A Survivor's Strength

I love how a single sentence has the power to evoke emotion and feelings, to inspire and uplift.  Positive quotes are one of my very favorite things.  A special friend and cancer survivor read a beautiful quote to me today.  "You never know how strong you are until being strong is the only choice you have." 

She was sharing her breast cancer story, along with another sweet volunteer, to a group of middle school students.  It touched my heart to watch their young faces listen to the journeys these women faced after hearing the words, "You have cancer."  Both of them shared, what may have been the darkest and scariest point in their life, with such passion and light.  They had come through to the other side, scarred but stronger.

I'm sure in the midst of their pain, they may never have imagined themselves at this point. In the depths of their cancer battle, maybe there were days they didn't feel they could make it another step.  But they did.  And now, they gladly share their story so that other women are educated and empowered.  Each pleaded to the group of boys and girls to, "Tell your mom, your aunt, your grandmother, to get their annual mammogram!"  Hearing the stories from some of the youth after class, I know they made an impact.

We all have a story to share.  Everyone is a survivor of something.....

Perhaps you are also a cancer survivor and can help others facing the disease.
Maybe you are a survivor of abuse and you share your story so that someone facing that pain doesn't feel so alone.  Or, though I pray not, possibly you are a survivor of child loss like myself and you reach out to others facing loss to help them find hope.  No matter the trial, the pain, the journey, we all have a testimony and a purpose.  Sharing it is the first step to healing, for both yourself, and the others you reach along the way.