30: Lisa - USA - the power of thanksgiving, even through cancer

Lisa and Stephen grew up together and later got married.  When their two boys were toddlers in June 2012, and things were going really well, the first cancer diagnosis came in.  Stephen said, “We’re about to figure out if we truly believe what we say we believe.”

In the beginning, Lisa said she “tried to keep praise music going, so my focus would be on Him and not all the bad stuff going on. I truly think that’s how we got through it.  We focused on God and who He is and not on our situation.”

One day she claimed Philippians 4: 6-7.
“do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.  And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

She prayed about their situation and was frustrated that her heart still felt heavy.  She read it again and realized she’d missed an important step…“with thanksgiving.”

She said, “Once I turned to God and listed so many things that I was thankful for, my perspective changed a lot and He took the anxiety away and the fear away.”

For parents going through treatment, Lisa advises to try to include your child in the process.  In fact, she’s written a book to help parents tell young children about a cancer diagnosis.  I can only imagine how helpful it would be to have an experienced friend help you find the words for that discussion. 

Her book, When (fill in the blank) is sick, shares valuable information such as what is cancer, how to be a helper, things this time can be used for, and how to focus on the Lord instead of our problems.

You can find it on Amazon here.

This interview was recorded in May 2021.  At the time of publishing in November 2022, Lisa is happy to report that Stephen is nearly 7 years cancer free!  All praise to our great God! 

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