Monday, November 4, 2013

How Big is Your Brave? An Answer to a Prayer

I seem to have left out an important part of "story" and that is my belief that God has a plan for me. I know He is aware of me and my struggles and I know my Savior is with me always. However, that has not stopped me from doubting in myself and my decisions recently.

I have to say learning about being BRCA1 positive really has made me reflect on my relationship with my Heavenly Father a lot. I have prayed so much to know what I'm doing is the right thing FOR ME. And yesterday, Fast Sunday, was no exception to my prayers. But this time I needed to know that my decision to go forward with the mastectomy and removal of my ovaries was the right decision. I needed confirmation that he is listening to me and will answer my prayer. 

Sweet Aleisha and her new Little One Bridget
Wouldn't you know it....every testimony that was shared at church during the services seemed to be a reminder TO ME that he does answer prayers. I heard it over and over. Even later when I jumped on Facebook for a moment I saw people mentioning how their prayers were answered. But what about my answer? Well wouldn't you know it. The good Lord knew the best way to reach me, a blogger was through a friend and her blog post. The title that popped up, "Motherhood Requires Bravery" caught my eye and I clicked over from Facebook. I read, and I cried and I thanked my Heavenly Father for confirming to me that what I was doing was the RIGHT thing FOR ME and also reminding me that I am not doing this just for MYSELF. I'm doing this for my children and their children. I'm being brave so I can continue my story with my husband, extended family and sweet friends. And thank Heavens for Mama Leisha...I needed the reminder to be BRAVE.

So I decided to print me off a couple of these cute graphics I found on Pinterest and post them in places I needed to see. So how big is YOUR BRAVE?





8 comments:

  1. Lori, I hope you will see that sharing your story will bring you a huge amount of support and strength from women everywhere who are behind you 100%. I have always said that I would have a double mastectomy in this situation, without hesitation. I don't know that I have a strong enough family history to be tested, with only one grandmother who has had breast cancer, but if I were in your shoes I would make the exact same decision you are making. Not a doubt in my mind, and I support you 100%. I wish you luck in your recovery, and if you need help with ANYTHING AT ALL, remember you have a friend and nurse just a couple of minutes down the street. {HUGS}

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  2. Dear Lori, I love you girl. I know we only lived near each other for 5 years but we served together, along side each other, had fun, laughed and probably got on each other's nerves a few times. That makes a life long eternal friend. I love you so much. I hope you know you are loved by many and your awesome and creative talents have blessed lots of people. I am so sorry that you are going through this. Having gone through cancer with Kevin I know that sometimes the one thing you need is just to know you are loved. So....I love you. I appreciate so much you opened this part of your life to share. It is terrifying to talk about and think about. My Aunt also had cancer and a double mastectomy. It worries me all the time too. I think you are super brave and taking a step to save your life. When my Aunt had her mastectomy the surgeons thought she was a little crazy. My sweet Uncle said "I love my wife. We will do whatever it takes to keep her here for as long as possible." I love that he loved her that much. You are awesome girl. Know I love you lots. Dana.

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  3. Such an inspiring post. Thank you for putting it all out here. This topic has been on my mind lately, and I'm beginning to explore the avenues for getting tested. I've learned a ton from the information you've shared and I so respect and admire the decisions you are making -- not easy ones, but absolutely better to be safe than sorry. No one needs tatas or ovaries as much as they need to be cancer-free. Will be thinking of you and praying for you over these next few months.

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  4. Lori, even when our faith is so strong we are tested over & over and we shouldn't feel guilty when we doubt. It's human.
    You are such a dear soul.
    What an incredibly hard decision to have to make. But I'm so glad that you have peace in your hear and that God has confirmed this decision. You are a strong, brave and beautiful person!

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  5. OH MY GOSH, Lori!!!!! Thanks for making me cry this morning, you goober! HA HA! Thank you for this post, thank you for the kind things you said, and thank you for being an example of bravery. You will be watched over and comforted through all this.Heavenly Father will sustain you

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  6. On of my favorite quotes is "We Can Do Hard Things" it is so empowering. I use it on my kids all of the time and the look on their face and light in their eyes is wonderful. It acknowledges the hard while telling them that even thought it's hard they can do it. Much love!

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  7. Oh my dear friend! My heart goes out to you - so much to deal with. And yet what an example of faith and hope. Please know that you are in my prayers. And if there is anything I can do, please call. I''d love to help.

    Hugs!
    StacyC

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HELLO....I appreciate you reading about me and my experience with BRCA1 and "everyday life". Thank you for taking the time to comment in the positive (but if you want to be negative I invite you to go read someone else's blog).