I think perhaps one of the biggest blessings from my Breast Cancer experience was taking a big step out of my comfort zone willingly.
The whole experience of breast cancer was for sure out of my comfort zone. From finding the lump in my breast, and going for testing, then being diagnosed were, for sure, out of my comfort zone. But I went into all that really thinking I was going to get the news that it was NOT cancer.
Then Cancer Treatment. That was even more out of my comfort zone. Going to the hospital so often. Tests. Blood tests. Needles. But all of that started with something that was SO scary to me, that when I faced it, somehow the cancer treatment wasn’t quite so scary. Seems kind of silly, but it’s true.
About the time of my cancer diagnosis, I had been dancing in worship for about six months. It was at weekly worship and prayer meeting, with attendance that varied from a few people to about a handful. I attended these worship/prayer meetings for my edification, but also in obedience to what I really felt God was calling me to do. It was a big step out of my comfort zone to start dancing at these worship/prayer meetings. I was SO nervous the first times, even though it a small group, and usually all ladies.
I became more used to dancing there, and it became much more fun. I got some worship flags and flagged too. It was also really good exercise for me. And other ladies joined in with me.
Then I began feeling that God wanted me to step out more, and worship with dance and flags at Sunday services. But I really didn’t want to. I was terrified. I was very reluctant to do something like that which would attract attention to myself. I didn’t want people to look at me, and the thought of it made me feel rather panicky and scared and extremely uncomfortable.
Then getting the breast cancer diagnosis changed things. Suddenly I was faced with the possibility of death. Although I really strongly felt I would not die from this cancer, being diagnosed with cancer certainly is a position of possibly facing death.
I have shared before that I felt that God was asking me, “If you really WERE facing death, would you be afraid to do anything?” And I realized that no, I wouldn’t.
If I really WAS going to die, would I be afraid of dancing and worshipping in front of people before I die?
If I really WAS going to die, would I care if anyone looked at me before I die?
If I really WAS going to die, would I care if some of the last things I did before I died caused people think I was silly or goofy or weird?
I had to admit that no, I wouldn’t be afraid and I wouldn’t care about any of that stuff that I was feeling scared about before the diagnosis. Strange how the perspective suddenly made the scary things not so scary anymore.
So I did it.
I JUMPED out of my comfort zone.
I gave it my all.
I did it with gusto.
People looked at me, and I didn’t care.
I felt self-conscious, but I didn’t care.
I danced with all my might.
I did it for God.
And I am glad that I did.
And I hope that I will continue to have the courage to keep pressing out of my comfort zone every time it is time to take a new steps out of comfort.
I have been hearing more and more that in order to achieve our dreams and other amazing things in our lives, stepping out of our comfort zone every once in awhile is a must.
So, may we all have the ability, the courage, the willingness to step out of our comfort zones in order to achieve our dreams. Dare to JUMP!
To see Day 6: Fighting Cancer With Flowers click HERE
