“When the winds of change blow, some people build walls and others build windmills.”
-Chinese Proverb
Sometimes glimpses of spirit occur at trying times in our lives. Lori’s story begins with the diagnosis of breast cancer in January 2014. It ends with her conclusion that this disease was actually a blessing in her life as it brought her so much closer to God. I met Lori for a chat on a recent warm autumn evening. Her presence, despite still undergoing radiation therapy for her disease, is vibrant, positive and uplifting. I wish to thank her for showing up and sharing her light with the world.
Lori glowing from the inside out after her third round of chemotherapy.
Lori, can you tell us about your diagnosis?
Sure, on January 2nd 2014 I found out that I had stage IIIA breast cancer. If you have never been diagnosed with cancer there is no way you can imagine the instant fear and negative thoughts that run through your mind. I did not for one second feel physically limited by the cancer growing in my body, but I was instantly emotionally crippled.
Before I found out I had cancer, I was a fairly spiritual person. Although I didn’t go to church every week, I prayed everyday and talked to my angels.
Tell us how you were introduced to spiritual healing touch.
My Aunt who also had breast cancer suggested I try healing touch. I scheduled an appointment with Sue Ripp for a couple of weeks after my first chemotherapy treatment. The only thing I knew to expect (from my Aunt) was relaxation.
Sue asked me before the first session if I would mind if she prayed. I believe in God and told her that was fine. Before Sue finished the prayer I had tears rolling down my cheeks. I was thankful that a woman I had never met cared enough about me to pray for me. My first session was very relaxing. I didn’t think about cancer or how my life would change or might end. I could feel my breathing get deeper and deeper. I felt like I could feel my blood moving through my body. I just felt completely relaxed.
During the session, bright colors flooded my mind. A vibrant blue and purple color rushed at me and filled my whole being. These colors seemed to fill me with peace and love. At times in a healing touch session, I have felt angelic hands on my left side while Sue was working on my right side. Once, I also felt as if Jesus was holding me in his lap like a small child and caring for me.
Before I had my first healing touch session, I just thought it would be relaxing. I had no idea about these other-worldly colors that would flood my being or the total feeling of deep peace. The first time Sue touched my feet, I instantly felt this love and tears began streaming down my face.
What role did healing touch play in your recovery?
Lori smiling even during her first round of chemotherapy. #building windmills
Well it brought me 100 times closer to God and for that reason alone, I can truly say that my cancer was a gift to me. Before, I appreciated life at times but now I treasure every day. Nothing can really tear me down. The peace from those healing touch sessions made this journey peaceful. I sailed thru chemotherapy without sickness and two surgeries without significant pain. In a few short weeks, I will ring the bell loudly at the Cancer Center when I finish my last radiation treatment.
Healing touch sessions have given me a renewed sense of connection to God. The Divine to me is a sense of total peace. When you are going thru cancer, that peace is priceless. That peace made any outcome, even death ok. That is the ultimate gift.
I mean, I found out that I had cancer, my life should have been turned upside down! Instead, I have never felt more alive, more connected, or more happy in my life. I believe with all my heart and soul that the peace and calmness I have felt through this journey have allowed the conventional medicine to work in my body.
Lori, others have called you names like “warrior, an inspiration and an angel”- how are you going to move forward from this period in your life?
Lori celebrating with family a week before this story was published.
Hello Its great as your other articles : D, thkyanou for putting up. Reason is the substance of the universe. The design of the world is absolutely rational. by Georg Wilhelm Friedrich Hegel .