Denton County Living Well Magazine July/August 2017 | Page 19

By Lisa Jenkins-Moore
About a month later, she went to the doctor for a routine
mammogram, and later received a call requesting she
come in for the results. At 42, she was healthy and had
no family history of breast cancer. Her friend assured her
the call was only routine but Kristie sensed otherwise. As
she pulled into the garage of her home one afternoon, she
heard the Lord speak to her heart, “This is why your house
did not sell—I’m taking care of you.” She knew then she
had cancer, and on the following Monday, she and her
husband were given the news.
Though the news was awful, Kristie had great peace; she
believed the Lord said he’d take care of her and she trusted
He would. After a lumpectomy and six weeks of radiation,
she entered 2013 cancer-free. She knew God had seen her
through the ordeal, and the walls around her heart softened
some, but did not come down completely.
In 2015, her best friend was diagnosed with breast cancer.
Her friend’s husband heard about a “Pink Impact” cruise,
so they both signed up so they’d have something to look
forward to once her friend’s treatment was over. Initially,
they thought the cruise was for breast cancer survivors, but
later Kristie realized it wasn’t. At the airport, all the cruise
participants were identifiable as they’d been given simi-
lar gear—t-shirts and bags with the event colors and logo.
Women began approaching them, asking what “campus”
they attended. It was only then they learned the cruise was
a women’s conference hosted by Gateway Church!
Kristie met one cruise participant at the airport, a woman
named Carolyn, who bore a striking resemblance to her
mother (who was also named Carolyn!). Carolyn was a
sweet woman with a radiant smile and Kristie was instantly
drawn to her. The cruise experience was incredible; Kristie
and her friend were both moved by the worship and speak-
ers, but Kristie still felt distant from the Lord, unsure she
could ever fully trust Him again.
Alone for a moment on the ship, she ran into Carolyn. She
hugged Kristie and said, “I love you.” Kristie began to
weep as the woman began speaking into her life. Carolyn
said, “God loves you and has collected every tear you’ve
cried. He is ready for you to move beyond your anger. He
has great plans for you and it’s time for you to get busy.”
Kristie responded, expressing her hurt and disappointment,
but Carolyn continued, “This isn’t about you, Kristie. It’s
about God’s plan for your life. It’s time to engage.”
Something clicked for Kristie in that moment. Carolyn’s
words rang true. Kristie was determined to make a change,
but knew it would be difficult—she and her family hadn’t
been to church in 19 years, and she wasn’t sure how to
start. When she retu