fun or easy to do, but my health and wellness matters deeply to me. My body can only take so much. So, as I march into May, I’m taking this month to rest and rebuild what these last few months have drained out of me.
I have met with an oncologist, radiologist, and a naturopathic physician. I have asked for a second opinion in oncology. I have agreed to radiation and it will start in June. They typically want you to start six weeks post-surgery. I still don’t feel my full strength, so I asked for one more month to rest. They agreed, thank You Jesus. ❤️ The naturopathic physician recommended two supplements and now I’m adding that to my daily regimen. So, we learn and grow.
May is about eating nourishing foods, resting, meaning not overcommitting to things and actual sleep, and finding ways to sooth my body to restore it back to pre-diagnosis times. This year has been a wild ride, and yet we are just 5 months in. 🤪
I hope this little pep talk and insight into my process of gathering knowledge, assessing what you can handle, and making adjustments that work for you and the doctor helps you know you have choices and using your voice is critical. Don’t just take the recommend protocol. If it doesn’t feel right, then it’s not right for you. Period.
Until next time,
Keep gliding
Abiding
& Smiling