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
