Hear me out — this will all make sense by the end.
Two things I love are stories and music. After all, music is just storytelling set to a background track. And today I’m sharing about about both.
I grew up VERY churchy. We were always at church, and when we weren’t, my mom’s car stereo stayed on gospel music, sermons, and news radio. While my life has since stretched far beyond the walls of the Pentecostal church I grew up in, the lessons from that time still shape me today.
The Woman with the Issue of Blood
In three of the gospels, there’s a story about a woman who suffered from continuous menstrual bleeding for 12 years. At the time, women were labeled “unclean” during their periods and risked being stoned to death if found in public during that time. This woman’s life had been severely restricted for 12 years.
Yet, she decided to risk everything. She ventured out anyway, determined to touch the hem of Jesus’ garment and receive healing. That decision wasn’t just about health—it was about survival. About reclaiming her life.
Tim McGraw’s Dad
Then there’s Tim McGraw, who released the song “Live Like You Were Dying” in 2004. I was fascinated with that song when it first came out. It tells the story of Tim’s father, Tug McGraw, who, after receiving a terminal diagnosis, chose to live life to the full for the rest of his days. His dad decided to:
- Go skydiving
- Rocky mountain climbing
- Bull riding
But what resonated most with me were these:
- Love deeper
- Spoke sweeter
- Gave forgiveness he’d been denying
I’m good on bull riding and mountain climbing, but those last three? Absolutely.
The Power of DECIDING
The woman with the issue of blood decided to seek healing. Tim’s dad decided to live fully when facing his own mortality. I decided, after my own terminal diagnosis in 2018, that I would return to health, no matter what. And then, we each walked our decisions out in our own ways. What ties these stories together — hers, his, and mine — is the power of a decision.
We each made the choice to live differently in the face of new life conditions.
For me, it was that 2018 diagnosis. But before that — just like you — I’ve faced plenty of other “new life conditions” like the loss of loved ones, relationship changes, household moves, and job changes. Life keeps handing us fresh challenges, and one famous quote sums it up well: “The only constant in life is change.”
And with every change comes a decision point.
So, What Do We All Have in Common?
We’ve all had to decide how to move forward. Maybe you’re at that crossroads right now. If you’re facing a decision point and could use a little clarity, I’d love to help.
I’m offering a free 30-minute guided meditation with hypnosis session to support you in identifying your next steps with calm and confidence.
👉 Click here to schedule your free session.
If you know someone who might benefit, feel free to share this post.
Have a wonderful rest of your week, my friend!
Juli Nixon 