Leading Through Crisis: Feed Your Faith and Starve Your Fear

Several years ago, my husband and I faced a major crisis in our life. I was diagnosed with cancer. It was a challenging time for our family. As we sat in my doctor’s office, my husband and I were at peace with the diagnosis. Here’s why…

As my doctor explained the treatment plan to us, my thoughts were focused on our children and grandchildren. When she finished her explanation, my husband asked several follow-up questions, which my doctor answered.

After she concluded her remarks, my doctor said, “I am surprised by your response. Normally, patients are very emotional.” She then asked me how I was doing. I explained I was okay and not surprised by the diagnosis. I told her God had given us peace about the outcome of the illness.

So as my husband and I drove home from the doctor’s office, my thoughts shifted back to our children and grandchildren. I was worried about how they would respond. In particular, I was especially concerned about our son, who was serving in Afghanistan.

My husband reassured me that God was in control, and He would take care of our children and grandchildren. He reminded me of the difficult times God had brought me through and His faithfulness. Well, my husband was right (please don’t tell him I said that). Our children became a source of strength.

Over the next six months, I underwent several surgeries and chemotherapy. My husband and I spent numerous hours in different doctor’s offices. I was blessed to be surrounded by great friends who help my husband take care of me.

The most challenging time was after my chemotherapy treatments. Thanks to medical advances, I was not physically ill after the treatments. However, I struggled to sleep. In the morning, my husband would do his best to encourage me to rest.

I would spend most of the night sitting in my favorite chair, trying not to wake up my husband. I tried ocean sounds, soft music, and overnight television, but nothing worked. As a result, my mind would wander to dark places.

After several sleepless nights, I found myself focusing on the negative aspects of my journey. The combination of endless doctors’ visits, numerous tests, and the lack of sleep took a toll on my mental wellbeing. Fear became my nightly companion.

When I went to my weekly doctor’s appointment, my blood pressure was high. Leaving the building, my husband asked me what was wrong? I told him about my nightly worry sessions. He suggested I read a book to calm my mind.

The book I chose to read was “When God Interrupts: Finding New Life Through Unwanted Change” by M. Craig Barnes. As I read the book, I was reminded of how God works for the good in all things. As I began to feed my faith, the fear faded away.

While it was a difficult time, it was also a blessed time. John Maxwell reminds us, “Where we choose to put our focus determines what owns our hearts and minds. Positivity fuels faith; negativity fuels fear.”

At the end of my treatment, I was cancer-free, and closer to God!

“Your attitude towards failure determines your altitude after failure.”

– John Maxwell

As a leader, you will face challenges every day. Good things can come out of adversity if you chose to focus on the positive.

Are you feeding your faith in times of crisis?

#YourLeadershipGuide
Kim

Want to be a better leader during times of crisis? Click HERE to view my free Leading Through Crisis Masterclass and learn how.

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