Today’s post is a guest post, written by my good friend Lisa. I am trying to convince her to start a blog, because she inspires me every day.

Here are Lisa’s words:

“……….144 days; almost 5 months is how long I spent in the hospital at the age of ten. I was treated for Spinal Meningitis, a brain abscess, had a plate put in my head and six surgeries. I was also administered last rites 3 times.

I may have been 10, but I prayed and it worked. It took 144 days to work, but then again we are on God’s time table.

From the age of 12 to 20 years old I had an additional 15 surgeries. At age 25, it was discovered that I was missing the bone that separated my brain from my nasal cavity. More surgery. If you are doing the math; that is 22 surgeries.

I have been told:
They don’t know why I am alive. I shouldn’t be walking or talking.
I know why – God gave me his cup, a cup filled with hope, love and healing. My thirst was quenched.

May 2007 I was told, “You have Cancer.” Didn’t see that coming. After many doctor appointments and multiple tests I choose to have a mastectomy. Six weeks after the surgery I was pushing a grocery carriage and it caught the curb and flipped over and I along with it. I immediately knew, as I sat in the parking lot crying my eyes out, that something went wrong with the reconstruction. I was right- and unfortunately that meant more surgery. I had the surgery and was so relieved; because how could anything else go wrong??

Well… One night I was rushed to the hospital and after a CAT scan for a kidney stone it was discovered that the cancer had returned and was now in my spine. I have stage IV metastatic breast cancer. That means that the breast cancer has spread into my bones and let’s just say stage IV is not good. By this time I am now 37 and have had 24 surgeries.

People say, “You poor child!” I say, Not me- I could be so much worse off. I can get out of bed every day. I have fingernails, I have feeling in my hands. These are everyday things we take for granted. Just think what it would be like if you could not feel your big toe.

Have a conversation with God. You will discover how many blessings you have and find comfort and peace.

God has a purpose for your pain, a reason for your struggles and a reward for your faithfulness. I believe God has a plan for everyone. It may not be what you want, but its God giving you what you need. Through Jesus all things are possible. When you are in your darkest hour- ask Jesus, lift it up to the lord and wait, he will answer. Life is full of miracles and you may be the next one. You are probably thinking, not me. Why not you?

This may surprise you but I consider Cancer a blessing. Cancer has given me the strength to do things I never would have done before. I’ve gone up in a Hot Air Balloon, started a charity, gone zip lining and found my voice.
Every day I thank the lord for all my incredible blessings he has bestowed upon me.
I was lost and Jesus led me to you and Pastor John. I feel so honored to be part of this family. So I need to share with my family… The cancer is growing and spreading. I have also developed Diabetes, a side effect of the treatment. I am on a clinical trial to try and slow down the spread of the cancer, – and in a couple of weeks I will know if it is working. I already know it is working. Why? Because God has walked with me for 44 years and is not going to give up on me. I guess I have the right to be bitter and angry, but my thirst is no more because of the love of Jesus. Well my cup floweth over.”