Retired professional football player Deon Sanders was recently on a talk show and explained why he thinks some people survive trauma and others do not. He said it’s because they quit moving forward. He said our gut reaction when we experience pain or fear is to stop. That’s the worst thing we can do because when we stop moving, we become a target.  I think there’s a lot of truth in what he said and I know I’ve experienced the same reaction at times in my life. When you hear the words, “You have cancer,” your body goes into shock, you panic and everything stops. You freeze and time seems to stand still.

So how do we move forward when things are bad? My primary way of dealing with adversity is through prayer and my faith but I also think it is important to take action. I am a reader and information is what I seek when faced with the unknown. I’ve always felt that information is powerful and, in this case, gives you the knowledge you need to help fight and ask questions. It also keeps you from being inactive because you are moving forward and participating in trying to solve the problem. Sure, you might fall down but that’s not what matters. It’s the getting back up that’s important.

NC State women’s basketball coach Kay Yow said, “When life kicks you, let it kick you forward.” She was kicked by cancer and ultimately lost her life. However, the money her foundation has raised for cancer research is still going strong. I’ve likewise been kicked by life, cancer, and heart issues to name a few and even though I stumble a lot, I’m doing my best to move forward. Sometimes I’m a bit slow, but I’m moving. So, I just want to encourage you by saying, please don’t stop. Keep moving forward.

Blessings, Cindy J