Judy J. Stamey - Experiencing the Blessings and Good Fruit of Cancer: Countless Blessings, Lessons Learned, Improved Self Esteem, Blessing Others, Spiritual Growth

EXPERIENCING the BLESSINGS and GOOD
FRUIT of CANCER

Countless Blessings, Lessons Learned,
Improved Self Esteem,
Blessing Others, Spiritual Growth

JUDY J. STAMEY

Copyright 2013 JUDY J. STAMEY.

Cover Design Credit: Jody Pancoast.

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ISBN: 978-1-4908-1548-0 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4908-1547-3 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2013921021

WestBow Press rev. date: 11/20/2013

CONTENTS

DEDICATION

To God be the Glory

Wade,

The love of my life with whom I have been blessed to share fifty three years of marriage filled with love, friendship, and happiness. Thank you for always believing in me and encouraging me to do my best in every ministry. Your walk with God has helped me to understand more fully that I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. Phi l 4:13

Lisa,

Our first born whom God allowed us to love and nurture until her untimely death caused by a rare form of scalp cancer was an inspiration. Lisas journey with cancer continues to inspire and bless me in every circumstance. She taught me that in the storms of life, we must learn to dance in the rain, not asking God why me but why no t me.

Kim and Angel

Daughters are blessings beyond measure and I am so grateful to be the mother of two beautiful and Godly women. Your love, care, and concern are precious gifts which continue to motivate me to strive harder to get well. I will treasure all the sacrifices you have made to be with me every step of th e way.

Cameron, Samantha and Julian

The blessings of grandchildren are immeasurable gifts from God. The unconditional love, smiles and prayers of their youth lifted my spirits on the worst of days. Ill never forget one of the prayers at mealtime, God, thank you for my Granna, please dont let her die

Grandchildren are like a crown to older p eople.

And children are proud of their parents. Proverbs 17:6 (NIRV)

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

My heart is filled with gratitude to every person who invested in my life with encouragement, inspiration, and support throughout this difficult journey. Your expressions of love were amazing! Every card, email, gift, meal, and visit lifted my spirit and allowed me to see God in the flesh.

I want to thank the following individuals for encouraging me to share with others how cancer was overshadowed with countless blessings and experiences and for taking the time to read and edit the manuscript before publication. Your suggestions made a significant contribution, and I am indebted to each o f you.

BETH BOCK , a retired school teacher, who was an inspiration to our high school classmates, and continues to inspire them, as well as me to do our best. Although a thousand miles separate us, it is amazing that our friendship seems to grow deeper eac h day.

DONNA BOWMAN , a minister, who inspired me as a student, who excelled in her studies as a doctoral student at Southwestern Baptist Seminary. As one of her professors, I continually give thanks that she blesses me as a colleague, friend and mentor. Donnas generosity of time and ministry actions have blessed me more than words ca n say.

JOHNNY SUE FARIES , a prayer warrior and dear friend that has only been in my life for a couple of years, but has become a spiritual influence that challenges me to stay focused on the mission of service that God called me to many years ago. Her radiant smile reflects the love of God in a mighty way and every time were together, it is as if God just made a visit.

PAM WILSON , a special friend and member of my Sunday Morning Bible study class who quietly ministered to me from the time of surgery, chemo treatments, and radiation. Her actions were perfectly planned and administered. It was as if God had whispered in her ear what I needed and when I needed it. Pam has been an example of Jesus illustration, I was sick and you visite d me.

SANDI BLACK , a member of my Sunday Morning Bible study class whose positive influence has been a blessing in many ways. Her smile, words of encouragement and experience with cancer were gifts she shared that helped me to better understand the journey I was on and gave me courage to pre ss on.

NAN DEAN, the first lady at Travis Avenue Baptist Church, who provides such a great example for women. I look up to her, even though she is so much younger. Nan never calls attention to herself, but vigorously serves Christ with a joy that overflows and touches all that come in contact with her. She is a mentor for many that she will never know.

WES BLACK AND JODY PANCOAST , who provided resources that have made the book a reality. Their expertise is reflected throughout the content, and I am grateful for their willingness to work wi th me.

EXPERIENCING THE BLESSING S AND
GOOD FRUIT OF CANCER

Countless BlessingsLessons LearnedImproved Self Esteem, Blessing OthersSpiritual Growth

When you hear the dreaded words You have cancer , it is not unusual to think about the consequences of this dreaded disease. How long will I live? Does this mean surgery? What treatments can be used to eradicate the cancer? How successful are these treat ments?

It takes time for a person to process the diagnosis. In addition to the information the doctor has given you, many will explore websites to review the experiences of others who have had a similar cancer, hoping that the information will be helpful in the days and months ahead. However, its important to remember that every persons experience is unique and much of what you read will not be your exper ience.

My research led me to information overload, which increased my anxiety about what I may or may not experience. Therefore, I made a decision to accept my journey with breast cancer in its uniqueness and document each step of the way as a means of providing information for our daughters. However, after several entries, I began to realize that what I had perceived as the most difficult time in my life was being overshadowed by an outpouring of Gods love. I had claimed his promise of being my refuge and strength throughout this journey but never realized how He was going to fulfill that promise. Slowly, I began to see that God was using cancer to bless me, and although I knew He was present in my heart, it was like a new realization that I was never alone. He constantly used circumstances, people, doctors, and strangers to show Himself to me. Surely, He is my refuge and str ength.