It has been a year since I began sharing the stories of overcomers. I have been blessed by each of these women. Their willingness to share their struggles and how they’ve fought to overcome them not only blesses
Mental Illness is still much of an unknown and scary situation, yet it is there for many people. Glad she could find a method that works for her.
I think a lot of people hide mental illness. It’s sad that it affects people this way, but I love to hear stories about people pulling through it. Great story!
Such a journey Tiffany has been on and so awesome how she continues to fight daily and overcome! “He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High will remain stable and fixed under the shadow of the Almighty, whose power no foe can withstand.” Psalm 91:1. May God bless you and help you remain stable and fixed as you trust in Him.
Tiffany, I pray that you will feel the arms of the Father during your down times. Father, I pray that you will instill in Tiffany a completeness that passes all understanding. Bless her immeasurably Father so that she will know it is you!
Such an encouraging story! Thanks for sharing!
I was encouraged on so many levels through your story. Bipolar is a HARD illness to manage. You have learned some great coping skills…some that I plan to be more regular with: excercise, diet, consistent time with the Lord and rest. As with any illness, self care is important. Just so you know…I get it. It’s big but it’s certainly not bigger than God.
Hi Melony! I really enjoyed this article and I really needed to hear Cindy’s story. As someone who has dealt with a progressive disability it is very hard indeed to keep ourselves from just giving up on things we enjoy doing or even life itself. I am hearing impaired and in just this last year have begun to face my biggest fear of going completely deaf. So reading about Cindy’s “can do” attitude and “don’t give up” philosophy is very inspiring to me. “Do the best you can with what you have for as long as you can!” is something I need to hear at least once a week! Thank you Cindy and Melony for sharing. God Bless, ~Marcie
Such an amazing story of highs and lows both emotionally and physically. And a huge testimony to the strength of God through Cindy!. Great article Mel!
Our bodies will fail. I am very encouraged by Cindy’s strong steely resolve!!!!
also…..for some reason, Michael J Fox just came to mind. another great example of someone who is publicly dealing with a progressive disease
My sweet sweet friendshine Cindy!!! Her positive attitude and faith in God makes me SMILE and encourages me to press on when things get tough! Thanks for sharing her story.
Another great article. Thank you for sharing Cindy and her overcoming story with us!
Cindy is an overcomer. Working with her everyday, I never knew how hard her struggle really was. She doesn’t allow it get in the way of enjoying everyday. As her relationship with The Lord has grown deeper and stronger, she shines brighter. Way to go, Cindy. Keep going strong, Cindy!
Kandy is obviously an inspiration to many. I find it amazing and inspiring that she has so much to offer. It is true, that every person is a gift and each and every person contibutes to our world in their own unique way. Although some not visiable, each person has strenghts and weaknesses. It is how one chooses to use them that makes them a winner. Thanks for sharing and may God continue to use Kandy to bless others.
Shelly
Kandy has definitely made a positive influence on so many by using all her talents to the best of her ability. She exudes love to all in her own way.
Happy, happy Birthday Kandy!! God doesn’t make mistakes. Kandy is perfectly and wonderfully made. We should all be such avid servants for The LORD. Thanks for sharing Kandy!
Kandy….Happy Birthday!!!! You are a great inspiration to a lot of people. … Jeff
Kandy, thanks for being a loving, caring human being. God has richly blessed you and mankind for knowing you.
It was so great to meet Kandy and her mom at the Overcomer luncheon. They both are marvelously strong, amazing women!
It sounds like Darlene has a very positive outlook on life.
Darlene is my friend, fellow teacher and an inspiration. Mary
When people hear what they “can’t” do-some of them accept that and and that becomes the underlying theme of their life. Some people look at that and say “why not? Why can’t I” and learn to OVERCOME what other people are telling them. We are all vastly capable of more than we will (most likely) ever accomplish in this life. God has given us limitless opportunity-what we do with it is up to us. When you face adversity and overcome it-rather than accept it-you learn so much about yourself and the greater lessons on life. 🙂
I had the privilege to work with this great gal!! She is so positive, made me (and the kids) smile! Love you Dar!
Melony – You were one of my very first friends in Georgia oh…not so long ago! 🙂 Thank you for you (and your writings) and sharing Taylor’s story. You are so right that we need to listen more to our teens. They all have a story to share and a lessons we can learn from.
I am happy to read the wonderful story you put together regarding Taylor. Excellent work! I haven’t seen or heard much about you in many, many years and only hope life has been good to you. Thanks again, Rob
Enjoyed, enjoyed and enjoyed. What a Beautiful young women.
I am so glad you shared this story that so many can relate to-my husband being one. He has a form of leukemia where his blood platelets are very low, and I, along with others, are inspired by his positive attitude. I appreciate Taylor’s fighting spirit and her ability to share her positive outlook with others. Thanks, Melony, for your good work!
As a pediatric nurse and now pediatric nurse practitioner there is nothing more daunting than child hood cancer. I don’t think most people realize that the diagnosis of cancer in childhood means that the child’s life comes to a SCREECHING halt. Life that revolved around school, birthday parties, and learning to ride a bike all stops and the focus becomes FIGHTING. It’s all about doctors appointments, treatments, blood counts and just staying ALIVE. Same for the parents, too. To have FOUGHT and WON is not something most adults can get-let alone most teenagers. As teenagers are pretty self centered it does not surprise me that many of Taylor’s friends didn’t get it. But instead of having a bitter pity party-THIS girl took her gift of another shot at life and is using it. A maturity that many adults do not possess. We are all blessed to be alive-took me YEARS to get this. And she gets it now. She will bless many others-of that I have no doubt.
and can I add….I can not even begin to imagine the terror and agony her parents had to have suffered through. I have three kids and three times a day my heart leaves this house and goes out into the world…and that is terrifying enough…
Taylor, You truly are an inspiration. The servant’s heart is the strongest heart there is! God specifically chose you to do His work. WOW! Thank you for sharing your precious gift with the rest of us <3
Taylor, what a beautiful young woman you are! You have taken your diagnosis and turned it into a positive! I can see in your eyes, the spirit of a fighter! There is something to be said of a cancer diagnosis, it changes you for better or for bitter! You have to choose better and it is a choice you have to make every day.I admire that you are giving back to other children with a cancer diagnosis. You may not see what a difference you are making in the lives of these children, however, the money you raise will touch many lives!
I pray that God bless you as continue on your mission to become a oncology specialist! Healthcare definitely needs caring people like you! May all your dreams come true, sweet girl!
Taylor, you are an amazing girl. God has blessed us with you. I pray that you have a full life and are able to fulfill all your dreams. You are as beautiful as you are courageous. Melony, I had no idea that so little money is spent on childhood research. Thank you Taylor and Melony for sharing this breath taking story with us.
Hi Taylor,
Thank you for sharing your story!
Like you I have been through this battle with cancer. In 2003 I went through the Chemo and radiation, two major surgeries and a divorce in 2004 after 29 years, not by choice.
I asked the same question Why Me? Why the cancer, why the divorce? Why did I have to go through all of this? Yet in the midst of all of it, the Lord made it known that He was with me.
One of the things to happen to me as I was going through radiation treatment, as I was sitting, waiting for my turn, a young child, maybe five or six years old, waiting also for treatment, came over to me, simply laid her hand on mine and simply said, “It’s going to be all right!” For me, it was the Father speaking to me, that He was there and it’s going to be ok!
During the chemo and radiation, the surgeries, and the many days spent in the hospital, I had many opportunities to reach out and to touch others, to share hope, both to young and old and to be encouraged myself. That I was to focus on others and that brought healing to me also.
I am on full disability, can’t do some of things I used to, but I can do what I have been called to, to write, to exhort, to encourage others on this path called life, to be an encouragement to others, to share that we are never without hope.
The writing, the columns, the website, and the Coffee Cup Ministry, a ministry of hanging out in coffee shops was born. It is a ministry of listening, of exhorting and encouraging others, to let them know we are not without hope. I have the opportunity to encourage the writers, the musicians, etc in their gifting’s and talents!
I am blessed, I have three awesome children and three great grand kids. They have seen that the events of the last ten years have made me stronger, that the Lord has used all of it. That what was meant to destroy me, did not.
Each day is a gift and opportunity to start fresh and see what is in store for that day. That it is one day at a time, a day to touch others with hope.
Thank you for sharing your story, for the work that you do with Curing Kids Cancer and for sharing with high school students about appreciating life.
I will be praying for you as you continue your volunteering and as you pursue the dream of becoming a Child Life Specialist in Child Oncology. Indeed you would be able to encourage and lift up other children who are fighting cancer. Like me, you will be a able to share, because you have been there and you will be speaking from your heart, not theory.
I will be lifting you in prayer daily Taylor, as well as your family. Again thank you for sharing your story!
Blessings and prayers,
Paul
You are truly an inspiration! Keep up the good fight Tracie =)
Thanks Stacy!
Great job Melony! Thank you for sharing my journey! I pray my journey will help others!
Very well written Melony. My mom (Tracie) has made our family so proud! If there was anything I could share, I would tell each and every family member of those with cancer the following: When a loved one has cancer, the whole family has cancer. Support each other and remember that God is the Great Healer. Pray unceasingly!
Tracie, We love you and are so proud of you!! You are a wonderful example of Christianity and true friendship. Our family is blessed to call you, Sam and the gang our friends!
Tracie, Sam & their 3 kids lived in my subdivision and our kids grew up together for a lot of years so I’ve had the priviledge of knowing them for over 20 years. This is an amazing family and always have been a blessing to me and our neighborhood! Always thinking about, helping and praying for others. Tracie, you & Sam have been an inspiration to me always!! Even though I knew your story, I loved reading it. I’m getting teary-eyed! I love you guys!
Tracie- thank you for sharing your story.
What an inspiration!!!
Sis (Tracie), you truly are my inspiration. Through you God has shown me your loving spirit, your faith in him, and the faith of a mustard seed that we all should have to know that God will never leave us or forsake us even in the most darkest days. I am so proud of you and know that through placing all our trust in him He stills is alive and has not stopped us in believing in miracles. Love you, sis.
Tracie has a Very supportive family . I have seen Sammy’s attitude and spirit touch a lot of people
Thank you all so much! God bless you!
This is such an encouraging story. It reminds me of the bible story where 2 women both claimed to be the mother of the same baby. The king could determine the real mom by watching to see which woman was willing to give it up. Awesome!
Amy-perfect! I LOVE that story. It’s a parent’s heart at its finest.
I have the awesome privilege of taking care of families who have had the courage and love to adopt a child. I am still amazed at God’s hand in these families as the children almost always resemble one parent. I don’t know why I continue to be amazed by God’s hand in this. He can move any mountain and make a family out of unexpected places any time he chooses. Some say that the child just has mannerisms like one of the parents…nah. It’s God doing what He does best. And the same holds true for children of different races and cultures, too. Just look and you will see God’s work!
Very loving story. God giving us the deisres of our heart rings loudly in this stroy.
I just read this and love that he “looks just like dad”! That’s how God works things out!
It’s amazing to me how we can be so tired, but yet if we force ourselves to exercise, we gain energy. I’ve GOT to get back to it! Thanks for the reminder!
“God freeing her from finding worth in what she did”. This struck me-so many of us struggle with this. I did at one time and then found the purpose in doing what I do and looking at my “career” as an extension of His love in my life and it became so fulfilling. I am going to hit her web site and check it out-stuck and the scale won’t move despite still working out to a frazzle! Can’t lose that belly fat-stress fat.
Changing my diet has been the best thing that I ever decided to do to increase my energy.
Way to go Shane and Shannon! I had my nutribullet this morning!
What an inspiring story. Solutions are often simple, but seldom easy. One of the most seemingly impossible things for a wife and mother to do is carve out just enough time on a regular basis to make investing in one’s self a life habit. And yet no time is more redeemable in the form of life dividends.
Shannon & Shane your story is very inspiring! My husband and I were also struggling with weight loss. We started Crossfit in October, and then the Paleo diet in January. Wow, what a difference it has made in our lives! We love this lifestyle! It thrills me to hear that you and Shane have had much success, also. I wish you both continued success. Thanks for sharing your story.
“I’m passing everybody on the couch.” I LOVE that! This was very timely for me as I’ve gained a few pounds these past few years. Time to get it off and take better care of myself!
Mel,
I admire the great work you are doing. Your stories have blessed many people and God has used your words to share His great work. Thank you for sharing your heart and the words of others with the rest of us.
Teresa
The website is such an inspiration. I love the “O” symbol. It’s identifiable with you. A good way to brand your cause. Congrats!!!!!!
Thanks Teresa and Tracee! I have learned so much from these amazing women. I’m excited to share more stories in 2014!
Great work for 2013. Looking forward to more interviews of overcomers in
2014.
Thanks, Mom!
I am so proud to be a part of this project. I am sure I speak for all of us when I say you inspire us Melony!
Thanks, Sharon! You inspire me! Can’t wait to see how your most recent challenges turn into another overcomer story!