Strength.

There is an amazing woman I know. She has been a great blessing to me since I met her the summer of 2007. She has been leading our church's youth group for over a year now. She also teaches the college group. You will never meet a more hard working or sacrificial person. Need any help? She is always volunteering and willing to lend a helping hand. This woman has been a role model for me when I really needed one. Her influence in my life this past year has been astounding: by helping me grow spiritually and teaching me what it means to be a true woman of God. I would like you to meet Ms. Patti Cain.

Recently, Ms. Patti has been diagnosed with breast cancer. The past few months have been really hard for her, and that is an understatement. After undergoing the necessary treatments, she feels drained. There are good days and bad days. Even on the bad days though, she doesn't give up. This woman is unstoppable! Even cancer cannot defeat or hinder her. Since May 31st she has had only one sick day. Yeah, I bet your jaw just dropped a little bit. Maybe even a lot. She still works at least 40 hours a week. There are some days where she doesn't have the energy to get out of bed. Yet, somehow she manages to keep up with her commitments. She is still involved at work, church, and family. Personally, I know she does more than expected and pushes herself further. She takes on extra activities with events at church and work. Even after having breast cancer, Ms. Patti is still living her life. She isn't letting it alter her lifestyle .When asked how she does it, she replies "the Lord." Without Him she wouldn't be functioning right now. She no longer relies on her own strength to get through the day. She relies solely on the Lord. Getting through this experience isn't going to be easy, but she is remaining faithful to the Lord. Instead of being bitter or resentful about the circumstances, she is accepting and learning from it. That way the Lord may be glorified through her hard times. Instead of surviving, she is thriving.

"Look at your circumstances and USE them." - Patti Cain

We should look at her experience and be inspired. I know I am. She is proof that God is there even when things look grim. Even when we can't stand on our own, He will help us stand. We run out of energy, but His strength will never fail you. Where is your strength coming from?

"Though he falls, he will not be overwhelmed,

because the Lord holds his hand." Psalm 37:24