“See The Light”
There’s so much negativity and darkness in the world. We’re surrounded by it everywhere, but the positivity and the light is there, too. We just need to look for it sometimes and see God through the fogginess. I’ve always been inspired by friends that have dealt with some kind of “darkness,” a significant life change, an unfortunate situation, or internal stuggles and come out the other side seeing the positivity and getting through it. This series showcases some of those friends and highlights their stories about how they have come out the other side with positivity.
"Opening up to people about my journey through the surgeries and treatments was one of the hardest, yet most important steps I'd taken since I was diagnosed with a brain tumor. Having a support system that genuinely cares, and developing a growth in faith has allowed my wife and I deal with the reality head-on, while remaining positive. God's timing has been perfect, as my personal relationships have gotten stronger, and the way I deal with everyday issues has changed.
One formula that has also been a factor in the psychological healing process has been the combination of meditation & prayer, and artistic expression. I've written a lot about it, but I've only painted once for the sake of using art as therapy. The process of using color as a sort of emotional ambassador is very freeing, and incredibly cathartic. It's been helpful to the point of wanting to go back to school to become an art therapist."
"Three weeks into the whirlwind of my breast cancer diagnosis came my Li Fraumeni Syndrome diagnosis. It provided a brief moment of relief to finally have a "reason" for getting cancer at age 26. However, along with that relief came many new realities. Suddenly, my "storm" just became a life-long season.
Ephesians 2:10 says, "For we are God's handiwork…”. Three years and four surgeries later, I'm still sorting out what that means. To fathom that as artistically as God created the sunsets, and as meticulously as he crafted snowflakes, he wove together my DNA strand. My genetic mutation is His handiwork. Walking with that can be stifling, confusing and HARD, but God continues to remind me that He is FOR me, not against me. He chose me to walk this path and He gifted me this beautiful life. No matter how many times my body fails me, He will not."
Ephesians 2:10 says, "For we are God's handiwork…”. Three years and four surgeries later, I'm still sorting out what that means. To fathom that as artistically as God created the sunsets, and as meticulously as he crafted snowflakes, he wove together my DNA strand. My genetic mutation is His handiwork. Walking with that can be stifling, confusing and HARD, but God continues to remind me that He is FOR me, not against me. He chose me to walk this path and He gifted me this beautiful life. No matter how many times my body fails me, He will not."
"Getting a cancer diagnosis is a scary thing, especially when your doctor tells you you have 3 years to live. 3 years can go by so fast. I was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma with plasma cell leukemia in May of 2015. I always considered myself a strong Christian but the past two years have tested my faith.
Through it all, I discovered more than ever, the presence of God and the power of God through prayer. Hebrews 13:5-6 says "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you." So we say with confidence, "The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid..." My health has been restored since my bone marrow transplant. The doctors are amazed and can't explain how or why I am doing so well. I know that it is a miracle. The following verse in Jeremiah comes to mind when I think about my recovery. Jeremiah 29:11 says, "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.." God has brought several people into my life recently who are struggling with cancer. I know God spared me so that I can give support and hope to others."
Through it all, I discovered more than ever, the presence of God and the power of God through prayer. Hebrews 13:5-6 says "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you." So we say with confidence, "The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid..." My health has been restored since my bone marrow transplant. The doctors are amazed and can't explain how or why I am doing so well. I know that it is a miracle. The following verse in Jeremiah comes to mind when I think about my recovery. Jeremiah 29:11 says, "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.." God has brought several people into my life recently who are struggling with cancer. I know God spared me so that I can give support and hope to others."
“My name is Jeff and I have a story similar to many others that you hear nowadays. The only difference is the outcome is unlike the rest. In October of 2012, I can safely say that I was saved from myself. It was not by choice, but looking back upon my 4 year incarceration, it saved my life! Since I was 20 years old I battled with addiction that all stemmed from a skateboard injury I sustained. No matter what I do or where I go it will always tempt me. It’s how I react at that moment that determines if my sobriety prevails or not. Also, I would not be where I am today if I did not have an amazing support system. So thank you to all of the family and friends who have given me undying support! Not to mention the One who protects me and gives me the strength when I am weak! God! I always thought I would be able to do it on my own. Then when things went terribly wrong I would reach out at the lowest points of my life. My thoughts and prayers go out to those who have loved ones who are struggling and who are dealing with this first hand. If you would like to hear my in depth story I am more than willing to share. Feel free to get in touch if you need to reach out to help. There is HOPE!”
© CJ Foeckler Milwaukee, WISC
