More From Danielle Ripley-Burgess

This past January I became a 20-year cancer survivor. All of my follow-up scans are coming back positive, I’ve got no evidence of disease. I did have a recurrence 12 years ago, but we caught it early and the cancer was removed with surgery. I bought a butterfly bush to remember the day in June when I was diagnosed a second time and how God’s been faithful. It’s currently in bloom. I’m grateful to say I am cancer-free today.

It’s been a journey to find purpose in the pain, and every few years I ask myself if I’m in the right place. My husband and daughter are often a guiding light to help me answer this question. Home is really important to me.

This past fall I published a memoir about surviving colon cancer at age 17. Talk about finding purpose. I worked on the book for more than five years, and it was an incredible joy to finally publish. I have been so blessed by readers who have reached out to share that the book inspired and motivated them. It’s brought even more healing.

I’ve been fortunate to stay connected to the national nonprofit organization that offered me the job I mentioned in my meditation, Fight Colorectal Cancer. I am serving as the Chief Storyteller, a role that gives me a platform not only to share my story but also to help others affected by cancer tell theirs. I’m meeting people every day who’ve been affected by this cancer, especially young people. This week I got an email from a mom whose son is grieving his friend, age 27, who has colon cancer. I’ve recently gotten connected with a young gal who was diagnosed at age 14. In a few days I’ll be moderating a global panel featuring patients and caregivers from around the world. God continues to open doors for me. All it took was a first step in saying “yes” and connecting with others. I’ve learned how important it is never to walk alone.

“Why me?” is a common question that patients ask themselves and God when diagnosed. But what’s not always talked about is the follow-up question that comes if you defeat the disease: “Why did I survive?” This is the question that never goes away. It brings immense pressure at times and depression at others—especially when offering condolences. But I’ve learned over the years that when I’m willing to actually ask the Lord this question, God’s always got an answer for me.

Psalm 23 has come alive for me as God has gently led me to quiet places to restore my soul and offer insights into why I survived. What do my “green pastures” practically look like? A car ride with worship music. A prayer room. A trip I take by myself for uninterrupted silence and solitude. A blank page with coloring pencils. And now and then, it comes in the form of a cozy cup of tea.