Strength and courage. These are two words cancer fighters hear all the time. ‘You are so strong, so much courage to go through what you are going through…’ During ‘the fight’ we have no choice but to be strong and courageous fighting this enemy attacking our bodies. These are good words, and for me a constant encouragement to hear, empowering me to fight and conquer. Again, there was no choice, either be strong, courageous, and fight, or wither away and wallow in self pity…yeah, that sounds fun. Anyhow, I looked up the definitions:
Strength: The state of being strong, the power to resist attack; durability
Courage: The ability to do something that frightens you; strength in the face of pain
Yes to both, cancer/illness fighters need both. What about after the fight? I am finding that having strength and courage after the fight, trying to adjust to a new normal, while also adjusting from some of the side effects psychologically along with treatment side effects, is just as difficult. Cancer opens your eyes and heart to a whole new world and not all of it is ‘rosy’. I see things with a different perspective (obviously), I have a longing to live life to the fullest, to love and understand people and where they come from, for my kids to be just as excited about life as I am despite an ever-changing and not always positive society. What if when your eyes are open, you don’t like everything you see? Well, it takes even more strength and courage to make changes and to be the change; to stand up for what you believe in and move forward despite the constant scare of cancer. I know this sounds like alot of jibberish but my mind and heart have been swirling. We all live with a type of ‘cancer’ don’t we? Something that grates on our nerves, a job, a co-worker, a situation. Open your eyes and heart and live. There is a certain power to being vulnerable with people. It is scary but be strong and courageous, we need that from each other.
Deuteronomy 31:6 “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”
Today I wear Bare Minerals Marvelous Moxie lipgloss in Stunner. This gloss is a bright magenta color in the tube. It’s a super moist but not sticky lipgloss that has a good amount of shine and color on lips…I LOVE it! This color happens to be enough of a pop of color for me and because I have a bit of a plum tone to my lips already, this looks like a sheer pop of berry on me! Cheers!
Anna's Lipstick Journey 
Love it. Thanks for the words of wisdom.
Thanks Bev! Glad you understand my wandering mind 🙂
Anna, you are a remarkable lady of fine wise words and wisdom. I truly enjoy reading your post, for it helps me understand Bob and give me the “Strength and Courage” that I need to help him as we go through this journey together. As I have told him, NO one knows when their time is, only God knows that. So we should live each day as it is our last and be happy and enjoy ourselves. I can not speck for people who are going through what you and Bob are going through, but I do know you are both remarkable people and God has plans for both of you, you both need to have “Strength and Courage” as you have suggested. Love ya Anna, and so glad you are in our lives, God Bless!!!
Judy Janke
Thank you Judy! I know being a care giver also takes a lot of strength and courage, especially when the person your caring for is someone you love so much. Blessings to you and Bob, love you both!
Courage is going on when you don’t have the strength to do so. You know what I am talking about. The other choice is to abandon hope and dreams. Without my dreams and goals, I may as well give up on life. Not going to happen for me. It is not selfish, just real. Things are happening now that I have to stay around to guide and absorb. Guess we do ramble on, but that is our style. Love Ya’
No Bob, we are definitely not giving up!! Too much still to do right? Love you, keep fighting! It’s easier to have strength and courage when there are others standing beside you, I’m one of those people!
Amen, dear friend. Praying continuously…
Thank you Grace!