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Breast Cancer Awareness month was approaching, and I was asked if I would give my testimony on September 29, 2018, at Johnson Chapel A.M.E. Zion Church. Here is my story.
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I would like to speak to those who are on an emotional roller coaster after being diagnosed with cancer or taking care of someone who has. I can remember sitting in the doctor’s office and hearing those dreadful words, “Mrs. Dyson, the results show you have aggressive breast cancer.” I thought my life was over. Just hearing those words felt like a death sentence. I became scared and did not know what to do next. But what I did not realize at that time was that I was about to be reborn.
Let us take a look at Titus chapter 3, verse 5. It reads, “He saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit.”
The title of today’s message is “Approaching Death's Door Can Be a Beautiful Thing.” I know there are a few of you asking how death can be beautiful. But if you give me a few minutes of your time, I will explain. Death is defined as a permanent cessation of all vital functions, which we know is the end of this life. But did you know you can die of a spiritual death long before leaving this earth from your physical death?
The apostle Paul is saying to us in Titus 3:5 that salvation comes not by works, but through the washing of regeneration and renewal by the Holy Spirit. Some people have interpreted this as saying that washing causes salvation. But what Paul is telling us is that the washing is spiritual cleansing. Regeneration is defined as an act or the process of regenerating, the state of being regenerated, spiritual renewal or revival, renewal or restoration of a body or body part after injury, or as a normal process. So, when our bodies become under attack, it is the brokenness of our spirit that needs repairing.
Spiritual death is the separation of the soul from God. Paul describes it as “being alienated from the life of God” in Ephesians 4:18. Before salvation, we are spiritually dead, but Jesus gives us life when he forgave us of all our sins (Colossians 2:13). Think about Jesus’ raising of Lazarus in John 11. The physically dead Lazarus could do nothing for himself. He was unresponsive to all stimuli, unaware of life around him, beyond all help or hope, except for the aid of Jesus. At Jesus’ request, Lazarus was full of life, and he answered accordingly. In the same way, we were spiritually dead, powerless to save ourselves, incapable of perceiving the life of God until Jesus called us to Himself.
We are all approaching death’s door; it is just that some can see the entry in more plain view than others. Inevitably, we are all going to die. When I asked my doctor if I would live or die, they could not answer my question at that moment. She only said, “We need to schedule surgery immediately.” I thought to myself, “I am going to die.” Not only was I approaching death’s door, but I could also see it in plain view. How was I going to prepare my family and even myself? I almost reverted to that bargaining chip. You know the one we say when we become down and out, “Lord if you bring me through this one, I will straighten up.” But we all know these words do not last long because once we get through our mess, we go back to our old ways. But, instead of trying to use the bargaining chip, I said, “Lord, I’m ready.” So, On December 3, 2016, I began keeping a journal documenting my cancer experience, talking to God, and what I wanted my husband and our children to know after I was gone.
But, God had a different plan. He spoke to me, saying, “Not yet, my child. You have some unfinished business for me.” Isaiah 41:10 says, “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.” What I did not realize at that moment is when my rebirth began. Rebirth is defined as a second or new birth. Spiritual enlightenment causes a person to lead a new life. You see, this is when “the washing of regeneration and renewal” was about to take place. Remember, Titus 3:5.
I recall reading a book entitled, “If You Only Knew: My Unlikely, Unavoidable Story of Becoming Free” by Jamie Ivey, who said, “If you are a follower of Christ, you’ve had a conversion experience. Once you were dead in your sin, and then God called you by name, justified you, put His righteousness on you, and made you His child. That is the beauty of the gospel.”
Titus 3:5, where it says, “He saved us,” is the gospel’s heart and characteristics. So, I tell you, when you see the doors of death, do not be frightened. When you see the door of death, do not be discouraged. When you begin seeing the door of death, do not become fatigued, question Why me, or try to run away because God is preparing you for everlasting life. Matthew 11:28-29 says, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”
Cancer is the uncontrolled development of abnormal cells in the body. It grows when the body’s standard control device stops working, and old cells grow out of control, making new abnormal cells. It spreads destructively. Do you hear these words? Uncontrolled. Abnormal. Old. Destructive. Cancer tries to break us mentally, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. But 1 Corinthians 16:13 says, “Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong.” So, I say to you, hold on in knowing we serve a just God (Acts 17:31), a loving God (Ephesians 2:4-5), a truthful God (John 14:6), a compassionate God (2 Corinthians 1:3), a merciful God (Romans 9:15), a graceful God (Romans 5:17), and a forgiving God (Psalm 130:4).
Let me keep it real with you for a second. (These are the pictures I shared with the congregation).
Below is a picture before my cancer diagnosis in 2016.
Below is a picture after my second chemotherapy treatment in 2017.
Below this is me today. Hair has fully grown back with a curly texture.
After a lumpectomy (which is a removal of the lump), chemotherapy, radiation, hair loss, a bilateral mastectomy (which is the removal of both breasts), and almost losing my mind, I refused to let the devil take my spirit. I share my story hoping that it helps someone who may be struggling with cancer themselves or taking care of someone who is.
As I close, I leave you with these final thoughts. As difficult as it may be for you to see your way through your ordeal, do not let cancer destroy you! It may take over your body, but it does not have to take over your mind, spirit, and relationship with God. Do not retreat into a shell. Live life fully, one of renewed spiritual cleansing, faith, and hope. Do not wait until you are at the door handle of death’s door to change your life. Prepare yourselves for the new awakening being created in you. Bless you, all.
Your Sister in Christ,
LaShonna