When I first was diagnosed with cancer, I remember saying “This is not my story - cancer is not going to change me!” That’s a pretty strong position of defiance towards a disease that just rocked my world. I quickly realized it was the wrong position to take.
Refusing to change, was refusing to take responsibility for the situation I had landed myself in. That’s a dangerous and somewhat powerless mindset to have. I’m here to tell you, like it or not, that cancer Will change you…..embrace it, accept it, let it change you for the better.
Let cancer (or any illness/disease) be the wake up call to change your whole life - to surrender to and get right with God, to slow down, to simplify, to reprioritize, to let go of things that don’t serve you, to break bad habits, to face down and conquer your fears, to take care of yourself like you never have before, to love and forgive the people who’ve hurt you, to be thankful for every day you are alive and to become the very best version of yourself.
I’m still a work in progress when it comes to all of this but I can tell you that I’m 100% ALL-IN! Completely dedicated to my life changing and life saving mission. This is a marathon not a sprint. Once I reach my finish line I’m going to keep running 🏃🏼♀️
You see, what I learned almost immediately after I changed my mindset was you CAN be joyful and peaceful in the midst of crisis. I’m in a couple of online support groups where I had to step back my participation due to 98% of the attitudes of other members of the groups. They’re mad, like really mad and they’re mean and bitter. What blows my mind 🤯 the most with these people is they are mad at their families….again, they’re really mad. They blame them for their disease or they’re mad because the family member(s) aren’t sick too. The last thing I would ever do is wish cancer on anyone in my family…or anyone, period! I feel like these people will have a difficult time ever healing based solely on their poor attitude.
God gave us peace as a gift, but it's up to us to activate what He put in us. Peace is a choice, a state of mind... a decision to have it even when your world or circumstances give you every reason not to have it. I have found that when I have chaotic thoughts or doubt starts to creep in, if I find a quiet place to meditate on His word I snap right out of it. Those bad thoughts and doubts are the devil’s work and well, I have no time for his nonsense!
So since I backed away from the online support groups I was searching for other options. I think it’s important to have people to talk to, people who understand exactly what you are going through. I love my family and friends but they can’t empathize with me. Sure they love me and they support me but they don’t full understand what I’m dealing with…how I feel, the thoughts I have. So my desire for a support group lead me down a path that I feel is God’s will for me.
I came across a nonprofit organization called Healing Strong. I was so excited, it was perfect. The mission of HealingStrong is to educate, equip and empower those facing cancer (or other diseases) with holistic, evidence-based non-toxic therapies by empowering and equipping local community groups. They’re a faith-based nonprofit organization who believe in God and invite His presence into their meetings and their healing journey. You can learn more about them on their website at www.healingstrong.org
After exploring their website I quickly realized this was exactly what I was looking for!! I quickly typed my zip code into the “group locator search engine” I was so excited…then….sadness 🥹. There were no groups in my area. The closest one was in Utah and I didn’t think Keith was going to be up for a huge move just so I could check out a support group 😂. I noticed there was a link to “start a group” but boy that sounded like a big deal. I mean what did I know about all of this? I’m just getting started on my journey…how could I possibly start a support group about all of this?
I truly had no idea what to do. I left it alone for a couple of weeks and prayed on it everyday (full disclosure, sometimes I prayed on it ALL day) 😂🤷🏼♀️. I woke up on November 15th and the very first thing I thought about, I mean the very first thing was Healing Strong and starting a local group. I feel like it was a very clear and direct message from God. This is what He was calling me to do. So, I logged on and signed up to become Healing Strong group leader in Las Vegas. Shorty after filling out the application and sharing my story and my desires I received my welcome email! Tears of JOY!
Now the hard part starts….figuring this all out 🫣. I’m currently going through my training with the group leader trainer (I’m not sure what her exact title is). Since I timed this right around the holiday season (not the best timing on my part 🤦🏼♀️) I’m targeting a launch date for our first Las Vegas meeting to take place in February 2024. So, to all of my Vegas family/friends if you know someone who you think might benefit from a support group like this please send them my way! Stay tuned for more about this new journey I’m embarking on, I’ll be updating along the way.
I believe that because I’ve chosen to keep peace in my heart that God lead me to this opportunity….and I am SO grateful!
So that’s all for now but there will be LOTS of updates about this as I continue learning and preparing. I’ll close this post with a verse that God placed on my heart while I was typing this.
Philippians 4:13 (NKJV)
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.
Until next time….keep joy in your mind and in your heart!
Much love and many blessings,
Ali
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