Pink has always been one of my favorite colors. I remember a time in my life when it wasn't "cool" to like pink and I tried to reject my fondness for it but I still secretly loved it! October is Breast Cancer Awareness month, so I've been seeing a lot of pink, lately. I've also been thinking a lot more about what the pink ribbon represents.In August, just a couple days before I turned 40 and the lovely first mammogram is typically recommended, I learned a friend of mine from college--also 40--is battling breast cancer. I've known people with breast cancer but this was my first peer and, I don't know why but, I was shocked.
I have been reading my friend's journal entries and experiences and frankly the things happening to her body are downright awful. However, no matter how sick and tired and weak she feels, she still exudes a positive spirit and musters the strength to keep fighting. She even apologizes when she is discouraged and angry. I'm bowled over by her tenacity and determination to not let this horrific disease take her down. Her journey is not the first I've followed and I know each one of you reading has probably witnessed firsthand someone with a similar type of courageousness.
I often wonder how good of a fighter I'd be if I faced something this serious. It is really easy to whine about things that don't really matter, be a coward, obsess about silly things, and lose sight of what matters most. I hate the thought that it would take something of this magnitude to regain focus and have a positive outlook.
Today I am thankful for people who inspire through their adversity and pain. I am so sorry that tragic and terrible things happen in this world, but am grateful for those who display faith, trust, hope, and a spirit of perseverance in spite of dismal circumstances. Their example of endurance really encourages me to appreciate ALL that I have and not focus so much on what I don't have.
What are you thankful for today???
9 comments:
Beautiful post - I am so sorry your friend is experiencing this in her life and pray for full healing and restoration. Thank you for being the kind of friend one would want by their side in such circumstances - I am certain she is grateful.
Have a great rst of your week:)
Love,
Heather
Hey Lisa if you will email me her name I will put her name on my tent when I walk in the 3Day for breast cancer next weekend. It would certainly be an honor.
Hi Lisa,
What a beautiful and thoughtful post. I am so sorry to hear about your friend. She sounds like an amazing woman. I, too, am blown away by people who can uplift even in the most difficult of times. My father was my hero. He battled cancer for three years and had the best attitude throughout the entire time. I was never so proud of him as I was during that time and I always asked myself those same questions throughout his illness: Would I/Could I handle this with such grace?
I will pray for your friend.
Hugs,
Michelle
Lisa,
You know this kind of post is near and dear to my heart....very beautifully said!
I am so sorry the hear about your friend.....it does sound like she is a fighter and that is really important when you are facing this disease....attitude is half the battle!
I am thankful for all those that have made it through and lived to tell about it....they help give the sick a reason to fight!
Cancer is just awful. I know it is something that Satan is using to discourage all humankind. It is a disease I am so fearful of. I am grateful for the promise and assurance of heaven. The pain and disease will be no longer! (On a lighter note, I have NEVER not loved pink!---cool or not)
This post brought tears to my eyes. I, too, have a friend battling cancer right now and it breaks my heart. She has four children and has had such a rough time but her attitude just amazes me. Her faith is such a testimony to those who know her. I should do a post about her.
I am so sorry about your friend. We take so much for granted. Our health is certainly one of them.
I am thankful for the women that I know who are battling cancer but still let Jesus shine ever so brightly in their lives.
Love,
Adele
oh Lisa what a thought provoking post.
I know your friendship and kindness help so much.
I will pray for your friend as well.
HOw thoughtful of you to remember and pray for your friend and to invite us to do the same by sharing some of her story.
Today, I am thankful that we got our LOA!
Praying,
Sara
I am so sorry about your friend. Breast cancer is in my family so I have to be careful and it scares me. I will keep your friend in my prayers.
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