On June 12, 2023, I received a phone call from the Elizabeth Wende Breast Clinic after my routine mammogram. They had found "something."

I was called back for a second mammogram, which also showed an area of concern. From there, I was sent for an ultrasound, and that same afternoon, I underwent a biopsy. Monday was the mammogram. Thursday was the ultrasound and biopsy. Then on Friday came the phone call no one ever wants to receive.

 

It was cancer.

 

In that moment, I immediately prayed, asking God to help me through whatever lay ahead.

 

The biopsy doctor recommended several surgeons, and I was able to meet with one the following week. She recommended a partial mastectomy (lumpectomy), and surgery was scheduled for July 13.

 

From the very beginning, I could see God's hand guiding every step. He gave me an unexplainable calm, helped me trust Him, and faithfully directed me to the right doctors. It was no coincidence that both my breast clinic physician and my surgeon were Christian women.

 

God also surrounded me with other women who had walked through breast cancer before me. Their experiences gave me wisdom and encouragement as I faced important decisions. My family and church friends faithfully prayed for me throughout the entire journey. I could feel those faith-filled prayers carrying me every step of the way.

 

What a blessing it is to walk through life's hardest moments with fellow believers and place our complete trust in our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

The months that followed included two surgeries, four weeks of radiation therapy, and countless reminders that God was with me.

 

One of the moments I'll never forget was lying alone on the hospital bed, waiting to be taken into surgery. In those quiet moments, it's easy to wonder what the outcome will be. Yet on both occasions, I experienced something I can't fully explain—the peace of God that truly surpasses all understanding.

 

I didn't physically see Jesus standing beside me, but I knew He was there.

 

His presence was unmistakable.

 

When His Spirit lives within you, His peace remains with you, regardless of the circumstances you face. It doesn't always make sense to the world, but it is real. How sweet it is to know the Prince of Peace is by your side, holding your hand, calming your heart, and gently reminding you, "Do not be afraid, for I am with you."

 

A few weeks later, while walking through the woods, the Lord impressed something on my heart that I will never forget. Although I was incredibly thankful for healing, I realized the greatest gift He had given me wasn't simply restored health.

 

It was His peace.

 

Recently, someone shared this definition with me:

 

"Peace isn't something you see, but you know that it's there."

 

When I heard those words, I couldn't help but think how closely they resemble the definition of faith.

Jesus said in John 14:27: "Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid."

 

Paul writes in Philippians 4:7: "And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

 

And Psalm 23 reminds us: "Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for You are with me."

 

Throughout this journey, those promises became more than verses on a page; they became my reality.

 

I've always enjoyed turning the words of secular songs into songs of praise. During this season, these words became my prayer: "In the morning when I rise, He brings tears of joy to my eyes and tells me everything is gonna be alright."

 

God keeps His promises.

 

No matter what valley you may be walking through today, know this: His peace is real. His presence is constant. His promises never fail.

 

Believe.