More than Just a Survivor

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October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.  Not only is it a time to bring awareness around breast exam screenings, and self examinations, it’s a great time to recognize our many survivors!  

I have the honor and privilege to know several strong survivors and would like to recognize and thank them for being an inspiration to me. But when I think of these women, the word “survival” doesn’t come close to who these women are.  I see women who have decided to live their best life. I see woman who have fought and won or who are currently fighting to win.  When I think of these women, they have so much in common that I must share with you. First, the most obvious characteristic is they are all God-loving women and have their own close personal relationship to God. I really don’t need to say anything more than that but for those who need a little more here you go.  They choose to be positive, to be happy, to be impactful to all they encounter. Each of them share their stories with other to inspire, motivate and encourage.

Today, you may not be battling breast cancer, maybe you are trying to survive from depression, financial instability, work stress or a broken marriage.

To all of you fearless, confident, beautiful women, the battle is not yours, it’s the Lords! Learn from the experts below and JUST LIVE!!!!

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When I am asked “What it means to be a survivor” I wrestle with this question. You see, the word “survivor” has never set well with my soul. So today, I spent some time unwrapping the word to understand what about “surviving” I did not embody. Then it came to me. To survive means to exist. Who wants to just “exist”? Life is meant to be lived!!! So I can’ tell you how to survive but I sure have a lot to say about living! Choose to let it be known that if it had not been for your faith in God, you would have lost your mind. Choose to say No. Do not allow negative energy or thoughts to occupy space in your life. Choose to be optimistic. To know that there is darkness is to know there is light. Choose to encourage someone else. Your testimony is not for you. Choose to be happy. Choose to smile. Choose to laugh. Choose to Love unconditionally. Choose unapologetically to Live your best life!!!!! And never, ever settle for simply surviving.  Leslie Wilson
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“More than just surviving to me is, I am existing and succeeding. I have favor with God. I’m faced with everyday challenges, but in my heart I’m a conqueror. I’m not just surviving, I’m living.”                                                      TC (Too Cute) Jones-Cannady
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“For me, being a survivor is so much more than ‘surviving.’ Its more so about embracing life and living it to the utmost. The Passion, Hunger and Appreciation that I have for Life surpasses my past and current circumstances. I’m living beyond Survivor-ship… I’m Living!”                                          Latoya S. Wilson

 

 

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“The strongest tool I found in my cancer battle was the will — the will to live, the will to love, the will to believe. I had to choose Faith over Fear! You can’t fight properly if you are afraid. My motto was “I’ll take this bull by the horns. Yes, it might throw me around a bit and knock me to the floor every once in a while, BUT, after everything is all said and done, I WILL BE THE ONE LEFT STANDING!” I refuse to let my diagnosis determine my destiny. This cancer does not own me! Cancer messed with my breasts, but definitely not my self-esteem! I can get through this and look good doing so!! Sometimes God has to take us through the renovation process to get us ready for the Grand Opening!”    Cicely Chapman McCray
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“Being a Survivor means I have a second chance at life. Also allows my testimony to be someone else’s savior.”   Leslie Porter
                                                                                                                                                                                            But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.   1 Corinthians 15

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