Cancer VS Suicide: Team Angels Won by Christine Handy

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Christine & a few of her angels, today! 

It wasn’t until I was diagnosed with breast cancer and completed my chemotherapies and surgeries before I felt full inside. I felt loved in a way I didn’t even know existed. I found the Holy Spirit through the teachings by my team of friends that we called my “team of angels!”

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The first days of my diagnosis I was set on suicide. In my mind I felt unworthy of the time and devotion I knew it would take for my family and friends to care for me. I was coming off an already brutal health problem and I felt like I had used up my “reserves” of care from my husband, parents and friends. I was ashamed to ask for more and yet I knew I couldn’t care for my 2 sons while fighting breast cancer. I believed everyone would be better off without me and without the intensity of my health pressures. I rationalized that decision and it made sense at that moment in time.

Then came my angels.

My friends rallied around me and made me believe the truth, Gods Truth. I was worthy and God loved me so much that He knew every hair on my head. The hairs before chemotherapy and each one as it grew back. I became overwhelmed with love, devotion and care by not only my family but my friends. They became my “team of angels”! And they were.

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Christine’s hair began falling out in the shape of a cross! 

I asked many of my friends why they gave up so much to help me. They gave up their time with their own families to care for mine. They gave up their lives in so many ways for my secured health and well being. And through their faith and teachings, I came to realize why.

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They did it for God, the Glory of God. Those woman didn’t want thanks, they didn’t care about the thank you cards , they taught me that the thanks went to The Lord.

I don’t know about you, but being raised a Christian doesn’t guarantee learning the principles that these woman taught me.

They taught me that my life was important and that I was worthy.

They taught me to give all my worries to The Lord .

They showed me what to serve really looks like even in a society that wants to take all the praise and the credit.

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They not only saved my life they taught me how to live. I went from giving up when I was diagnosed to fighting for my life with their help. I believe God put those woman in my life to change me, refine me and save me.

I am cancer free and love my life. I am never alone, I have the Spirit inside me. The terrors of diagnosis and the fears that come with it are devastating. But my life and my story are bigger than that day I was diagnosed, October 1 st , 2012. God has a plan for me that’s so great. There are days and nights where I feel doubt or fear but I remember my faithful angels and how they modeled the Truth for me.

My fears go away and I pray and feel comforted.

John 15:12-17
My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you.  This is my command: Love each other.
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THE FIRST WEEK OF SPRING= FABULOUS!

Hey Sistas! 

You know those week’s we have periodically that are just perfect…like a dream, full of fun and magical moments. I just experienced a week like that!  Today, I am reveling in the blessings and had to share it with all of you. If you are on Instagram, this may be a repeat for ya, sorry. The lesson I relearned from this week was the power in reaching out and doing for others during your own difficult time. The week prior, we had a very challenging time with some business situations and I needed to get out of my head and stop focusing on my present circumstances. It did the trick…

Let’s start with last Saturday: I have mentioned meeting a remarkable young woman named Jessica Youngblood who has a ministry called Just Fabulous Events which helps build confidence in teen girls. She is a recovered meth addict who has transformed her life through God’s love and healing power. Her mission is in alignment with mine and I truly believe in Divine connections which empowers us to do more together than we can all alone. Jess asked me to be part of the event as emcee and stylist of the fashion show. I was honored and so blessed by the entire experience. There is nothing better than seeing a big group of adorable girls giggling and having fun! But, my favorite part of the night is toward the end when the girls are given a quiet moment to reflect on  what they need to give over to God to heal. It could be any broken part of their life. They write it on a rock and go lay in down at the foot of the cross. It was so beautiful to see all the girls go up to the front and release their pain. SO Powerful! I wish we had an event like this when I was a hurting teenager!!  Click to see more pics and “like” her Facebook page. 

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Then on Monday: My bestie Heidi wanted to give our girlfriend Christine- who is recovering from a year of chemo and a mastectomy- a special birthday gift.  One can only imagine how devastating that experience can be on a woman’s self-esteem so what better to help her feel glam again? A professional photoshoot with hair & makeup and starting the day with a blowout at Drybar! Heidi asked me to be part of the special day and help her get Christine ready with a great outfit and beautiful makeup. Christine said it was the most beautiful she has felt in 2 years. Mission accomplished. WOWZER! How gorgeous does she look… 

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Jump to Tuesday & Wednesday: I can’t remember the last time both my sister and I have been home at the same time. It’s been years! She flew in to Houston for a brief visit so I jetted down there for some QT with the fam. Our favorite thing to do with our Mom is load up on energy with some TexMex then spend hours digging through thrift stores. As soon as we enter the store, we separate. The hunt begins! We will holler across the store to one another with a find- as if we struck oil. We try things on and begin the fashion show giving each other a thumbs up or down. This would make a hilarious reality show! Our family has been through a lot of healing over the years and has had it’s share of tough times, like most families, so I cherish these precious moments more than ever. 

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Hydrating with a Cherry Limeade

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My goal of scoring something in a bold floral print- ACCOMPLISHED! This blouse covers several Spring trends- Pleats, Sheer, Puffy Sleeves & Bold Floral Print.

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The remainder of the week was filled successful work stuff, auditions, one of the best girl’s nights ever-  plus, seeing my coaching client really step it up and rock her session with me. I’m like a proud mama! This first week of Spring will go down in the HERstory books for me. 

Here’s a quick hair tip (this blog post is all over the place), but for you ladies who are wanting a longer ponytail- this is the best hair trick I’ve ever come up with. I only wish I had figured it out years ago! Thursday was swamped and I didn’t have enough time to wash and blowdry my hair for girl’s night. I thought a high ponytail would be quick & ez, but my pony looked wimpy and short. BINGO- I added a second ponytail underneath and voila- problem solved. I felt like “I Dream of Genie”. So fun and will be my go-to summer style! 

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WHAT WAS THE HIGHLIGHT OF YOUR FIRST WEEK OF SPRING?

Wishing you all a wonderful weekend!

Love, Tiff