I also found a recent trip to Anniston very refreshing.  After speaking to hundreds of people and sharing my story of surviving,  I was touched, encouraged and inspired by the stories of others.

    My speech focused on finding our mission in life.  Just about everyone has something they are good at.  I believe God has a mission set out for all of us.  Many people find joy when they figure out what that mission involves.

     I was touched when a woman came up to me to tell me about her two missions.  She said she'd had cancer and survived.  She had begun to volunteer to help others who were newly diagnosed.   She also lost her husband, and decided to help encourage others who'd lost a spouse.

      When we walk along a bumpy road, we know how it feels, we know the needs we have, we know the thoughts and fears that can go along with the ride.   It's that experience that helps us know how to better minister to others who are walking the same path.  We know the small things that are really big during a crisis.

        Sometimes ministering means providing dinner, sometimes its simply a smile, a conversation and words of encouragement.  I am taking a cancer fighter called femarra.  It can cause achy joints.   As a runner, it can be challenging to keep one running.  But I find moving helps the stiffness.

       But after that speech where I'd hoped to offer a helping hand and encouragement... a lady came to me to tell me she was a survivor too!  Somehow we got on the subject of femarra.  I asked her about her side effects.  She said, " Oh in the beginning it hurt my joints but all that leveled off."

        I wanted to jump up and hug her!  It was music to my ears.  There I was to inspire others... and there they were inspiring me.  After she said the achy feeling eventually subsides, I felt better.  In fact in the last couple of months, I have been able to wear high heels again!  Running has been better.  So if you are going through some side effects from your cancer fighting drugs... hang in there and know it can get better!

        I thank God for people who are willing to open up, share their experience, to help others!