Webster's dictionary defines survive as: to remain alive or in existence; to continue to function or prosper. That would make a survivor someone who does those things. The word survivor became a part of my daily vocabulary during my cancer adventure. I am a cancer survivor! Amazing books have been written by others who have survived cancer, disease, injury (both physical and emotional), climbing Mount Everest, learning disabilities, divorce, abuse, eating disorders, family situations, addiction, and the list goes on. I have come to believe that we are all survivors! There doesn't have to be a spectacular story...although I also believe that everyone has a spectacular story about becoming the person that they are! Life is full of trials...big and small...that make us the people that we are. We each have our own story; our own journey. My story didn't seem too exciting before it was invaded by cancer, but I realize now that I was already a survivor! I survived college without being pulled into the drug and alcohol scene. I survived emotional hurt from being a relationship person. I survived my first years of teaching. I survived living in Santa Cruz, CA for a summer with Campus Crusade for Christ. None of those things seem terribly exciting, but all of them played a major part in making me the person that I am. Everyone has a survivor story...and I love to hear people tell about the challenges that they have overcome and what they learned and still carry with them. Maybe it's because I'm such a relationship person that I love to really know people and know their life stories and know their survivor tales. If you are reading this, you are a survivor, and I'd love to hear your life story!
Why does it matter that we know what we have survived? We survive so we can help others survive similar trials. Everything happens for a reason and we all have mountain-days and deep, dark valley-days. Everyone needs someone to walk along beside them and encourage them. Who better to walk with than someone who has already walked the same road? God is so good to bring people into my life who need to hear my life experience...my survivor story...and be encouraged that I survived and know that they can too! And I am so very thankful for those who have walked beside me...my life has been truly blessed by real friends! I encourage you to keep your eyes and ears open for people who need you to walk beside them...living the life of a survivor!
