shut yo mouth

Over the past year and a half since diagnosed with thyroid cancer, I've heard some dumb things. Now, before you go and get all offended, I am NOT calling YOU dumb. Just the stuff you've said. :) Seriously, though, I know I'm just as guilty of saying stupid stuff at the worst times. I'm still not a pro at knowing what to say, but I'm getting pretty good at knowing what not to say. And I thought I would share with you in efforts to keep you from shoving your foot in your mouth in the future.


Do not tell people they are so fortunate to have the cancer they do because it is so curable. Do not tell them they have the good cancer. Do not tell them that, if they had to choose a cancer, this would be the one. 
Really? I did not choose cancer. I do not like to think about choosing cancer. There is no such thing as a good cancer. So if this is something that is about to burst out of your lips, just shut your mouth.


Do not tell someone everything is going to be OK. 
You do not know if that is a true statement. All types of cancer can kill. So don't let this slip out of your mouth.


Do not provide unsolicited medical advice. 
Unless you are my doctor, I don't want to hear it. So if medical advice is the only thing you have to offer, just keep your mouth shut unless you are asked for your opinion.


Do not say God does not and will not give us more than we can handle.
This is a flat-out lie. If this was a true statement, why would we need God at all? Now, if you have said this before, I am sure you did not mean to tell a lie. But you did. The truth is God will not give us more than we can handle WITH HIS HELP. Please be aware of the distinction. And stop telling lies.


This is just the tip of the iceberg, but what would you add to the list?

weak

People too often tell me how strong I am. Strong for fighting cancer. Strong for making it this far.  Thank you for the compliment. But I must tell you: IT IS NOT TRUE. I am weak. Weak as water. Any strength you see in me is not from me.  It's God, showing up right on time to carry a feeble soul who cannot make it on her own. So when you see strength in me, what you're seeing is Jesus, displaying His perfect power, His strength. His power is made perfect in our weaknesses. His power.  My weakness. If I had to walk this road on my own I absolutely could not do it. The fear alone would kill me.  It's Jesus that makes me strong.


I just wanted you to know that.

the girl can move!

My niece is just too awesome to not post this.  Enjoy. :)