october// breast cancer month

It's that time of year again. With the beginning of fall comes the beginning of a month dedicated to raise awareness for breast cancer. Pink products are EVERYWHERE. And I really mean everywhere. Even the most random stores have product after product decked out in pink and breast cancer ribbons. Don't get me wrong; I love it. I love the fact that people want to support a disease that has affected over 2.8 million women in the U.S. in just 2014 alone. A disease that took the lives of 40,000 women in the past year. A disease that challenges, hurts, and changes so many peoples lives. I definitely find myself buying unnecessary breast cancer themed items just because, especially in October.
However, I don't like what comes along with breast cancer awareness month. I don't like seeing all the posts about breast cancer survivors with captions saying things like "the strongest woman I've ever known. #breastcancersurvivor".
I get it; you're so thankful they survived this awful disease and you aren't ashamed to show it. That's fine, really it is. I would probably do the same if my mom had survived breast cancer. But she didn't. Does that make her "not strong" or "not a survivor"??
My mom was definitely strong. And I also consider my mom a breast cancer survivor. But how could I say those things when she's not here?
My mom went through countless different chemotherapy treatments and radiation treatments. Many procedures and surgeries. She was given chemo that had been tried before and also ventured out and tested trial cases of chemo. She lost her hair, grew it back, and then lost it again. A few times. She endured so much physical pain but also plenty of emotional pain. Knowing that something is attacking your body isn't necessarily a joyful thought. She also had 4 young children and a husband to take care of on top of all this. Yet, she handled all of these things with strength and dignity. This is something I look up to and think about all the time. But I also have to remind myself that the strength she had during her time as a cancer patient was given to her by Jesus; none of it was actually her. And sometimes thats hard yet humbling to remember. 
My mom is a cancer survivor. Weird, but I believe this. She endured cancer for 3 years and eventually overcame it, through entering the Kingdom of Heaven. Maybe not the world's view of a breast cancer survivor but I don't really care what the world has to say about it. She battled it, and for almost 7 years now, she isn't battling it. She's completely healed and dancing on the golden streets and worshiping our Jesus. How lucky is she?!
One very common phrase of encouragement given to someone battling not just breast cancer, but any kind of cancer, is this: "Keep fighting! If you just stay strong you'll get through this! You go girl." And honestly, I think this statement is so messed up. Yes, you have to be strong to endure cancer for any amount of time. You have cells inside you who's sole purpose is to destroy your body; obviously you have to be strong. However, this strength you need isn't from yourself. It's given to you from God. Your body can fight, you can spend crazy amounts of money on treatment, and you can be so incredibly strong but if it's in God's plan for a cancer patient to die, it's gonna happen. I hate to be so blunt, but I think this is something people ignore and it's starting to bother me. Maybe it bothers me because my mom isn't here, maybe it bothers me because I know she fought her very hardest for 3 long years, or maybe it bothers me because I'm tired of people tip toeing around the truth; as uncomfortable as it may be. The fate of your life is forever in God's hands. If you're dealt the cancer card, I definitely think you should fight cancer as best as you can. Seriously, do your best. Kick some cancer booty. But at the same time, all you can really do is pray. Not necessarily just for healing (even though you should) but also for understanding, if surviving isn't in God's plan for you. Pray for the hearts of others who know you and love you, for the impact and glory you could bring God through your battle. 
I am not trying to offend, hurt, or mislead anyone through my words. You are entitled to your own opinions and that's fine. I just wanted to share what's been on my heart lately while scrolling through Facebook or walking through a store in October. Maybe it's a little harsh, a little insensitive, or a little rude, but the way people view cancer survivors just seems a little off to me and I've been trying to find the right words to express my feelings for a while now.
Basically; cancer is awful, people need Jesus to get through it, & Jesus decides who "survives" and who doesn't. It's really that simple.