Uncategorized

Finding Courage, Strength of Faith and Joy in the Journey

January 20, 2026 /

The Words That Became My Battle Cry

Courageous, Fierce, and Faithful. That’s what I came up with when a dear friend asked me, in the midst of my cancer journey, to pick three words that I felt described me—words I wanted to focus on throughout my journey. My focus on these three words, and on finding joy in my journey, became a battle cry when I was diagnosed with an aggressive Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma that could have taken my life quickly were it not for God’s divine intervention and the medical professionals that God placed in my path.

When trials come our way, we usually end up at a crossroads. One path is comfortable and familiar, and the other is uncertain and requires a deep faith that many of us have never had to exercise before. On my journey, I chose—and still choose—that second path. The path where I will have to be courageous, fierce in pursuing my purpose, and faithful to the calling that God has placed on my life.

What It Means to Be Courageous, Fierce, and Faithful

Being Courageous is facing the “what ifs” of life and choosing to move forward, knowing that God is our shield.

Being Fierce is leading with clarity, intensity, and passion. It’s about destroying the doubts and refusing to settle for less than God’s best.

Being Faithful is trusting in the unseen, relying on God’s strength, and holding onto His promises no matter how hard the road gets.

Will You Join Me? Let’s…

  • Trade our fear for faith
  • Rebuild what was broken with strength
  • Encourage one another to walk in boldness

I believe that courage is contagious. We weren’t meant to walk this road alone, and I know that my journey can be an inspiration to you, just as your stories fuel my fire.

If you are tired of playing it safe and are ready to step into your own calling, I invite you to join me on my courageous, fierce, and faithful journey, and let’s follow God’s lead through scripture.

10 Comments

  • Robert

    February 6, 2026 at 10:31 am

    Thank you for sharing your journey in real time on social media and for being genuine and authentic — the good days, the bad, the challenges, the encouragement you received from God and from Scripture — all of it. It encouraged me and I did my best to catch and read your posts. Your journey was so much more difficult than mine, and I am thrilled by your positive outcome.

    Today I received my (roughly) 33rd infusion in chemo/oncology centers to treat a non-cancer, incurable heart and lunch disease diagnosed in Jan 2020. I dread my infusion days, not because of pain or side effects, but because it always drags me into a depressive place. I take those days off from work and give myself space and grace. I look forward to following your blog and your reflections.

    • Laurie

      Laurie

      February 7, 2026 at 12:13 am

      Hi Robert! From the day I was given my cancer diagnosis and all the way through my treatments and transplant, I felt God’s peace. You will continue to be on my daily prayer list and I can completely relate with the need for space and grace. Thank you for allowing me to invade your space with the words and scriptures that God lays on my heart.

  • Sheila Joann Pack

    February 6, 2026 at 3:15 pm

    Laurie, I am so happy to learn of this new endeavor. You are such an inspiration to everyone who knows you, and a wonderful example for all of us who are followers of Christ. You are always in my prayers. Courageous, Fierce and Faithful, indeed! Much love.

  • Michelle Baldwin

    February 8, 2026 at 12:53 pm

    Thank you for sharing your story and your commitment to let Jesus get all the glory! May He use your blog in miraculous ways.

    • Laurie

      Laurie

      February 8, 2026 at 9:04 pm

      Thank you Michelle! We cannot dispel the darkness in this world if we do not shine our light. I pray that you and I both have many opportunities for God to use us in miraculous ways.