On the Journey With...
Robin Roberts
Periodically, I like to include stories of more notable cancer warriors who have been more public about their journey, and Robin, the co-anchor of ABC’s Good Morning America, has faced not one, but two life-threatening battles with cancer. Her journey has become a powerful beacon of hope and resilience for millions. I thought I would share a part of her story here.
In 2007, Roberts was diagnosed with breast cancer. She underwent surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation, openly sharing her experience with the public. Her transparency helped destigmatize the disease and encouraged countless women to prioritize their health and self-exams. She famously emphasized the importance of knowing your own body.
Just five years later, in 2012, Roberts received an even more devastating diagnosis: myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS), a rare blood disorder that required a bone marrow transplant. This second battle was even more grueling, demanding a prolonged absence from Good Morning America and pushing her to her physical and emotional limits.
Through both harrowing experiences, Roberts has consistently shared profound reflections on the lessons she learned:
- “Make your mess your message.” This has become one of her most famous mantras. She realized that her public platform, initially a source of vulnerability, could be transformed into a powerful tool for advocacy and inspiration. She chose to use her pain to help others, becoming an amplifier for those who might not have a voice.
- The Power of Positive Energy: Roberts often speaks about the importance of “making your own weather” and surrounding yourself with positive energy. She understood that while she couldn’t control the diagnosis, she could control her response and the environment she created around herself. This included leaning heavily on her faith, family, and supportive medical team.
- “Be grateful for the present moment.” Facing mortality twice instilled in her a deep appreciation for each day. She learned to savor the small joys and the simple act of being, rather than constantly striving or worrying about the future.
- Vulnerability as Strength: Her willingness to show her struggles, including losing her hair on air and sharing candid updates from her hospital bed, demonstrated immense courage. She taught that true strength isn’t about hiding weakness, but about embracing it and allowing others to walk with you.
- The Importance of a “Glam Fam”: Roberts credits her “Glam Fam” (her close circle of family, friends, and colleagues) with providing the unwavering support she needed to endure. She learned that no one fights these battles alone and that relying on your community is essential.
Robin Roberts’ journey is a testament to unwavering faith, remarkable courage, and the transformative power of turning personal adversity into a source of collective strength and hope. Her openness has not only raised awareness but has also inspired countless individuals to face their own challenges with greater resilience and a renewed appreciation for life.
Soul Care with
Pastor Jenn
To Pastor (verb): to shepherd, advise, and guide into a place of deeper spiritual understanding
“From the end of the earth I will cry to You,
When my heart is overwhelmed; Lead me to the rock that is higher than I.”
Psalm 61:2
I don’t know about your world right now, but lately things over in my neck of the woods have been overwhelming. I live just outside Austin, Texas where recent floods have devastated the community. It’s hard to escape news reports and personal accounts of loss. All on top of an already super-charged political environment. It’s a lot. Somewhere in the middle of it all is the desire to be the hands of feet of Jesus, but how to do that without succumbing to the emotions surrounding it all?
I came across this scripture, and I immediately felt like I could take a deep breath. It was such a timely reminder that the burden of care and support and prayer and ALL the things does not rest on my shoulders. Somehow, though it may not always be perfectly clear, God is still moving and working and caring for the people he loves exponentially more than I. He is the rock – the solid place, the unmoveable, the unshakeable, the consistent, the strong place. And, thankfully, He is also a rock higher than I. He is wiser, more powerful and more able – the most able – full stop. [Breathe]
If you needed permission or a reminder like I did this week to breathe and rest and remember who your rock is, take it today. Be at peace. The Lord is still on the move in every area, even the ones that are beyond repair and seem hopeless. [Breathe] He is your rock.
In Memory Of…
Lara Fletcher
In Memorium (Latin): The phrase conveys a sense of remembrance and respect for the person who has passed away, highlighting their continued presence in the memories of those who knew them.
Lara was a dear friend I met a little over a year ago, but she was one of those people who I immediately connected with – not only because we were fellow cancer warriors, but because of her positivity amid a severe cancer diagnosis. From the start her prognosis was not very good. But you would never have known it. She was a fighter with an amazing disposition and really great sense of humor. She was actually featured in volume 5 of The Healing Chronicle. If you read that story you might remember how openly she spoke of her journey, combining that unique blend of faith and realism. So refreshing! I was always so delighted with any time I got to spend with her – which was mostly at the Prayer Barn. Sadly, I got the news the other day that she passed from this world to the next on July 4th. Her husband Chris described the transition beautifully. I’d like to share what he wrote here:
A Military PCS, or Permanent Change of Station, is a relocation of a service member and family to a new duty station. Lara was always excited about each new duty station and each move. Researching everything from where the children would go to school, to which activities and sports teams were available in the area. She would fervently research what our next lodging would be and what local excursions were in the area, or what excursions the new duty station was a good jumping off point for. Boxes and furniture were meticulously packed and then labeled in the old home as to where they were to be placed in the new home (spreadsheets and diagrams). Any box not unpacked halfway through a duty station she would quip was “already packed for the next move.”
When the time came for her to transition from the physical world to the spiritual realm, she executed her final PCS flawlessly on July 4th just before midnight, on her own terms, “floating on a wave of morphine”, listening to her “cancer battle playlist” music, in her own bed, pain free, at peace, surrounded by her family (Ohana). She was sad to leave us all but she was excited for her final PCS to heaven and all its eternal glory.
We will mostly certainly miss you, dear lady, rest in peace until we meet again!
Worship Moment
Too Good To Not Believe
To Inspire (verb): to fill someone with the urge or ability to do or feel something, especially to do something creative.
Song: Too Good to Not Believe (Spotify and Apple Music)
Band: Brandon Lake and Bethel Music
From: “Tear Off the Roof” (2024)
I must confess I have a bit of a love/hate relationship with this song… mostly because, though I find the lyrics inspiring and great reminders of what God can do and has done, I also have many personal experiences (especially lately), where good friends have been lost – way too soon (in my view). But, maybe that is exactly why I need to hear and sing anyway – it keeps me from allowing the disappointing stories to overshadow the goodness and power of God!
This song is filled with testimonies and declarations of God’s healing power, often including specific pleas for it to happen again. Lines like “I’ve seen cancer disappear, I’ve seen metal plates dissolve, don’t you tell me He can’t do it” are declarations of faith that also function as a plea for continued healing miracles. Lord, hear our prayers.
I’ve lived stories that have proved Your faithfulness
I’ve seen miracles my mind can’t comprehend
And there is beauty in what I can’t understand
Jesus, it’s You, Jesus, it’s You
I believe
You’re the wonder-working God
You’re the wonder-working God
All the miracles I’ve seen
Too good to not believe
You’re the wonder-working God
And You heal because You love
Oh, the miracles we’ll see
You’re too good to not believe
Too good to not believe
Too good to not believe, oh-oh
Poetic Encouragement:
by Sara Teasdale
To Encourage (noun): to give support and hope to someone so that they will do or continue to do something.
“Desert Pools”
I love too much; I am a river
Surging with spring that seeks the sea,
I am too generous a giver,
Love will not stoop to drink of me.
His feet will turn to desert places
Shadowless, reft of rain and dew,
Where stars stare down with sharpened faces
From heavens pitilessly blue.
And there at midnight sick with faring
He will stoop down in his desire
To slake the thirst grown past all bearing
In stagnant water keen as fire.
___________________
“For waters will gush forth in the wilderness, and streams in the desert; the burning sand shall become a pool, and the thirsty ground springs of water…”
Isaiah 35:6-7
Nutrition Nuggets with
Suzanna Hake
To Nourish (verb): the act or process of being nourished.
Beef and Broccoli Ramen Stir Fry (Gluten Free)
4 blocks Lotus Foods Rice Ramen
1 tbsp sesame oil, or oil of choice
1 lb ground beef
2 cups chopped broccoli florets
½ cup water
Salt, to taste
Stir Fry Sauce
½ cup coconut aminos
2 tsp sesame oil
2 tsp rice vinegar
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp ground ginger, can sub 2 tsp minced fresh ginger
½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes, omit for less spice
-Whisk all of the sauce ingredients together and set aside.
-Cook ramen noodles according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
-While the water for the noodles comes to a boil, heat the oil in a large saute pan over medium heat. Add the ground beef along with a pinch of salt. Cook it for 5-7 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove the beef using
a slotted spoon and set it aside on a plate.
-Add the broccoli to the pan along with the 1/2 cup of water. Cover the pan and let the broccoli steam for 3-4 minutes until it is crisp tender.
-Add the ground beef back to the pan along with the cooked ramen noodles. Add the stir fry sauce and toss everything together over medium heat for 1-2 minutes until heated through and the sauce thickens a bit. Serve with extra red pepper flakes and green onions on top, if desired.
Enjoy!
A Prayer For Eyes To See
the Invisible Things
To Pray (verb): Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. (Philippians 4:6)
It is typically not our first thought.
We instinctively prioritize what is visible to our natural eyes – material possessions and external achievements – even physical healing. We chase these dreams, dedicate ourselves obsessively to them, and sadly, even fight vigorously over them.
But when we truly take stock of what matters most, it becomes clear that the greatest treasures in life are those we cannot see: love… peace…hope… and spiritual strength
These invisible, yet immensely significant “things” are the foundational ideals that make life worth living. Therefore, if we are to dream, work, and contend for anything, ought it not be for these?
Lord, give us eyes to see the value of what is not seen with our physical eyes.
Thanks to all who helped and prayed for the tragedy that hit central Texas!
Piet's Ponderings
To Ponder (verb): to think about something carefully, especially before making a decision or reaching a conclusion.
“He is closer than your next breath.”
~Susie Larson
How often does God seem impossibly far away – particularly when life’s challenges become overwhelming?
This sense of distance, however, reflects not His absence, but the narrow scope of our own human perception. We tend to focus on the immediate, on what we see and feel, and how it measures against our own finite understanding.
But God’s view spans eternity, encompassing depths we cannot fathom. Though His ways may feel foreign to our troubled spirits, He extends His constant invitation, drawing us into His comforting presence.
There, amidst the very chaos that confuses and bewilders us, a profound peace can be found; a peace that truly transcends our human comprehension.
And this divine reassurance is never that far away…
A Meaningful Conversation with Shaina
This July, we’re giving the podcast studio a much-needed refresh! To keep the content flowing during our update, we’ve lined up something special: a fantastic four-week series featuring the one and only Shaina Zavala!
Over the next four Thursdays (on both YouTube and Facebook), join us for these pre-recorded discussions on “The Genius of the AND.”
In a time of narrow-minded “either/or” thinking, we explore both the power and practicality of a “both/and” mindset. We look at it from all angles – from personal interactions and daily living to navigating more sensitive topics like politics, race, and ministry in the church, we explore it all.
Each impactful conversation runs about 10 minutes. You can catch them all on our newly updated YouTube channel, and if you haven’t subscribed yet, now’s the perfect time—we’re dropping new content five days a week, and you won’t want to miss it!
Dive into part one of our conversation HERE.
Support the work!
The Van Waarde Foundation underwrites and supports a variety of projects related to supporting, educating, and encouraging fellow cancer warriors and their families.
Thank you in advance for your prayerful consideration.
https://www.patreon.com/c/pietvanwaarde
