Almost 4 months ago, I left Bossier City for Auburn, AL. The past few years by life has been way off track. My trip to Auburn was an act of desperation. I felt like if I didn't leave soon, I would be dead, and what was scary is I wasn't sure I cared if I was. Sin is a funny thing. Once it gets it's foot in the door, before you know it, you've been completely handed over to your sin (Romans 1) and you're in a total state of darkness. And boy was I. My first year of college I became addicted to drugs and most of the lifestyle that surrounds it. I attempted to get clean September of last year but relapsed in early 2008. I hearted speed. On April 1st 2008 I drove all night (9hrs) to Auburn to my Carter's. A wonderful family I met back when I was 14 while in my youth group. Only by the grace of God did they take me in, made me part of their family, and allowed me to regroup. I had no idea how long I would stay or if it would be beneficial to anyone. I came with the mindset that my way hadn't yet worked for me so I was willing to give God another shot. Maybe even a real shot. I began going to church with them and studying the bible regularly and poof...not really poof I gotta long way to go, but here I am now, writing about the grace of God and how He saved my life. My happiness is no longer depending on people or drugs or things. It is invested solely in Him and my joy is in the Lord. Those of you who knew me over the last few years mouth's probably just dropped. And you're why I'm writing...keep reading.
July 2, 2008 I was diagnosed with Hodgkins Lymphoma. Cancer. What the crap, right? Finally, I get my life together and now this. I can't tell you why I'm going through this yet. I can tell you HOW. Nothing is chance or accident. I fully believe I went to Auburn to be physically and spiritually ready for the battle I'm up against. This cancer is fully beatable and I have an amazing group of family and friends rallying behind me. This may sound strange but a part of me is excited to see what all good can come of this. My God is bigger than this and I'm taking it in stride. So this blog will be my journal through this time. I hope those who read it understand that I am seeking no pity, nor am I seeking a pat on the back. I'm simply trying to shed some light on a dark situation.
PEACE
18 comments:
Hi there!..I just wanted you to know that I read your blog. Thank you so much for sharing that. You don't know how you've encouraged me. I just know that God is going to use you in some very big ways, and I want you to know that I really will be praying for you every day. Thank you.. =)
hey christie. random that i saw your facebook status about this blog and even more random that i decided to read up on your life and see what you were up to. i dont know if you remember me, but we went to elementary school all those years ago until i moved back to las vegas. its literally been years, but i'm glad to see that you are still as upbeat and positive as you were when we were 13. regarding your upcoming journey, i wish you the best of luck and my most sincere hope that at the end, you are not only healthy and cancer free, but have reached a new level of identity and contentment. it sounds already as if you are well on your way. in the meantime, i'm sending positive thoughts your direction. take care of yourself.
-Mallory
What a great idea! I was praying you would journal this experience. You know my thoughts but I want to remind you of 1 Thes 5:18 In everything give thanks for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Be thankful that you're in a position to devote 100% of your being to conquering this illness. The problems in this world do not come to stay, they come to pass.
Love ya! Mom
p.s. Make your bed
Christie-
Love that you are doing this blog ...what a testimony to you and to others it will be! We miss you here in Auburn - We are and will be praying you through this. Please let me know if there is anything else I can do to help you!!!
Neighbor Heather
Dude, I swear to God if you don't stop making me cry, you're not going to have to worry about cancer cause I'm gonna kill ya.
It's about time you blogged! I feel like I'm one of the many on the front lines rallying behind you on this journey. What a privilege it is to do this thing called life with you! How amazing is to know that God heals, restores and gives us lasting peace and love - despite ourselves and our circumstances. You truly reflect His grace.
Love.
Randi
PS: Before you can make your bed you gotta find it first. Unpack already!
Wow, how cool. But then again, has there ever been any question that you thought you were cool? :) This is an amazing blog by an even more amazing girl writing about an amazing experience. I can't wait to see how God uses this to change you and the people around you. And it has been the utmost priveledge to be part of this journey. The Carter's love you more than you'll ever know.
Your Jitty
P.S. When you get back here, you need to make your bed.
Christie,
I am so very proud of your courage and strength through all of this. You are such an inspiration to me and so many others.You are a beautiful person inside and out... you bring so much joy and laughter to this world!!! I wish that we had a chance to spend more time together and get to know each other more during the time you were here- I think we have alot more in common than we realize! Seeking and finding God is definatly a journey but a very rewarding one. It is funny how circumstances take place to bring you to him... and I think he does that on purpose~ and Im so glad he does!!! I'm sending love and prayers your way!!! Stay strong girl!
Always,
Lucy
I love you sooo much!! Even though I never get to see you it doesn't make me love you any less. You have been my friend fo eva and I will always be yours. Even when I am 75 and I haven't seen you in like 30 years I will still love you!! I am sooo proud of you for everything you have done this past year and it sucks but it makes you an amazing person. You are a person to be looked up. I know for a fact I wouldn't be as optimistic as you in this situation. I'm glad I know you!! You are awesome!!
Amy
well sis. whew. i know we make fun of bruuther, but that was a tear jerker. boy o boy. i love you and i'm here for ya! another silver lining in a black cloud is buuuuuunnnkk beeeeedddddsss (jof)
Hi Christie, we only met a few times, but I just wanted to wish you luck. Well maybe not so much luck as determination, peace, and laughter. I fully believe things happen for a reason, good or bad, and I am so glad you have so much love surrounding you. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Yo! This is awesome and - for real - you need to tone the emotion a tad bit. I think my keyboard short circuited from all the moisture. I look forward to reading your blog, Christie. You are an amazing testimony to God's power and I pray for continued peace as you walk through this. Kimmy - out!
Christie
Thanks for the invite to read about your journey. Words cannot describe how great it was to read the words from your heart...to see the transformation. I have prayed for you often over the past few years. Your grandparents are good about giving updates. From the first time you came to church with them I have thought of you as a friend.
You are right, Christie, God is in control of this. I KNOW that you will feel closer to God in this journey than you ever thought possible. Do not be surprised if you feel his touch as he passes by. Cherish each moment. I will commit to pray each day for you. I KNOW that God has great plans for you….I can’t wait to see what they are.
Bro. Delbert
Christie Leigh.. ur a bright spot n my life.. I love u forever! There could be a book on our family.. for that matter just ur life alone! Like u.. I still haven't wrapped my mind around this whole cancer thing.. but I believe with all my heart.. God will see u thru.. I know he will. Anything u ever need.. u can count on me.. I'll always be here for u.. Luv u with all my heart. Aunt Susan
Christie Leigh.. ur a bright spot n my life.. I love u forever! There could be a book on our family.. for that matter just ur life alone! Like u.. I still haven't wrapped my mind around this whole cancer thing.. but I believe with all my heart.. God will see u thru.. I know he will. Anything u ever need.. u can count on me.. I'll always be here for u.. Luv u with all my heart. Aunt Susan
You never cease to amaze me. God is absolutely using you to bring Him glory in just this short time. Keep it up girlfriend! Let His light shine through you as you stand firm, fast and surefooted.
Love you
Monica
I Peter 5:6 Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time:
1 Peter 5:7 Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.
1 Peter 5:8 Be sober, vigilant; because your adversary, the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about seeking whom he may devour
Christie, Thank you for letting me know about this blog. Even though it has been a long time since we have seen or talked, all of you in Bossier are never far from my thoughts and my heart. I know this is a scarry journey but by the Grace of God, He will get you and your family through this. I will be keeping you and your family constantly in my prayers. Love, Deborah Dickson Ballew
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