I am a survivor. Wow, you can truly empower yourself by simply saying those four words. Try not to speak in past or future tense. Don't say "I am going to survive," or "I survived," but state the now, the present, your current state of mind. A lot of well-known authors or speakers have several degrees or magnificent documentation of an event or belief they mean to justify or explain. All I have to present is experience. Yes I am barely in my late 20's, just getting into my career, still searching for the perfect answers in life. But like with many other survivors God allowed "hell and high-water," to flood and destroy my sanctuary. Then he gave me a way out. I probably took the long way home. You know the one that you know is likely to be chaotic but you rather take that chance than be patient on a calm and peaceful road. So at first my mind is racing and I'm contemplating my beliefs and asking why me? What will I get from this? What are you doing? Through asking those questions and not thinking that I was getting a reply when I really was, I learned that sometimes He will use situations we perceive to be the most life-altering to teach us simple, basic skills. Skills like: prayer, supplication, faith, patience or long-suffering, and witnessing; witnessing and sharing being the anchor. See I am a survivor...for a reason. Not because I deserve to be that is for certain. So anyone that is thinking that you are "still here," but has never sacrificed for another person or prayed for a stranger's soul; you are just taking up air. Survival is pulling through in spite of, and then? See that "and then"? Survival is not reached, it is continuous. After you remain you must pass on what helped you endure. That way the spirit of perseverance is passed on. We have to encourage one another. Encouragement is just one of the many qualities of a servant's heart. The world witnessed Lauren Hill battle with brain cancer and play her first collegiate baske