The Courage To Do Hard Things
April's letter.
This past weekend, I had the chance to travel to Champaign, Illinois, with my son, Kirk, his wife Paxton, and their sweet 2-month-old son, Baker. Kirk was there to run his very first marathon — 26.2 freaking miles.
Let me be honest. I have a hard enough time walking briskly for 26.2 minutes, let alone 26.2 miles. But what I witnessed this weekend was something I’ll never forget.
Men and women of all ages pushed themselves to their limits — physically and mentally — for hours. I saw runners cross the finish line with hands raised high in triumph. I saw tears of joy, tears of pain, and even runners being carried into the medical tent because they physically couldn't walk another step.
It was humbling.
It was inspiring.
It was beautiful.
And then… to watch my own son accomplish something so hard stirred a wave of emotion I can hardly put into words.
Back in the middle of his training — which he started on December 31st — I asked Kirk why he wanted to run a marathon, especially knowing he’d be training through the birth of his son and those first sleepless, interrupted nights.
His answer stopped me in my tracks:
"Because I'm scared to."
He wasn’t running because it sounded easy. He wasn’t running because he thought he’d win a medal. He chose the challenge because it scared him.
Because sometimes, doing the thing that scares us the most is exactly what grows us the most.
And it made me think of all of you.
Every single one of you is doing hard things every day.
You’re running your own race too, friend, and it’s hard and holy work. So, here are three reminders I hope will encourage you today:
1. Fear isn’t always a stop sign. Sometimes fear is a clue that we’re standing at the edge of something meaningful. It’s not a reason to back away. It’s a reason to step forward.
2. You don’t have to do it alone. People cheered these marathon runners throughout the race, shouting “Good job!” “Keep going!” We need each other for the hard miles, too—to cry with, to celebrate with, and to lean on when we can’t move another step.
3. Crossing the finish line looks different for everyone. Some sprint across, some stumble, some are carried. But finishing is finishing. And every step you take matters.
If you’re facing something hard today — and I know many of you are — please remember:
You are not alone.
You are stronger than you know.
And you are so loved.
Running this race with you,
Lisa
P.S. I’d love to hear from you. If you're facing something hard right now — big or small — hit reply and share it with me. Sometimes just naming it out loud is one of the bravest things we can do. I’m cheering you on!
“Healing is not an absence of pain, but the courage to move through it, trusting God’s presence with us every step of the way.”
~ Aundi Kolber
Beauty Hunt
Here’s a glimpse into my April beauty hunt—small reminders that there’s still beauty to be found even in hard times. #beautyhunt #beautyinashes
Game-Changers
We love shining a light on others doing powerful, purpose-filled work, and Man Up to Cancer is exactly that. Founded by cancer survivor Trevor Maxwell, this nonprofit is on a mission to break the isolation that many men feel during cancer by building connection, camaraderie, and support. Their motto is “No man walks alone,” and they mean it. From an online community to a podcast that dives into real, raw stories, to in-person events that bring men together, this group is rewriting what it looks like to fight cancer with strength and support. If you or someone you love is a male cancer survivor, caregiver, or just needs encouragement, make sure to check out manuptocancer.org.
I’ll be the first to admit that I love Amazon, and here’s a product I’ve heard rave reviews about—Scrubzz Disposable Rinse-Free Bathing Wipes. These wipes are a game-changer for anyone who needs to freshen up without a traditional shower. Perfect for those dealing with mobility challenges, post-surgery recovery, or treatment days when a full rinse is just too much. Simply dampen, lather, and dry—no shampoo or rinsing required. They’re a great way to stay clean, comfortable, and refreshed, no matter what the day brings. You can check them out here.
For anyone navigating cancer treatment or caregiving, finding a tool that can simplify communication and provide real-time support is a game-changer. That’s where Natia Cares comes in. This app is designed to help families stay organized by providing a central hub for updates, meals, schedules, and more. It’s an amazing way to keep everyone in the loop without overwhelming yourself with constant calls and texts. Whether you’re the one receiving care or supporting a loved one, Natia Cares helps create a seamless, stress-free experience. It’s like having your own personal support network right at your fingertips. You can learn more about them here.
A Gift of Hope
Do you need a thoughtful gift for yourself or a beloved cancer warrior or caregiver? Explore the "For Such a Time as This" planner at Quiet Hope – a purposeful companion designed to bring organization and encouragement throughout the cancer journey. Discover the perfect blend of practicality and inspiration. Click below to shop and share the gift of hope!
Join our Tribe
If you're looking for a place to find encouragement, connect with others who understand, and share your journey, I want to invite you to join The Warrior Way—a private Facebook group where we support each other through life’s toughest battles. Whether you're facing cancer or supporting someone who is, this group is all about finding strength together. We share resources, personal stories, and a whole lot of heart. It’s a safe space to be yourself, ask questions, and connect with others who get it. You don’t have to go through this alone. Ready to join? Click the link below and join our warrior tribe!
Healthy Bites
Oatmeal Peanut Butter Protein Balls
These Oatmeal Peanut Butter Protein Balls from What Molly Made are the perfect snack for when you need a quick pick-me-up. With a combination of oats, peanut butter, and a touch of honey, they provide a satisfying, protein-packed bite that’s both delicious and filling. They’re easy to make and require no baking, making them a great option for busy days when you need a healthy snack on the go. Check out the recipe below and enjoy these little bites of goodness!
If you enjoyed this month’s Warrior Connection, would you consider sharing it with someone you know by clicking the share button below? Let’s keep growing our connections because we’re better together, friend.