Beauty from Pain

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porchWill you join me on my front porch today?

As I sit in my rocking chair, listening to the birds chirp, watching the sunrise with the cool gentle breeze blowing, I’m filled with awe and wonder.  God softly whispers, “be still”.

I remember sitting in this very place writing one of many journal entries on my CaringBridge page during my cancer journey. Every entry was written from a secret place deep in my soul. There’s something about facing death that strips away everything you’ve ever tried to hide behind.

Do you want to know the best part about having cancer? I know that sounds crazy, but really there was good that came from living with that dreaded “C” word.

I finally gave myself permission to genuinely be me. There was no need to perform anymore or appear to be something I was not. It naturally forced me to be me while uncovering the gift of life.

I’m #amazed at how God took my most vulnerable and frightening days and turned them into vast strength and courage.

After my third chemotherapy treatment I wrote, “God is using the cancer to change my life for Him to bring New Life in my spirit so I can share Jesus’ love with everyone I meet. Thank you Jesus for my cancer.” I had no clue how true those words would resonate in my daily life today, four years later.

My sweet friend, I’m here today to encourage you, that no matter what pain or hell you might face, it will pass and can be used for God’s greater purpose in your life.

I’m asking you to hold on, even if you have to white knuckle it, because He will create beauty from your pain.

Please share whatever is on your heart today.

Let’s pray for each other. When you leave a comment, please pray for the person that comments before you.

Much love, blessings and God’s favor for you~

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74 thoughts on “Beauty from Pain”

  1. How beautiful are your words. Where others might have only found fear and loss of hope, you found the loving arms of our Savior.

    • Thank you for that!!! I am a breast cancer survivor of 5 years. I am still struggling, at times, because of the cancer. I am really working hard to let God in my life.

  2. Thank you for giving me a concrete chance to pray for another sister (or two!). Praise God you have found healing…and even more so that you found true thankfulness and peace!

  3. I always Love reading your blog posts Linda! Your journey is an inspiration to me, that you share so much of yourself with others all for God’s glory is so awesome. I would like prayer for just a continuation of saying yes to God. I’ve taken some bigger steps recently & want to continue to take more.

  5. Prayers for you today. My daughter is going through something very painful and I pray she can come out of it as positive and filled with the love of God as you have. Please pray for C today. Thank you so much.

  6. Beautiful! I sense a beautiful spirit residing on the inside of you. Stay encouraged and may the Lord Continuously bless and use you as an instrument of praise for his glory.

  7. As an 8 year breast cancer survivor, I totally understand your thoughts. Thank you so much for sharing. Cancer is such a unique experience for each person , and yet gives us a special bond. Blessings to you, Linda. 🙂 God Loves You. 🙂

  8. What a testimony you share! In difficult times how God gave you the strength you needed and the courage..Truly Amazing!
    I read this today and wanted to share it wherever I leave a comment today..
    “Faith is the Bridge between where I am going and the place God is taking Me.” Blessings to you courageous woman..Palms Up..:)

    • I LOVE that quote! It’s such a good visual (for us visual people!) of the fact that God is truly leading us somewhere incredible!!!

  9. Wow Linda, this is an incredible story!!! I am so thankful He used your cancer for good! Thank you for sharing, your posts are always great! 🙂

  10. This is absolutely stunning. I find myself stopped short and taking a breath. It is so important to make the best of where we are, to find the good in everything, and to rest in His arms. Your story is so inspiring, so much of a push to stop complaining and get on with the work He has at hand for us to do. Thank you for all of your encouragement and inspiration!

  11. Thank you, Linda! You have no idea how perfect your message was for me today. I have been struggling with fibromyalgia and all the changes it has brought to my life. I’ve had to give up so much and look for new ways that God can use me. It’s hard not to get discouraged with the new me that seems like so much less than the old me. I will take heart and embrace life as it is now and look forward to God’s work of bringing beauty beyond the pain in my life.

    • Sweet Barb, I’m lifting you up in prayer tonight. I look forward to hearing how God continues to bring you beauty from pain. Much love to you!!!

  12. I don’t know how to blog but will attempt it some time. Right now that is something I will think about.
    I am struggling with a few things, but I received the Psalms 46:10 a
    BE STILL AND KNOW THAT I AM GOD.
    I am not to sure how to be still and I have tried. It seems that every time I try my mind starts to go 40 mph. I want to be in God’s will and do what he asks. I want to be the person he wants me to be.
    I have be reading God’s word and asking the Holy Spirit to give instruction.
    This is where I have a struggle I know he has given us the Holy Spirit but God how do I get filled with the spirit. I have asked but I am a little afraid too. Not to sure what filled with the spirit will bring and yet with it being from God should be awesome. Why am I afraid?

  13. Meredith,

    Fear~ is a word that we all encounter. May you know God will take away all your fears, if you are willing to lean on him. For years, I struggled with being still but for the past several months, I am finding peace in the stillness and an abounding amount of love from God. It takes time to be still but it can be done. I started very small…seconds and increased the time each time…just small baby steps. I didn’t rush it and I didn’t expect too much. If I could be still for 30 seconds, then perhaps 1 minute and then 2 and so on. I can now be still for an hour and thirty mins. How, you ask? By simple remaining in the present and blocking out all the million things that want to race through my mind. I start like this…. God my intention today is…. (perhaps it’s healing of a friend or someone at church, or being productive for the day, or saying an encouraging word during work) and then I allow my mind and space to be still. I take a deep breathe and smell in the air, hear what sounds are around me, feel the awareness of my body. As soon, as I catch myself not focused on these things and my thoughts start running wild, I start all over again. When I first started to be still, I used just two words to focus on…. I am, I am and I repeated these until my mind was free of thoughts. Again, if my mind started running… stop, deep breathe and began the process over and focused on…. I am, I am and so on. Mind you it has taken time and practice to achieve this stillness but I can now stop my mind running a million miles a minute and not even use I am, I am…. I can be still in the present with God and all of his glory. It’s an amazing feeling and one not to be afraid of. My prayer for you Meredith ~ may you take the time to find this stillness and be with God. You will find, you will not be afraid and the love from God will continue to shine on you even in the scariest moments. Amen.

    Pray for me…. I am single and trying to be patient in waiting for my future mate. At times, I am lonely and uncertain he is out there.

    • You are a beautiful person. An inspiring testimony and some simple steps reminding us that He is the power and we have to have a spirit of discipline that takes time. Thank you so much. I am also single, stepping out of toxic relationship that I didn’t wait on God to give green lights. I was too much in a hurry so I am praying for you that He speak to you and prepare both you and your mate for each other and to invite God as the third strand of your cord.

    • I have learned so much from your post! I’m going to try your baby steps! Thank ya!

      I to pray for a mate! Didn’t wait on God the first time, but God blessed me with my three amazing children! God removed me from the disaster after 16 years, and now been alone for >22 year! Lonely and pray he is out there somewhere! But then I think maybe I’m more worthy to My Lord single! Being still will be rewarding to my troubled soul! Thank you again, my The Lord give you the desires of your heart!

      • Dana, thank you for your words of encouragement. You have such a beautiful heart and willing to be and do whatever the Lord has for you. Praying for God to bless you abundantly sweet sister. Thank you for being a part of my blog community!

  14. Linda,
    Thanks for the encouraging message. I have been dealing with multiple sclerosis for 10 years now. It has been and is tough. I’m trusting God for healing. It’s get difficult when you don’t know what the next day holds for your sight or you being able to walk or function daliy but I know God is able and he has taken care of me this far. I love your moments of quite time with the Lord out in nature. That’s my favorite place where I see him the most in all he has created. Thank you

    • Karen, you have encouraged and inspired me by hearing your story. Thank you so much for sharing your heart. The next time I’m out in nature and I will pray for you…my soul is complete when I’m outside 🙂 We are soul sisters!

  15. Thank you Linda, I know exactly how you feel. I have had Non-Hogkins Lymphoma for 35 years and have had treatments on and off through those years as well as a stem-cell transplant. i found God through the trial of cancer and am quick to tell anyone who wonders what it was like that it was actually one of the best things that ever happened to me. It made me look at my life, which I was destroying on purpose, and decide if I really wanted to live or die. I chose life and Christ and have been changed from an angry, rebellious young women to a woman after Gods own heart. If we let Him he will give us the greatest blessings at the most tragic times…the choice is ours. I made the right choice and have NEVER regretted it….Bless you and your walk with Him!

    • Wow Christine! I love hearing that you too have had the same experience that I’ve had in dealing with cancer. I must admit at times it’s easy to fall back in my old ways and mindset, however God seems to gently remind me where I’ve been and graciously refocuses my heart to thankfulness.
      You are a gift to the world. Thank you for being a part of my blog community. ((hugs))

  16. Linda,
    Amazed by your strength, I feel so weak from my pain! But through it all God was there even when I didn’t know I was is trouble, protecting my heart and soul and mind from the reality of the mess!
    My Lord gives the peace I need today! My hardest vice is sitting still! I know he would cover me with peace beyond understanding!
    I’ve asked The Lord to open or close a door, about an opportunity I would be so blessed, I’m a nurse and I love it, but this is my passion cooking/baking the owner of a local cafe is to tell me this week if I could run her cafe! Something I’ve wanted to do for so many years! I’ve not her from her, my heart wants to call, but my mind says be still! I told My Lord I would except the answer either way I would say YES open or close! Help! Palms up I wait.
    Thank you Lord for what you have done, doing and going to do in my life! Quickly Lord quickly! Amen

    • Dana, how beautiful you are by resting in surrender and obedience at this moment. God always honors us when we are faithful. Please let me know what happens…I believe God will allow your dreams to come true…either now or later. Sending you blessings~

  17. I don’t know where to start except to say I need prayer. I know when all else fails JUST STAND, on the truths and promises of word of GOD. Today however it’s a struggle.

    • Heavenly Father, I lift up Jo to you. You know her needs and her requests. Lead her in every area of her life. Help her to depend on you for everything. Give her strength and comfort during this time. In Jesus’ Name. Amen!

    • Jo
      I’m praying for you for peace and strength and for My Lord bless you with intentions of His plan for your life! Love and hugs too you!

      Sisters in Christ,
      Dana cowen

    • When all else fails, BE STILL AND KNOW THAT HE IS GOD!!! Praying for God’s PEACE to bathe you and His loving arms to embrace you, my sister. Rest in His care.

  18. Thank you for this beautiful testimony. You are a great example for all of us ladies!!
    We moved around a lot in 21 years of being in the military. I will say that I drew so close to the Lord in the times of lonliness (we always had to start over in finding a church home and new friends, jobs, etc). God was so sweet to me during those times. Now, I don’t know how I could live my life without Him!

  19. Linda…such an inspiration. May god continue to bless the ministry He has given you . I relate because for the last 2 years I have had many hosp. including being ventilated 5 times with asthma, vocal cord dysfunction in fact I am doin this study from a hospital bed because I said#yes to God. Sweetest times have been when I have bee in this condition. Now my Lord wrap your loving arms around Sue and Karen right now. Amen.

  20. Linda you are truly amazing. On page 70 of Say Yes to God, Lysa writes:” I am a woman on a journey of learning how to make sure my reactions don’t deny Christ’s presence in me” You are a living example of that statement.

  21. Linda, thank you soooo much for that encouraging message! I am boo hooing, but I feel a weight lifted! Lately, I’ve been going through so much with sick family members, missing family members, financial issues, my husband’s health, and even my own health issues. It’s like each day it’s something new! I’m so burden and worn, however, I put on my happy mask daily! I’m literally dying inside with a smile on my face! This behavior led to a suicide attempt earlier this year. I refuse to be defeated by the enemy, but some days he makes it so easy to want to quit. Thank you for reminding me its okay to take the mask off!

    And, I pray for sweet Randi that posted before me. Lord, thank you for her and thank you she wants her actions to display you. In Jesus name, Amen.

    • Dear Courtney, please know that I am, and will be, praying for you. Hold on to Him and know that you are winning the race and will not be defeated by the enemy, negative self-talk, and hardships of this world. You are held up in prayer, and will remain strong with Him. <3

  22. What perfect timing for your blog post that I received in my email. Thank you so very, very much for sharing your experience. This is a year of transition for me and of loss. Experiencing an empty nest and also the loss of a grandchild, would have been my first, due to a miscarriage. Holding on to the next year bringing in a grandchild was keeping me not so focused on my empty nest. I just really felt God calling me to be a stay-at-home mom and these were the very best of years and it really is hard having them come to an end. Raised really fun kids to be around. Please pray for me to be able to move on and look with joy to the future, and be ready for all that He has planned for me in this next chapter. Want Him to know that I do not want to waste time looking at the past and not the blessings that I have. =)

    • Carrie, I believe life transitions are the most challenging times and yet the most beautiful developing stages that we remain forever grateful for. I encourage you to stay focused on God and he will reveal to you the steps to take into your new season. Lifting you in prayer sweet sister. Thank you for being a part of my blog community.

  23. Thank you Lord for sending me to this study! Linda for sharing your struggles and God moments! I would like to lift my Aunt Violet in prayer, she is getting ready to go home to our Lord. She is fighting pancreatic cancer, prayers for peace ,comfort and God’s presence be known to her, strength for the family. Amen

    • Mella, I pray that your Aunt Violet will have a peaceful release from this life on earth. I pray that God will wrap His arms around her and make His presence known to her in such a powerful way that she will find comfort and joy in leaving this world behind and moving onto her glorious eternal life in heaven! I also pray that God would grant you and your family comfort and peace that passes understanding! God bless!

    • Gracious Heavenly Father, I pray for your peace and comfort to surround Violet and the family as she transitions into your loving glorious arms in heaven. Lord, thank you that we can come together as one body in the Holy Spirits presence and love and encourage our sisters and brothers. We lift up Violet today in your precious and most Holy name, Jesus Christ. Amen

  24. Linda, your attitude and outlook are so inspirational after fighting cancer! It makes me very thankful that I have not had to face anything so seriuos! when you talk about God turning our pain into beauty, it brought tears to my eyes. While I know God is fully capable of doing this, my human heart has its doubts that beauty can come to me at this point in my life. I feel guilty about feeling this way, too, because my pain is nothing compared to a life threatening illness. Having my 28-year marriage come to an end a few years ago (due to infidelity), then finding and becoming engaged to a man I loved very deeply and truly felt he was my soul mate, but having to end that relationship because of serious lack of trust issues he displayed, my heart is so broken that it is hard to imagine finding happiness again. I know that I should fill that lonely place in my heart with God and I am working on it. But, it is still hard to be alone, when all you have known in your life is being with either family, or a partner. So, your message really did touch my heart. It is a good reminder that God does keep His promises and He can turn anything into good. I am going to make more effort to actually be still and quiet so that I am able to listen and hear what God has in store for me. Thanks!!

    • Robin, I’m so sorry for all the pain and hurt you’ve gone through. As I was reading your comment Romans 8:1 “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” Praying for your quite time to be filled with his presence and love abundantly….and when you do meet someone in the future they will be a bonus to your heart 🙂

  25. Yes, it is so good to hear from you & how God is using you through this obstacle that you have good through. I too, have been changed by the Big C word. I had noticed a new mole on my right breast & kept on eye on it for about a year. Then in December 2009, I noticed one morning it looked black. That was my warning sign to get in and get it checked. I got in quite quickly, and was told if I wanted it removed they could do that, but they waited until Jan to take it off. The next week they called to say, they had been trying to reach me, and it was maligant Melanoma, and I would need follow up plastic surgery & Praise God, they didn’t find anymore! My life has changed because of that. I praise the Lord for each new day. I was told it could come back so I have skin & blood work done to check to see. So far things are good! Praise the Lord! Our daughter just had a baby girl so I have been there almost every evening helping her a bit. Life is a blessing! Love your writing, God is moving & you are a blessing!
    Paula

    • Praise God for your healing!! God is good!! Congratulations on the baby girl!!!! My “baby girl” turned 13 today….seems like yesterday I was holding her in my arms in the hospital.
      You have no idea how much it means to me to hear you say you love my writing. Thank you from the very bottom of my heart!!!!!!

  26. Paula, I am praying for you that you continue to receive good news with each follow-up. Also praying for your new grand baby!
    Linda, as I read your post, I realized that my reasons for “white-knuckling” it at this moment are not as extreme as I am feeling about them, or as extreme as some past issues currently in a state of calm and blessedness (is that a word?)…anyway, thank you for putting life in perspective for me tonight! Sometimes after a long day, when I am tired, I need a gentle reminder…praising God for the many blessings of my day today and seeking his forgiveness for any moments of lapse in listening to Him! God bless!

  27. Linda,
    Thank you! Yes I will join you on your porch today. It is so inviting. I can visualize us sitting, talking and sharing. Thank you for helping us to appreciate life and the CREATOR of all life. Your testimony and words of encouragement are a healing balm. May God continue to work through you to lead His daughters to Him.

    • Oh Joycelyn how I would love to hang out with all my blog friends for the day on my porch 🙂 What precious words you spoke to my heart…”my words are a healing balm”…THANK YOU. I pray God will always use my life to glorify him, his grace and mercy every day I am alive. ((hugs))

  28. Linda,
    Thank you for sharing your testimony. I pray for ALL the women in the study as well as those that are not. Lord, we speak words of encouragement into all areas of our lives. Continue to work through us to get your message to women all over he world. It only takes one voice and that one voice can bring forth an overflow of healing.

    The journey that I am on is inspiring and painful, yet I know it’s for my good. My test(s) are my testimonies. I must endure to bring me closer to God and get where He needs me to be. I have wavered so many times from the path I know He has for me; out of fear. I know He has given us many things and fear is NOT one. I surrendered all as I continue to say #YestoGod. As I face different things daily, I ask the Lord to keep me humble as I continue my walk. I may not understand why, but I know it’s for my good.

  29. Thank you for your encouragement on pain today. Pain is so hard to be thankful for. I had a bad surgery 11 years ago that messed my health up. I’ve since have had to have 22 surgeries to try to correct the problem and stop the pain but it just won’t heal. My doctor says he can only do this so many times. My insides are shot. Then I’ve been down because I’ve had 9 nose surgeries too. Having those surgeries haven’t healed my breathing any better but have disfigured my face. I mostly stay home feeling bad. My health is gone. We lost our house, and have had to start all over again. I found a place to be still and listen to God and find out what my purpose is. I have some great Christian books and tapes but just don’t have the discipline I need to read or listen to them. This has reflected my relationship with my family and friends. I really need the Lord’s touch. Thanks. Sharon

    • Sharon,

      You’re giving your testimony now. Continue to look to the Lord, He strengthens you daily to move forward. You’ve said Yes to God, that’s what He longs for. Give Him praise and ask for continued guidance. That’s what I do because there’s been times I wanted to just give up. I’ve wanted to question God and ask “Why Me”? Someone dear to me asked me “Why not you?”. I have a purpose and what I’m enduring will help someone else.

      Sharon, I pray and decree that God gives you inner peace. I pray thatHespeaks to you directly and if not through someone that brings forth His word giving you what He needs you to know. Lord let your will be done according to Your plans for her. In Jesus name Ipray

  30. A brethren of mine gave us a great meditation tool:
    With your eyes closed, while inhaling and exhaling slowly, repeat these verses in your mind:
    Be still and know that I am God.
    Be still and know that I am.
    Be still and know that I.
    Be still and know that.
    Be still and know.
    Be still and.
    Be still.
    Be.

  31. Linda, thank you for your honesty and the clarity you bring to our lives. The job, the house, the shoes, the car….they all all by the wayside when we are facing death eye to eye. I personally have never been anywhere near that position, but I work with patient who do. I hade a phone conversation with the husband of a patient this week the really caught me off guard. We had seen his wife in the office and testing indicated she has an aggressive cancer. He said to me “is she going to die from this, she is only 37 and we have two little kids”. I told him that more tests and a surgery need to be done to get all the information we need. What I really wanted to say was…can I pray with you now that God will touch her, heal her, comfort her. Put this at the feet of of Jesus and let his almighty power take over. But, since I didn’t really know this man, I couldn’t do that. I did spend a great deal of time in prayer for her myself. I have prayed for many patients, but it’s difficult, unless you have met them, or they actually say something to the effect of asking for prayer. I believe this is the “gift” The Lord has given me and I am in the early stages of molding that into my work and home life. The ultimate decision of life or death does not lie with us, but with God. But we can send up some mighty powerful prayers while we wait.

    • I am praising God for you Sheila! That cancer patients get to encounter you…your spirit. Even though you were unable to pray with this man, I believe 100% that he was able to feel the love of Jesus through you. I am praying for this family tonight. Praying for God’s divine intervention..His healing hand. Thank you for being a part of my blog community. You are a blessing. ((hugs))

  32. What a beautiful and encouraging word. God certainly does use our heartbreaks and trials in life to do a beautiful work in us. I am inspired by your faith, and I just said a prayer for you. God bless you!

  33. Praying for all the previous commenters. As a 9+ year breast cancer survivor, I know that my faith in God was my strongest ally during my journey through chemo land. I knew that I was in the hands of our Father then, now and always.

    • 9+years that is awesome NancyLee! I know He will always stay with you. Opening our hearts & focusing on him during our toughest times not only eases our burdens but gives us some rest by allowing him to carry some of it. Thank you God for carrying NancyLee through & staying with her! Amen.

  34. I’m not battling cancer or any other illness but I’ve had a hard time with “being still” for as long as I can remember. The quiet brings thoughts & emotions I don’t want to have. A childhood of abuse from 5 through highschool has made peace a hard thing to find. I feel like I have joy in my faith as long as I don’t have to be idle. I want to have peace when it’s quiet – to hear God’s Voice when he whispers. Thank you Linda for the work you are doing. I trust that God will take this & that he will heal my mind & spirit just as he has healed your body.

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