Recently my life changed in a way I never expected. I found out I have leukemia. Hearing that word could have broken me, but instead it pushed me closer to God than I have ever been before. In the middle of devastating news, I made a decision that this diagnosis would not define me. God defines me. I chose to lean fully into my faith, to trust the body God gave me, and to be intentional about how I care for it. I began focusing on nourishing myself with whole foods, prayer, learning, and natural support while continuing to seek wisdom for my health. Through it all, I kept surrendering fear and asking God to replace it with faith. A couple of months ago I began losing my hair, and I had spots of baldness that were hard to see in the mirror. Even in that, God sent me comfort through my fiance, who has been a steady source of love and support. We walked this journey together praying, learning, adjusting, and trusting God every step of the way. This month I began to see change. I started to feel progress in my health, and my hair began growing back. The new growth formed in the shape of a heart. To me, that heart is a reminder that God is with me, that He loves me, and that He is greater than what I am facing. It reminds me daily that my problems are never bigger than my God. My role is not to control everything but to trust Him, surrender, and walk in faith.

My journey is not over, but my peace is stronger than my fear. This season has taught me that God is closest in our hardest moments. He is my healer, my comforter, and my strength. No matter what I face, I know I am held, I am loved, and I am never walking alone. A scripture that carries me is Isaiah 41:10 So do not fear, for I am with you do not be dismayed, for I am your God I will strengthen you and help you I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.