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A Rose Within
The reason I picked the title of my website "A Rose Among Thorns" is because my mother has always said I was her Rose.
Well this "rose" has had a lot of thorns in her life. Thorns that have caused a great deal of pain and suffering. I want
to share my experiences with you in the hopes of healing, but also to give you encouragement and hope in the face of darkness.
No matter how hard life is, there is always hope. It may not seem like it, but God is always there, holding you up, giving
you the needed strength to get through each day. You just need to reach out and take hold of what it is He offers.
My Testimony
I will say this; because these experiences I had were so tremendous, God was afraid I might be puffed up by them; so I was
given a physical condition which has been a thorn in my flesh, a messenger from Satan to hurt and bother me, and prick my
pride. Three different times I begged God to make me well again.Each time he said, "No. But I am with you; that is all
you need. My power shows up best in weak people." Now I am glad to boast about how weak I am; I am glad to be a living demonstration
of Christ's power, instead of showing off my own power and abilities. Since I know it is all for Christ's good, I am quite
happy about "the thorn", and about insults and hardships, persecutions and difficulties; for when I am weak, then I am strong
- the less I have, the more I depend on him. 2 Corinthians 12;7-10
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Several years ago I lost my Aunt Elsie to breast cancer. After she was
diagnosed with Stage IV breast cancer, she began chemotherapy. But her battle was short and within a few months she
passed away.
In the year 2000 my father was diagnosed with prostate cancer. His prostate was removed
along with some lymph nodes. After radiation, and several different treatments with various chemotherapy drugs, his
cancer has continued to spread. His health has deteriorated. He has lost weight and has begun to walk with a cane
to keep himself steady on his feet.
About 4 years ago my cousin Kathy was diagnosed with breast cancer just like her mother.
She underwent chemotherapy, surgery, then radiation. Today she is cancer free.
Last year I lost my Uncle Don, due to complication from cancer. He was diagnosed with Tongue
cancer, throat cancer, prostate cancer, and stomach cancer.
In July 2006 I discovered a lump in my right breast. Immediately I scheduled a doctor's
appointment. In August 2006 I was diagnosed with Stage I Invasive Ductal Carcenoma. I underwent 9 months of grueling
treatments, including chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation. My last round of chemotherapy was March 7, 2007.
My cousin Nancy recently underwent a partial mastectomy to combate breast cancer as well.
The diagnoses of cancer can be devestating and heartbreaking. The emotional trauma it inflicts
on a person is very overwhelming. When a person is diagnosed with any type of cancer, they are bombarded with an array
of emotions from fear, anger, or even guilt. Some may feel completely devastated, lost, or depressed.
They may feel all alone.
It is equally as difficult for their loved ones, friends, church family, co-workers, and those
around them. When faced with such a life-threatening diagnosis, it is like the carpet being pulled out from under your
feet. The feelings of desolation and despair can be so overpowering.
A Rose Among Thorns focuses on helping women be all they can be, while helping them to grow spiritually
even in the face of adversity. A Rose Among Thorns provides self-help guides that are beneficial to virtually everyone. You
can find intersting articles and loads of information that empower women to be all that they can be. You can also find inspirational
readings, bible studies, prayers and devotionals to help you through each day. When you share your life with God, you will
find that it is so much easier than going through it alone.
My purpose in creating A Rose Among Thorns is to help bring women together through a common bond
of friendship, beliefs, and experiences.
MISSION
My mission is to build on a foundation of friendship in order to lend support, understanding,
encouragement and inspiration in each other’s daily lives in order to build one of the largest support communities
across the city, state, and nation.
Hope
Giving Women Hope During Difficult Times
Courage
Giving Women Courage To Face Their Battle With Cancer
A Rose Among Thorns focuses on opening doors for those who seek the truth, that they might find peace in
their spiritual walk with God.
Inspiration
Inspiring Women To Be Strong Inspite Of Their Fear, Pain, And Suffering,
Goal
My goal is to bring women together in an effort to comfort, inspire and lead them to a happier
healther life by helping them to understand and grow closer to Jesus.
Encouragement
Encouraging Women To Live Their Dreams Even When
Life Throws Them A Curve Ball
A Rose Among Thorns caters to your individual needs. Here you will find so much at your fingertips. If you
desire to learn more about cancer, you will find all types of reading materials and documents pertaining to cancer, cancer
treatments and options, and the lastest on anti-cancer drugs.
Faith
Giving Women A New Faith That Will Never Leave Them
When you have faith in Jesus, you have everything you need. Peace, contentment, and happiness.
Your needs are met, whatever they might be. You may not have all that you want, but God gives you what you need.
Nothing else should matter when you believe and trust in Him.

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