Having been an educator for 31 years working with children, teachers, and parents has afforded me many lessons. I recently retired at age 53 and can't wait to see what God has planned for me next.

Now that I have a few extra minutes during the day, I've had the opportunity to gather personal writings from my diary. Sharing this personal journey is meant to encourage, bless, and give hope to those who read it.

On December 7, 2000, I underwent a biopsy and the news that followed was not what one would want to hear: breast cancer. Things moved very fast as arrangements were made for surgery one week later. I was serving as full-time assistant principal of an elementary school, and getting myself ready was challenging in many ways: spiritually, physically, and emotionally.

Was I ready?

At first, shock and denial hit. Next, a quick transfer from deep emotional tears to strong faith that God had never failed me and He wouldn't start now. I decided to write a note explaining what I was facing and placed the note in teachers' boxes at my school. By performing this simple yet emotionally difficult action, I was able to start dealing with my personal journey with breast cancer. It was also an easier way to "talk" about cancer than verbally doing so.

Surgery would not be a "big deal." I was more concerned about facing chemo treatments. Surgery was about five hours long as a mastectomy and breast reconstruction were completed. During the hospital stay, several things happened that I feel were directed by God and it seemed He sent many angels my way.

One of the night custodians from my school worked at the hospital during the day. He came in before surgery and pinned a pair of praying hands on my medical chart. Both the surgeons were Christians—I knew because I asked them. A good Christian friend was a nurse in surgery that day. Another wonderful Christian friend was a nurse in the recovery room.

The night shift nurse started off with a bad attitude, however, God opened the door wide for a chance to listen to her pain and help encourage her. My stay was a short two and a half days in the hospital. Home never looked so inviting.

Richard, my husband, was so precious and became the best nurse as he provided me with any help that was needed. We spent a lot of quality time together. Since it was the Christmas season, family members came to our home for fellowship. I could not do much of anything so I sat and enjoyed the fun.

A doctor visit on January 2, 2001, brought the news that it was stage three breast cancer and had spread into my lymph nodes. Immediately, we made an appointment with an oncologist. Once again, I experienced "shock time," disbelief, moments of emotional tears, and overwhelming feelings of no control.

In my prayer times and Scripture readings I claimed God as my Shield. After my visit with the oncologist things moved fast. A bone and CT scan were done, we attended a chemo class, a central line was put in place, and the chemo treatment began. Angels were everywhere at every turn whenever I faced a new challenge.

I had asked God for two things: not to get sick with vomiting during chemo and to be able to continue to sing on Sunday mornings in the praise team. God graciously honored my prayer. During the first cycle of chemo I wore a pump over the weekend that allowed the drugs to enter my body more slowly as to lessen the chance for heart damage. Next followed six weeks of radiation and then more chemo treatments. Along the journey I prayed a very important prayer almost daily, "Help me Lord not to be bitter. Keep me pure and my eyes on You."

This was especially important as I lost all of my hair, not once but twice. I guess it was a girl thing that this was devastating to me. As I completed my last chemo treatment August 15, 2001, several thoughts came to mind.

Everywhere I went during my journey, I handed out The Prayer of Jabez and tried to be an encourager to whatever journeys people were facing. The word itself—cancer—is very difficult for people to say, let alone accept they have it. I was able to witness and pray with people that I would not have met except through this journey with breast cancer.

By the way—I am a living miracle. All my check-ups have been cancer free, praise God! I pray you trust God for miracles in your journey.

Connie Whitehead attends Valleyview Church of the Nazarene in Amarillo, Texas.

Holiness Today

Please note: All facts, figures, and titles were accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time of original publication but may have since changed.