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BY JOHN BRICE

THE LAFAYETTE SUN

WADLEY — Congregation members of Hopewell Missionary Baptist Church gathered Saturday morning for a wellness event titled “Let’s Talk About Cs.” Presented by the Hopewell Women’s Ministry, the program featured three speakers who addressed the topics of cancer, chronic disease and caregiving.

First Lady Jeanette Jones opened the program by sharing her experiences as a breast cancer survivor.

“For anyone facing a diagnosis or walking through a hard season, hold on to your faith,” Jones said. “Medicine has its place and treatment has its power, but only God has the final word. My hope is in the hands of the Lord. No matter what you face, trust Him. He is still a healer, a deliverer and a best friend in times of trouble.”

Jones also described the spiritual challenges that often come with illness.

“The enemy wants you to live in fear,” she said. “He wants you to believe that cancer is the end of the story. But my faith told me something different — that no matter what, trust Him. Doctors can treat, but only God can heal. Medicine can restore, but only God can give life.”

Jones said her faith helped her find peace in the storm.

“Trust in God doesn’t mean we won’t face a storm — it means we can have peace in the storm,” she said. “He brought me through surgery, carried me through chemo and gave me joy on the days I thought I had none left. Cancer was a chapter in my story, but it was not the ending.”

Prophetess Verlinda White spoke next, focusing on chronic disease and the importance of self-care.

“Chronic means it lasts for a long time — six months or more — and doctors may say there’s no cure, only treatment,” White said. “You are your best caregiver when you have a chronic illness. I stand before you with fibromyalgia, arthritis and a few other things. Sometimes I feel good, sometimes I don’t. But I’ve learned not just how to survive, but how to thrive.”

First Lady Cheryl Striggers concluded the event with a presentation on caregiving and receiving.

“Sometimes folks don’t know how to receive help — I used to be one of those,” Striggers said. “When people offered, I’d say, ‘No, that’s okay.’ But I’ve learned to say, ‘Yes, come on!’ We’re here to honor a special group of heroes — the caregivers. To those who walk alongside loved ones battling cancer or chronic disease, we see you. Don’t think you’re invisible.”