Mothers embody courage that can withstand life’s most difficult trials. They are clothed in beauty and strength that comes from God. Here is a story of a mother who remains steadfast in her faith in God amid her battle with cancer.

I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2017. That same year, I went through a procedure to have the tumor removed. I thought I was on my way to getting well. But just a year later, my hopes were dashed by heartbreaking news from my doctors—they found that another tumor had surfaced.

Though still recovering from my previous operation, I decided to go through another surgery. It was way more aggressive than the first one. The doctors recommended a radical mastectomy, which entailed complete removal of breasts, underlying chest muscles, and lymph nodes.

The whole process was painful physically, emotionally, and mentally. I went through anxiety, depression, and self-pity. It took me a while to understand everything that was happening to me, but I never questioned God. I knew He had a purpose.

While undergoing chemotherapy, I would always pray to God and tell Him everything I was feeling. I would also post verses on my wall to remind me that He is in control. It was hard to deal with the fear and pain of living with cancer, especially when I think of my husband and children, but God’s promises strengthened me. Whenever I felt weak, instead of wallowing in self-pity, I would fill my heart with His word.

God also gave me an opportunity to strengthen my faith by allowing me to share His goodness with other cancer patients. Instead of dwelling on my pain, I learned to focus more on the good things that He is doing in my life. When fear would creep in, God would always lead me to someone in need of His word. I would always end up declaring the gospel instead of being depressed over my situation. It builds my faith to know that God is using me to bring hope to other patients in pain.

At home, though it’s hard to remain strong, seeing my children with so much faith in God helps me to continue my fight every day. My husband, who’s miles away from us, also never fails to comfort and encourage me. I will always be thankful to God for letting me experience His love through my family.

To those who are also battling any disease, I pray that they will always be reminded of how big God is. Though what we’re experiencing is beyond difficult, I believe that God can always turn things around and use our situation to be a blessing. I learned a lot in this battle, and I will always be thankful to God for allowing me to grow in faith. It may be a painful process, but I know that God will enable me to be victorious in the end. 

I can do all things through him who strengthens me. Philippians 4:13

Angelita Ratonel is a full-time housewife with three kids. She is currently leading a Victory group for senior citizens in Victory Bacoor. She is continuing her fight against cancer and is set to have her last chemotherapy session on May 13, 2020.