2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Following God one yes at a time through breast cancer, April 4, 2011
This review is from: Finding Hope for Your Journey through Breast Cancer: 60 Inspirational Readings (Paperback)
Yvonne Ortega's journey through breast cancer, as chronicled in her wonderful devotional Finding Hope for Your Journey through Breast Cancer is but one of the many difficult obstacles she has overcome as she has learned to follow God, one yes at a time.
Her book was written, not with the 20/20 hindsight that the passage of time allows but each devotional was penned right in the heat of battle. Yvonne takes the reader from the shock of the diagnosis, to the invasion of surgery, to the struggle to decide what treatment options to pursue, and finally, praise God, to recovery. Because she wrote each devotional right then, they convey the emotion, the desperation, and the sufficiency of God who walked with her every step of the way.
Over and over Yvonne, a single-again working woman, said yes to accepting her limitations, to overcoming pride and to asking for help and God supplied all her needs through friends and strangers alike. She said yes to letting her regularly cleaned house get cluttered. She said yes to wearing a surgical mask and gloves so that she could continue teaching during her treatment phase. She said yes to her emotions and allowed herself to cry, and this allowed friends, medical personnel, and fellow cancer warriors to embrace her and encourage her.
The things Yvonne learned through her journey through cancer have been proven true in her other journeys of suffering as well. After she recovered and was declared cancer free she lost both her mother and her only child unexpectedly within weeks of one another. The things that had helped during treatment -- Bible study, prayer, memory verses, a support group, praise and worship music, and a sense of humor -- continued to be the source of much comfort and healing.
On a trip to Alaska with her father after the loss of mother and son, Yvonne said another yes -- a big one. She said yes to enjoying life again. She also said yes to leaving her secure counselling job and to following the dream that God had placed in her heart many years earlier -- to be a writer and retreat speaker. God has taken Yvonne all over North America and beyond to speak and encourage and bring laughter and hope to people who experience loss. And boy does she have a resume! The school of hard knocks has prepared her well but God has redeemed it all and given her an infectious positive attitude coupled with the passion and drive to serve Him by serving others who need Him.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Real Hope for Cancer Survivors, October 5, 2010
This review is from: Finding Hope for Your Journey through Breast Cancer: 60 Inspirational Readings (Paperback)
Having faced the diagnosis of breast cancer herself, Yvonne Ortega's Finding Hope for Your Journey through Breast Cancer resonates with a realness that only a cancer survivor can communicate. Sometimes in the midst of our challenges we need to lean on the hope and experiences of others and this powerful book provides the emotional and spiritual support cancer survivors yearn for. Through a sixty day journey, Yvonne shares her struggles, depression, and pain but she also shares the hope and inspiration she gained in the midst of cancer. This wonderfully written book is a perfect gift and resource not only for breast cancer survivors and support groups but for those who are sharing this journey with them. As a breast cancer survivor myself, I thank Yvonne for sharing her heart, her hope, and her life with us. We are better for it.
Georgia Shaffer, PA Licensed Psychologist and Author of Taking Out Your Emotional Trash
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Not Just For Breast Cancer Sufferers, March 13, 2011
This review is from: Finding Hope for Your Journey through Breast Cancer: 60 Inspirational Readings (Paperback)
I know Yvonne from the writing community and read her book because I knew anything by her would be excellent. I was not disappointed. The book is encouraging, inspirational, and full of hope. I traveled last week with my best friend and we read it together during our daily devotions. Neither of us have had cancer and yet this book ministered to us every morning. I'd suggest this book for anyone struggling with difficult news of any kind. Trust me - you will be blessed.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Was this review helpful to you? Yes
No
