Six years ago, I met Nancy
Alexander, owner of Ladybug Wreaths. We sat down to chat about her life and the
possibility of writing a book. I didn’t know anything about her but soon
learned she’s a successful entrepreneur, master wreath-maker, and fibromyalgia
champion.
You don’t typically associate the
word champion with fibromyalgia, but it
didn’t take me long to realize that’s what Nancy is.
As we collaborated on writing her
book, I also learned she has a big heart. Nancy possesses a special kind of
strength, one that could only come from the Holy Spirit working through her.
Despite the obstacles she’s had to overcome, and maybe because of them, she has
a determination to succeed on all levels, but particularly as a wife, mother,
and grandmother.
Her heart for others, like the
women suffering from chronic illness who’ve emailed her over the years, is what
drove her to finally share her personal and painful story.
Nancy is an overcomer and a
champion. I hope in reading her story that readers, like yourself, will become
inspired to defeat your Goliath and let God use the adversity to shape you to
become more like Christ.
I waited patiently for the Lord;
he turned to me and heard my cry.
He lifted me out of the slimy pit,
out of the mud and mire;
he set my feet on a rock
and gave me a firm place to stand.
He put a new song in my mouth,
a hymn of praise to our God.
Many will see and fear the Lord
and put their trust in him.
Are you fighting a chronic illness or walking through a valley in your life? We’d love to pray for you.
Do you have a favorite Bible verse that’s helped you in times of despair? Or maybe a quote that’s inspired you? Please feel free to share to encourage others.
Leave a comment to be entered in the contest to win a copy of "My Journey Through Fibromyalgia" (Deadline to enter is October 11, 2017). Winner will be announced next week.
For twenty-five years, Nancy
Alexander battled a mysterious illness without a diagnosis. Despite spells of
total debilitation and hospitalizations with no answers, she managed to fight
through and raise two sons and create a successful business. Like many marriages
where chronic illnesses are at the forefront, Nancy’s suffered. This is her
story of fighting the medical system to receive a diagnosis and to not only
save her marriage to Steve but restore it to a place of joy. Years of rumors
from doctors and friends, the ravages on her body from disease, and the rescue
in the form of a doctor and nutritionist culminated into a place of wellness
that Nancy now shares with her readers. Though she didn’t always know it during
her journey, God’s hand guided and protected her and Steve. Nancy’s story will
uplift and encourage those with chronic illness that answers are worth fighting
for, and God’s strength is sufficient on even the worse days.
Available for purchase on Amazon.com.
Follow Nancy:
Twitter: @LadyBugWreaths
Pinterest: www.pinterest.com/ladybugwreaths
Mountain photo courtesy of
Pixabay.com
© Laura Hodges Poole
I am very interested in this book. I have two family members who suffer with fibromyalgia. My 80 yr old mother in law, who is a fighter and fights through the illness daily (though she has had some really bad days lately) and a cousin who has totally given into the illness. Hope things are going well Laura - I pray for you, Josh, and James often.
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear your family is suffering with fibromyalgia. I'll be praying for your cousin to get some relief and answers. Thank you for your friendship and prayers, Betty. I really appreciate you!
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ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful testimony you are to the power of God working through such horrible trials. You would find a kindred spirit in Nancy and gain comfort in reading her story. I'll be praying for you and your loved ones who aren't saved. Thanks for stopping by and sharing your difficult experiences. God bless.
DeleteThis book is exactly what I need to read write now.. Just wow
ReplyDeleteNancy's book is so encouraging. You're entered in the contest. Check back next week to see if you won!
DeleteOh my goodness! I would love to read this book. I have recently been diagnosed as having Fibromyalgia. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteI'm dealing with chronic illness and it has gotten to the point where I had to quit my career...and I'm only 42. I'm very interested in this book!
ReplyDeleteSounds like an amazing book...
ReplyDeletehave not started this yet i am trying to stay moving because of the the diease in the family an now what happen with my aunt
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like such an amazing book, I'd love to read it.
ReplyDeleteI suffer from fibromyalgia. My favorite Bible verse is 2 Timothy 4:7.
ReplyDeletep_halligan@yahoo.com
I am recently been told I have fibromyalgia. Look forward to reading this book
ReplyDeleteAs a person diagnosed with Fibromyalgia back in 1998, I know well what you are going through. I love hearing others' stories. It helps me feel not so alone.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a wonderful book
ReplyDeleteJames 1:5- If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. Every time I think I know the answer and what to do, I find myself going before the Lord and asking because of this verse.
ReplyDeleteI would really like to win this because I want to learn more about this disease before going to my doctor and speaking to them about it because I believe I suffer from this.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry I missed this earlier. I love that any victim of pain or illness can push past the problems, and go onto encourage others. Thanks Laura and Nancy. Proverbs 3:5-6 "Trust in the Lord with all your heart; lean not unto your own understanding, (and the best part) In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths."
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