Kelly Whitmore introduces her new blog this way:

Hi! My name is Kelly, I am twenty-nine years old, I love Jesus, and I have a very rare stage IV ovarian cancer. Yep. That about sums it up. This is not a sad story. This is a story of freedom, grace, and unfailing love.

In a matter of weeks between the end of December and the beginning of March, this young woman with an infectious laugh and radiant smile found out that she would need a full hysterectomy and that what the doctors had thought was a stage I cancer, was actually stage IV.

My amazing oncologist came in to see me personally to tell me that the cancer had spread to my lungs, and that would actually stage me at a stage IV. That was definitely not the news I expected, but my response was the same. “Okay. We’ve got this.”

Kelly has now had the surgery and is undergoing chemotherapy. She has peace. She is living in grace. She is still radiant. How is this possible? Only in Jesus.

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.
2 Corinthians 12:9

Kelly, who has attended Blue Ridge for the last couple of years and serves on our Social Media Team, has already seen how God is using her story, using her to show his grace to others.

God has been so clear and present in letting me know that I am exactly where I am supposed to be. I am overwhelmed with such gratitude that I cannot properly express. There is such intense peace and freedom in that security. No matter what is happening. No matter what is coming. I am where I am supposed to be. It is a good and beautiful place to be. I have never been in a better place.

I know that can seem strange, but it is true. I am not struggling. I am being carried. My Father has me in His arms so tightly, there is no room for fear and dread.

People have wondered at her reactions to the events of the last months. They worry that she’s in denial. They question why such a difficult thing would happen to such a wonderful person.

It’s difficult to understand how God, who is so great and merciful could allow this. It’s not that He causes bad things to happen, but that He can use it.

Admittedly an emotional person, Kelly says God has done something supernatural in her to give her peace, to give her joy. She calls it a transformation.

Through this process, I have not felt one ounce of fear or apprehension. Well, that’s not entirely true. I have a highly irrational fear of needles. That hasn’t gone away. My blood pressure goes through the roof at the thought of one of those suckers coming at me. Haha!

But in all seriousness, from the time the possibility of cancer was brought up, to surgery, to the confirmation of cancer present, to the escalation of the cancer to a stage IV, I have not been afraid or upset. I know that does not make much sense.

I promise I see the danger. I am not oblivious. I can see the storm raging around me and I am aware of the possibilities. But over and above all of that, I can feel my Father holding me. I can feel Him loving me and guiding me, and I can hear Him whisper that this storm can touch my body, but it cannot have my mind or my heart.

His protection over me is so strong and supernatural, that I actually have intense joy in the face of this disease. It is a beautiful place to be, and I pray that I remain in this place of trusting Him completely.

What is Kelly’s prognosis? She only says that God will heal her — it just may not be on this side of heaven. Yet, she has not stopped her life as she begins a new job and is buying a house.

I would choose this again if I had a choice...because I'm so overwhelmed by His grace. I would choose His grace over a healthy body.

She shares the lyrics of a Bethel song, “Nearness”:

I stand with so many questions
But You know all of the answers
And whether this side of Heaven
I know that You are the Healer

And my heart will stay steadfast
I know that You are good
And my heart will stay steadfast
I know that You are good

Comforter You are to me
Shelter from the cold
Constant how You carry me
Never letting go
You are with me