This week in our Strollin’ Down Legacy Lane series, I am excited to introduce you to my friend, Krista. Krista is the wife of our youth pastor, Chris; the mother of Gabe, Kelsey, and Katie; a teacher, friend, and cancer survivor. Because October is Breast Cancer Awareness month, I asked Krista to share with us her story of surviving cancer and how it has become part of the legacy she is leaving for the generations that come behind her.
Jesus spoke some exciting, but confusing, words in the tenth chapter of John. “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” (NIV) Full life. What is that? What does it look like? Do I have it? Is this rat race I find myself running the full life to which Jesus referred? I began to question just what this full life was several years ago. I now seem to have a glimpse of what the answer entails.
December 2009 was a turning point in the quest for an answer to these questions. It was then I became a breast cancer patient. I had been the caregiver of several cancer patients, the most notable being my own mother. In the past twenty years, I have had a front row seat of the terrible disease taking the lives of each of my grandparents, a dear friend and most recently, my mother.
December 15, 2009 I made a decision to be a cancer survivor. From the time I received my diagnosis, I made the choice to trust the Great Physician for my healing. I became determined to show my family a cancer survivor. God heard and answered my pleas.
I did not have the easiest of roads, nor did I have nearly as hard of a time as I could have during the course of surgeries and treatments. There were many days it would have been very easy to wave the white flag of surrender. I am so glad I did not give up! Because of His Faithfulness, I have learned many things about a full life.
One thing I have learned is how rich I am with people. During this difficult time, there were so many people who would encourage, pray, feed, drive, hug and a number of other things to make sure my family was well loved. My life is full.
The Miller Family 2011
I also came to a deeper understanding the statement, “For when I am weak, then I am strong.” (2 Corinthians 12:10) I have learned over the past 5 years being the director of Judgement House; there is plenty of room for weakness. God has been faithful to be strong and show me things about myself I never would have known. He has also done the same thing through my treatments. Many times it would have been so easy to stay home, withdraw from life, not smile or other things. God, on numerous occasions, gave me strength to stay involved and participate with my family. He also gave me strength to participate in the yearly Youth mission trip. I was able to not only go on the trip, but participate. He is a God who keeps his promises. My life is full.
Staring a diagnosis like cancer in the face can be a scary time. It perhaps can cause one to examine their life. This happened for me. Thankfully, I have learned quickly to live in hopes I will have no regrets. The one regret, however, I found I would possibly have was that I had a bad habit of putting things off because life was just too busy. “One of these days” is a very dangerous statement! I have now begun to live NOW. I am 40something, and for the first time ever, did a donut in a dirt field just last night! My kids rode with me, even! It was so exhilarating! I cannot believe I waited so long! The thief, for many years, was a stealer because I would think fun or relaxation had to be planned. I have since learned it does not! I have become more spontaneous, at the risk that one of these days may never come! My life is full!
Just after the ‘closing ceremony’ it hit me…. Looking so forward to THE moment and this was it…. I AM DONE. What a precious time with my man, my rock.
Through this journey, I made a choice to allow my Saviour to be strong within me. As a result, my family has learned a valuable lesson with which to live the rest of our lives: HE IS ABLE. I believe for years to come, when these precious ones have difficulties some of these darker days will come to mind. I believe with everything in me, they will realize how big their God is, and allow Him to become their strength! We learned together how to be weak and strong all at the same time. Together we walked into battle, and together we now walk in victory! Our lives are full!
Is your life full?
MEDITATION MOMENT: Have you been through a trial you thought would kill you, but instead it became the catalyst to a stronger you? Share with us about it.
