Thrive Through the Fire

Introduction

In this episode of Thrive Through the Fire, I explore the importance of faith community, especially during difficult seasons. I share my personal journey of navigating life’s challenges, including my battle with cancer, and how a faith community was a source of strength and support.

Episode Highlights

• The Danger of Isolation: I explain how isolation can be a tool of the enemy, making us more vulnerable to fear, anxiety, and despair.
• God’s Design for Community: Scripture reveals that we are meant to thrive together, not alone. Key verses like Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 and Hebrews 10:24-25 highlight the importance of being connected to others.
• Real Community vs. Surface Connections: I distinguish between knowing people at church and truly being part of a faith community. I share how my own experience shifted from feeling disconnected in a traditional church setting to finding genuine connection in a Bible-based church and life groups.
• Biblical Examples of Community: Stories like Moses and Aaron, David and Jonathan, and Jesus with His disciples show the power of having people who support, pray, and encourage each other.
• Practical Ways to Embrace Community: I offer actionable steps to find and build a strong faith community:

1. Seek genuine connections beyond surface-level interactions.
2. Be vulnerable—share your struggles with others.
3. Create your own community if you can’t find one.
4. Serve alongside others to build deeper bonds.

I share how my faith community became a lifeline during my cancer journey. From receiving meals to having friends who prayed with me, I learned firsthand the power of letting people in. I reflect on my transition from a traditional church experience—where I felt unknown—to a vibrant community where I was truly seen and supported.

Scripture References

• Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 - "Two are better than one... If either of them falls down, one can help the other up."
• Hebrews 10:24-25 - "Let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together."
• Genesis 2:18 - "It is not good for man to be alone."
• 1 Peter 5:8 - "Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour."

Key Takeaways

• Isolation is a trap that can lead to despair, but community brings strength and hope.
• God created us to live in connection with others, and He uses faith community to encourage, challenge, and support us.
• If you don’t have a faith community yet, don’t give up. Keep praying, keep showing up, and trust that God is bringing you the people you need.

Prayer

Father God, thank You for creating us to walk this life together. I pray for every person listening—may they find the support, encouragement, and love they need. And for those who are feeling isolated right now, show them that they are not alone. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Connect with Me

• Follow me on Instagram for faith-filled encouragement.
• Visit my website for more resources and to learn about my faith journey. HERE
• Subscribe to Thrive Through the Fire for more episodes that inspire and encourage you in your faith journey.

In this powerful and heartfelt episode of Thrive Through the Fire, I sit down with Jim Sneddon—a disabled Air Force veteran, retired firefighter, and cancer survivor since 2003. Diagnosed with stage 3 testicular cancer while on active duty, Jim shares the raw, real, and sometimes humorous moments of his journey from diagnosis to healing.

If you’ve ever wondered what it looks like to fight cancer while serving your country, how to hold onto your faith through a life-threatening illness, or how to find purpose after surviving, this is an episode you don’t want to miss.

• What it's like to receive a cancer diagnosis while serving in the military
• The emotional toll of facing a life-threatening illness
• Navigating uncomfortable and vulnerable moments with courage and humor
• Resources and support available for veterans and cancer patients
• How faith and perspective helped Jim get through the darkest days
• The power of hope, purpose, and finding your “new normal” after cancer

• Romans 8:28 — "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him..."
• Isaiah 41:10 — "Do not fear, for I am with you..."

• Encouragement if you or a loved one is walking through a cancer diagnosis
• Inspiration from a man who has served, suffered, and survived
• Resources for veterans navigating illness and life after service

AMVETS

Fire Fighter Cancer Support Network

Let’s connect more!

Subscribe to Thrive Through the Fire so you never miss an episode.

If you loved this conversation, share it with someone who needs encouragement today.

And as always, I’m here for your prayer requests, questions, or stories—just message me!

In this powerful and honest episode, I share about the hard moments in life that shake our faith, and shares the scriptures that gave me strength during my cancer journey. If you’ve ever asked, “Where is God in this?” or felt like you’re drowning in fear, doubt, or heartbreak—this episode is your lifeline.

You’ll learn:

• Bible verses that anchor your soul in times of fear, weakness, and heartbreak
• How real people in scripture endured trials and saw God show up
• Practical steps to apply God's Word when you’re overwhelmed
• The truth about spiritual warfare and how to suit up in the Armor of God

Isaiah 41:10 – God is with you. He strengthens, helps, and upholds.

2 Corinthians 12:9 – His grace is enough. His power shines in your weakness.

Psalm 34:18 – He is close to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed.

Romans 8:28 – God works ALL things for the good of those who love Him.

When crisis hits, “just trust God” can feel like a cliché—but what you really need is truth to fight with. That’s where spiritual armor comes in. You are in a battle, and God has already given you what you need to stand.

• Belt of Truth – Hold everything together with what God says, not what the world says.
• Breastplate of Righteousness – Guard your heart. You are covered in Christ’s righteousness, not your performance.
• Shoes of Peace – Stand firm, grounded in peace even when everything shakes.
• Shield of Faith – Block the fiery lies and doubts the enemy throws at you.
• Helmet of Salvation – Protect your mind. Remember who you are and whose you are.
• Sword of the Spirit – This is the Word of God—your weapon. Speak it, pray it, live it.

• Write these scriptures where you’ll see them daily.
• Speak them out loud when fear creeps in.
• Don’t try to muscle through—lean on the One who never fails.
• Worship is warfare. Let truth be louder than fear.

You are not alone. Your weakness is not a disqualification—it’s where God shows up. Even in the fire, He is working for your good.

“When you feel like you can’t do this, remember: He already did.”

• Subscribe to Thrive Through the Fire so you never miss a word of encouragement.
• Share this episode with a friend who’s going through something heavy.
• Message Alyssa on Instagram (@striving4proverbs31) or via tools2thrive.org to share your story or prayer request.

In this deeply moving and faith-filled episode of Thrive Through the Fire, I welcome Debbie Simmons—CEO of Anchor Point, mom to thirteen, speaker, and author of The Heart of Legacy. Debbie vulnerably shares her story of devastating loss, including the death of her four biological sons, and how God turned that pain into a powerful purpose. Through her testimony of healing, obedience, and unwavering faith, listeners will be inspired to trust God even when the path ahead seems uncertain.

What You’ll Hear in This Episode:

• Debbie’s powerful testimony of infertility, a high-risk pregnancy, and losing her quadruplet sons
• The decision to trust God in the midst of unthinkable grief
• How God exchanged her question of “Why?” with “How do I survive—and thrive?”
• Practical steps for surviving life’s hardest moments, including her BEST strategy: Breathe, Evaluate, Step back, and Take action
• A powerful reminder that joy is Jesus, and that obedience to God leads to peace even in the fire
• How Debbie’s story became the foundation for Anchor Point, a ministry helping families thrive through medical care, maternity housing, parenting education, and recovery programs
• Encouragement for anyone walking through grief, illness, or uncertainty
• Her favorite scripture: Romans 15:13 – a verse that encapsulates hope, joy, peace, and the overflowing power of the Holy Spirit
• A glimpse into her new book, The Heart of Legacy, and how each of us can start living our legacy now

Key Takeaway:

You don’t need to understand your pain to be used by God. If you keep your eyes on Him, He’ll not only sustain you—He’ll multiply your legacy.

Resources Mentioned:

• Debbie’s book: The Heart of Legacy
• Anchor Point Ministry: https://anchorpoint.us
• Debbie’s site: https://thedebbiesimmons.com

Wherever you’re tuning in from today, know this: God sees you, loves you, and is working even in the waiting. Subscribe to Thrive Through the Fire and never miss a story of hope, healing, and faith in action.

In this vulnerable and faith-filled episode, I dive deep into what it really looks like to walk in faith and obedience when life feels anything but easy. As a mom, nurse, and colorectal cancer survivor, I know firsthand the tension between trusting God and asking, "God… are You serious right now?"

From biblical stories of radical obedience to raw moments from her own cancer journey, this episode will remind you that faith doesn’t mean having it all together—and obedience doesn’t always feel convenient. But both are powerful when life feels impossible.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

✔️ Why faith actually grows stronger in the fire

✔️ The difference between believing and obeying (and why it matters)

✔️ Real biblical examples of people who obeyed even when it didn’t make sense

✔️ What obedience looks like today when life gets messy and uncertain

✔️ Encouragement if you're wrestling with God or feel like you're falling apart

✔️ Practical ways to hold onto your faith when everything feels shaky

✔️ Powerful scripture to ground you in God’s promises

Hebrews 11:1 – "Faith is confidence in what we hope for and assurance about what we do not see."

Hebrews 11:8 – Abraham obeyed even when he didn’t know where he was going.

Job 13:15 – "Though He slay me, yet will I trust in Him."

Romans 8:28 – "In all things God works for the good of those who love Him."

Isaiah 41:10 – "Do not fear, for I am with you..."

Biblical Stories Highlighted:

• Abraham stepping out without a roadmap
• Noah building an ark when rain had never come
• Mary saying yes to the impossible
• Jesus surrendering to the cross
• And a powerful look at Job, who lost everything but still chose to trust God

I share how obedience looked during my cancer battle—surrendering control, choosing peace over panic, and finding the courage to share her story publicly to encourage others. She reminds us: “You don’t have to feel strong to obey. You just have to be willing to trust the One who is.”

Practical Encouragement:

✔️ Stay in the Word—even if it’s just one verse a day

✔️ Pray honest prayers (even if they’re messy)

✔️ Journal or note your “God moments” to remind yourself He is near

✔️ Surround yourself with people who will speak truth when you forget it

Quotes from the Episode:

“Faith is easy when life is good—but real obedience shows up when it’s not.”

“God may not ask you to carry a cross, but He may ask you to carry this trial with Him.”

“If you’re in a Job season, know this: God sees you, and He is working behind the scenes.”

If this episode spoke to your heart, don’t keep it to yourself.

✔️ Share it with someone walking through a tough time

✔️ Leave a review and subscribe so you don’t miss what’s coming

✔️ Support the podcast and gain access to Q&A, shoutouts, and prayer threads here: Support the Podcast

Want more encouragement?

Visit www.tools2thrive.org for faith-based resources, free downloads, podcast updates, and more.

Let’s talk about something that no one really wants to talk about—but far too many people are facing: colorectal cancer. In this candid and compassionate episode, I’m sharing my personal journey and walking you through what this diagnosis actually means—from symptoms to testing, treatment, and ultimately, remission.

I was 37 years old, healthy, active, and had no family history of colorectal cancer. What started as something minor—a little bleeding I blamed on postpartum hemorrhoids—turned out to be Stage 3 colorectal cancer. And it turned my entire world upside down.

In this episode, we cover:

• What colorectal cancer is and how it starts
• The early symptoms that you should never ignore
• What the testing process and colonoscopy actually look like
• How treatment plans are formed, including surgery, chemo, and more
• My real story—what I went through, what I learned, and where God showed up
• Biblical encouragement and how scripture carried me through the fire
• Practical advice for staying mentally, emotionally, and physically strong

This episode is for anyone facing a diagnosis, supporting someone who is, or just needing to hear truth and encouragement in a season of unknowns.

Important Statistics You Should Know

• Colorectal cancer rates in people under 50 have increased by nearly 50% since the 1990s
• It is now the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths among people under 50 in the U.S.
• About 20% of new colorectal cancer cases are diagnosed in individuals under 55
• Younger patients are more likely to be diagnosed at advanced stages due to delayed detection
• Early detection saves lives—the five-year survival rate is 91% when caught early
• The recommended screening age has been lowered from 50 to 45

The Personal Side of the Journey

I break down everything you might face if you’re walking through colorectal cancer—from what it actually feels like to hear the words “you have cancer” to the awkward realities of testing and procedures. I also talk about how I wore an ostomy bag, endured surgery, and eventually got the news that I was in remission.

None of this was easy. But with my faith and the promises of God as my foundation, I found strength, even in the hardest moments.

Here are a few of the scriptures that held me together:

• Isaiah 41:10 – “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”
• 2 Corinthians 12:9 – “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.”
• Romans 8:28 – “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him.”

Steps You Can Take Now

• Advocate for yourself—if something feels off, speak up
• Get screened as soon as you're eligible
• Move your body and nourish it well
• Find a supportive community of people who will walk with you
• Ground yourself in truth through worship, prayer, and scripture
• Remember that it’s okay to laugh and cry in the same breath—this is hard, and you don’t have to pretend it’s not

Final Encouragement

You are not your diagnosis.

You are not defined by your symptoms or your scars.

You are loved, known, and seen by a God who promises to walk with you through every part of your journey.

You don’t have to go through this alone. Whether you are battling cancer, supporting a loved one, or simply feeling overwhelmed by health concerns—this episode was created to encourage you, inform you, and help you feel seen and supported.

Call to Action

• Subscribe to Thrive Through the Fire so you never miss an episode
• Share this episode with someone who needs practical help or spiritual encouragement
• Reach out to me directly with questions or prayer requests—I would love to support you
• Download my free eBook, Tools 2 Thrive – Cancer Edition, at www.tools2thrive.org

Prayer

Father, thank You for each listener today. Whether they are facing a diagnosis, supporting a loved one, or just carrying the fear of the unknown, I pray You would fill their hearts with Your peace. Strengthen their bodies, calm their minds, and remind them that they are never alone. May they know that You are a God who sees, who hears, and who walks with us through the fire. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Hey friend, welcome back to Thrive Through the Fire! If you’re new here, I’m Alyssa Kilgore—a mom, nurse, Jesus-lover, and someone who knows firsthand what it’s like when life doesn’t go according to plan.

I don’t know about you, but I love a good plan. I have multiple calendars, a planner (or three), and a color-coded system for keeping my life organized. I love knowing what’s coming next and being in control.

And then, life happens. And God says, "That’s cute, but I have something else in mind."

What happens when life completely derails your plans.

How to surrender to God’s will—even when it doesn’t make sense.

Biblical examples of people who had their plans flipped upside down.

My own story and the moment I realized I wasn’t in control.

Practical steps to mentally, emotionally, and spiritually surrender.

Encouragement to trust that God’s plan is always better than ours.

We’re getting real, honest, a little snarky, and a whole lot of faith-filled—because this is not about sugar-coated Christianity. This is about learning to let go and trust God even when it feels impossible.

I thought I had my life figured out.

I was a busy mom of four, balancing work, family, and a never-ending to-do list. And then, at 38 years old, I was diagnosed with stage 3 colorectal cancer—out of nowhere.

I went from being the caregiver to the one needing care. From making plans to realizing I wasn’t the one in charge. God was. (Newsflash: He always was.)

That year, my word became “surrender.” And let me tell you—it was both a smack in the face and the most beautiful lesson all at the same time.

Here’s the thing about surrender:

Most of us don’t do it willingly.

No one wakes up and says, "God, I’d love for You to completely turn my world upside down today!"

Usually, we surrender because we have no other choice. And when we think we’re calling the shots, God humbles us real quick.

If you think your life didn’t go as planned, let’s talk about some Bible greats who probably felt the same way.

Imagine being a teenage girl, engaged, planning a normal life—and then BAM—an angel shows up and says,

"Oh hey, Mary! You’re going to give birth to the Son of God. Surprise!"

Not exactly part of her wedding vision board.

And yet, her response blows me away:

Luke 1:38 – “I am the Lord’s servant. May your word to me be fulfilled.”

She didn’t argue. She didn’t bargain. She surrendered.

When I was diagnosed with cancer, I did not do that.

I fought. I begged. I cried.

"God, take this away. Please."

And yet Mary’s response? "May your word to me be fulfilled."

That’s a powerful example of surrender.

But if you’re struggling right now, if you’re begging God to take something away, I get it. And God can handle your fears, frustration, and even anger.

Jonah’s story is both hilarious and relatable because, honestly?

We’ve all been Jonah at some point.

God told him to go to Nineveh and Jonah was like:

"Yeah, no thanks."

So he ran the opposite direction.

And God was like, "That’s cute, Jonah. Here’s a giant fish to swallow you so you can rethink your life choices."

Moral of the story?

You can try to fight God’s plan, but good luck winning.

Paul (formerly Saul) had his own plans. He was out there persecuting Christians, thinking he was doing the right thing.

And then—BOOM—Jesus blinds him on the road to Damascus.

Acts 9:15 – “This man is my chosen instrument to proclaim my name to the Gentiles and their kings and to the people of Israel.”

Paul’s plans? Gone.

God’s plan? Way bigger, way better.

When I was diagnosed, I was mad.

I wanted to scream:

"Why, God? I’ve been faithful. I’ve been healthy. Why this?"

"What about my kids? What about my life? This wasn’t supposed to happen!"

And then I remembered:

John 16:33 – “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

God never promised life would be easy.

But He did promise He’d be with us.

And let me tell you—He showed up.

In the people who surrounded me with love and support.

In the peace I felt when I should have been falling apart.

In the strength I didn’t have—but somehow, I kept going.

So, how do we actually let go and trust God?

Hi, my name is Alyssa, and I’m a control addict.

Hi Alyssa.

Step one: Admit it.

Sometimes, we pray for God to change our situation, but what we really need is for Him to change our hearts.

Play worship music.

Get in the Word.

Drown out fear with faith.

(P.S. Worship music helped stop my first panic attack. True story.)

You were NOT meant to do this alone. Let people help you.

Romans 8:28 – “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him.”

If you’re walking through something hard, hear this:

You are not alone.

You are stronger than you think.

God is not done with you yet.

One day, you will look back and see how God was working—even in this.

Subscribe so you never miss an episode.

Share this with someone who needs encouragement.

Message me—I’d love to hear your story and pray for you.

Check out some of the other resources I have or created for you.

🔥 Until next time, keep walking through the fire—and thriving. 🔥

Hey friend! Welcome back to Thrive Through the Fire. If this is your first time here, I’m Alyssa Kilgore—a mom, a nurse, a believer, and someone who walked through the fire of a stage 3 colorectal cancer diagnosis.

Today’s episode is all about the things I wish I had known before my diagnosis. My goal? To help you feel prepared, not afraid.

In this episode, we’re talking about:

The emotional rollercoaster and why it’s okay to not be okay.

The things no one tells you about treatment and recovery.

How to prepare for the awkward, embarrassing, and weird parts of this journey.

How to advocate for yourself as a patient.

How faith and fear collide—and how God walks with us through it.

The health prevention and early detection steps I want you to take NOW.

It’s crazy how one moment can change everything.

One minute, I was a busy mom of four, feeling great, working hard, volunteering at school and church. The next? I had a cancer diagnosis and a permanent spot in a chemo chair.

I thought I had more time. I was 37 years old—I thought I had more time before I had to worry about my health. More time before I had to deal with a diagnosis that flipped my entire life upside down.

But cancer doesn’t wait until you’re ready.

One day, I was running errands, answering endless "Mom, can I have a snack?" questions, and making sure everyone else was taken care of. And the next? I was the one who needed taking care of.

I ignored my symptoms. My doctor dismissed them, too. That’s the problem with colorectal cancer in young adults—it’s easy to overlook.

When I finally saw a specialist and went through all the awkward, uncomfortable, and invasive tests (hello, camera up my butt), the truth came out.

Stage 3 colorectal cancer.

And suddenly? I wasn’t the caregiver. I was the patient. I was the one waiting for biopsy results, trying to make sense of scary medical terms, wondering if my body was about to betray me completely.

If you’ve ever had to wait for medical results, you know the anxiety that comes with it.

A funny story (which, by the way, means it’s totally a God thing—because I don’t believe in coincidences):

Before my diagnosis, I had hired a mindset coach for my business. (Either you think that’s super cool or you’re rolling your eyes—pretending you’re not rolling your eyes, thanks!)

She was amazing—and when I got my diagnosis, she asked if I wanted to pause our sessions.

I decided to keep going because I needed a distraction. Turns out? God had placed her in my life for a reason.

She had also had a cancer diagnosis at a young age, and she told me something I’ll never forget:

"Alyssa, the waiting is the worst part. Waiting for diagnoses, test results, second opinions—that's the hardest part. But once you have a plan, you just do the plan. Left foot, right foot, breathe."

Psalm 62:5 – "Let all that I am wait quietly before God, for my hope is in Him."

I wish I had understood how much fear feeds on uncertainty. Looking back, the moments I had the most peace weren’t when I had all the answers, but when I remembered who was walking with me through the unknown.

And honestly? These lessons apply to more than just cancer.

So take notes. Mentally or literally. Open your Notes app—go ahead, I’ll wait.

If someone offers to bring food, take your kids, or sit with you at appointments—let them.

Letting people help doesn’t make you weak. It lets them love you when you need it most.

Galatians 6:2 – "Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way, you will fulfill the law of Christ."

Ask questions. "What does that mean?" "Can you explain that in plain English?" (Seriously, I copy-paste my test results into ChatGPT and ask it to explain like I’m a kindergartner. You’re welcome!)

Take notes at appointments. Better yet? Record them on your phone.

Get a second opinion. Doctors aren’t offended—this is YOUR life.

"Waiting for the plan is the worst part. But once you have a plan—you just do the plan."

Psalm 27:14 – "Wait for the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait for the Lord."

Weight loss, scars, hair changes—it’s all part of the process.

It’s okay to mourn the old you.

But your value is NOT in your appearance.

(*P.S. I told my 5-year-old that my chemo port was my “power-up button.” He thought that was *awesome.**)

Don’t ignore symptoms—especially changes in digestion, weight loss, or bleeding.

Know your family history.

Get screened earlier than they tell you to.

1 Corinthians 6:19-20 – "Your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit... honor God with your body."

In the people He sends.

In the peace that doesn’t make sense.

In the small miracles that show up when you least expect them.

Romans 8:28 – "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him."

If you’re walking through something hard right now, hear this:

You are not alone.

You are stronger than you think.

God is not done with you yet.

One day, you’ll look back and see how God was working—even in this.

Subscribe so you never miss an episode.

Share this with someone who needs encouragement.

Message me—I’d love to hear your story and pray for you.

Check out some of the other resources I have or created for you.

🔥 Until next time, keep walking through the fire—and thriving. 🔥

Hey friend! Welcome back to Thrive Through the Fire. If life has ever thrown you into the deep end without a floatie, you’re in the right place.

Today’s episode? It might sting a little—because we’re talking about something none of us really want to hear:

God is more concerned with your character than your comfort.

I know, I know. Wouldn’t it be nice if life was just cozy blankets, smooth roads, and never having to wear pants with buttons? But that’s not how God works.

In this episode, we’re diving into:

Why God allows struggles and hardships.

Biblical examples of people who went through chaos—but came out refined.

My own experience with suffering (yes, I questioned God too!).

How to hold onto faith when life is physically, emotionally, or spiritually uncomfortable.

Actionable steps to trust God in the fire.

So if you’ve ever been frustrated with God, or wanted to quit when things got hard—this episode is for you.

No one signs up for pain. No one’s out here saying, “Lord, please, I’d love a season of suffering. Just go ahead and wreck my life.”

But here’s what I’ve learned—God isn’t in the business of making us comfortable. He’s in the business of making us holy.

James 1:2-4 says:

"Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."

Did you catch that? Not “if” but “when.” Hard times aren’t an accident—they’re an assignment.

Joseph was his dad’s favorite, had big dreams, and a fancy coat. And what happened?

His own brothers threw him in a pit and sold him into slavery.

He ended up in prison for years—for a crime he didn’t commit.

If anyone had the right to ask “God, what are You doing?!”—it was Joseph.

But God wasn’t done. Joseph became second-in-command in Egypt and saved his family from famine. He later told his brothers:

Genesis 50:20 – "You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives."

God wasn’t punishing Joseph—He was positioning him.

These three guys refused to worship a king’s golden statue—and were thrown into a literal fire.

But when King Nebuchadnezzar looked inside, he saw four people in the fire. Not three.

Jesus was with them.

Daniel 3:25 – "Look! I see four men walking around in the fire, unbound and unharmed, and the fourth looks like a son of the gods!"

God didn’t keep them out of the fire, but He walked through it with them. And when they came out? They didn’t even smell like smoke.

When I was diagnosed with stage 3 colorectal cancer at 38, I was doing everything right:

Eating healthy.

Exercising.

Praying.

And yet, there I was—Googling survival rates, scheduling chemo, and learning how to live with an ostomy bag.

Would I have chosen cancer as my personal character development journey? NOPE. Hard pass. But did it humble me, refine me, and strip away all the things I thought I needed? Absolutely.

God wasn’t punishing me—He was preparing me.

Alright, let’s get practical. How do we actually do this?

Let people help you.

When people say, “Let me know if you need anything,” they actually mean it.

Let them bring you a meal, take your kids, sit with you at appointments.

Stay in the Word.

Even when it doesn’t feel like it’s helping, keep reading scripture.

The Word of God is alive and breathing—and it’s where truth drowns out fear.

Talk to God honestly.

You don’t need fancy prayers. Just be real with Him.

Take care of yourself physically.

Your body is already under stress—so hydrate, eat, move your body, and REST.

Remember: This will not last forever.

Even if your circumstances don’t change—you will.

Romans 8:28 – "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose."

You are not being abandoned.

You are being refined.

And what feels unbearable now? One day, it will be part of your testimony.

Subscribe so you never miss an episode.

Share this with someone who needs encouragement.

Message me—I’d love to hear your story and pray for you.

Check out some of the other resources I have or created for you.

🔥 Until next time, keep walking through the fire—and thriving. 🔥

Hey friend! Welcome to the very first episode of Thrive Through the Fire! You know, it’s kind of an unwritten rule that the first episode of a podcast has to start with an introduction—so here we are. Obligatory intro episode. But don’t worry, I promise it won’t be boring!

I’m Alyssa Kilgore—a wife, mom of four, nurse, accidental tech guru, coffee reheater extraordinaire, and stage 3 colorectal cancer survivor. This podcast is for anyone who has ever had life throw them an unexpected curveball—whether it’s a diagnosis, a loss, or just a season that makes you ask, “Seriously, God?”

In this episode, we’re diving into:

My personal journey through a shocking cancer diagnosis.

The fear, uncertainty, and emotions that came with it.

Where I saw God’s presence in my hardest moments.

Scripture, encouragement, and practical advice from a nurse—because let’s be real, there’s a LOT no one tells you.

The awkward, embarrassing, and uncomfortable things we need to talk about.

If you’re going through something hard right now, this episode is for you.

One day, I was just a regular mom—running errands, answering endless “Mom, can I have a snack?” questions, and microwaving my coffee for the third time. The next? I was sitting in a doctor’s office hearing the words, “You have cancer.”

I was 38 years old. I was in the best shape of my life. I felt fine. How could this be happening?

Suddenly, I was drowning in fear of the unknown:

What’s going to happen to me?

How bad is this going to get?

Will I ever feel normal again?

And let me tell you—fear thrives in the unknown.

But here’s what I’ve learned: fear loses its power when you know what to expect. That’s why I created this podcast—to help YOU be prepared, not afraid. Because God didn’t bring me through this just to keep it to myself.

Let’s talk about how this started—because colorectal cancer? Not exactly a glamorous diagnosis.

I was bleeding in my stool (yep, we’re going there). I mentioned it to my doctor multiple times, and each time I was told, “It’s probably just hemorrhoids.” But deep down, I knew something was wrong.

That gut feeling? That’s God. Listen to it.

After a very awkward colorectal exam and a colonoscopy, my doctor still reassured me that everything looked fine. Until I got the results.

I opened my patient portal, expecting to see “benign” or “nothing to worry about.” Instead, my eyes landed on words like "Adenocarcinoma" and "Lymphovascular invasion."

I went from not worried at all to Googling my survival rate and assuming I had three months to live.

Hospital tech teams—PLEASE stop putting biopsy results in patient portals before a doctor can explain them. Thank you.

I wish I could tell you that I immediately turned to faith. That I heard my diagnosis and thought, "Well, God’s got this!"

But no. I was scared. I was angry. I was begging God to take this away. And for a while? It felt like He was silent.

But looking back, I can see His fingerprints all over my story.

God was with me through every surgery, every chemo treatment.

He showed up in devotionals, in worship songs, in people He placed in my life.

He reminded me—over and over again—that I was not alone.

One of my favorite Bible stories is Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego.

Daniel 3:25 says:

"Look! I see four men walking around in the fire, unbound and unharmed, and the fourth looks like a son of the gods!"

That fourth person? Was Jesus.

God didn’t keep them out of the fire—but He was with them IN it. And when they came out? They weren’t even burned.

That story became even more real to me after a conversation with a woman named Joan.

She told me, “Radiation is literally setting yourself on fire from the inside out. But if God could be with those men in the fire, and they walked away unharmed, then He could be with me too.”

That conversation changed everything for me. And years later, I met Joan in person at a completely random church event. Only God could have orchestrated that.

Jeremiah 29:11 – “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

Friend, if you’re walking through a fire right now—please hear this:

God is still with you.

You are allowed to ask for help—from doctors, from friends, from Him.

You are not alone.

God doesn’t cause our pain—but He uses it for good.

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Check out some of the other resources I have or created for you.

You don’t have to do this alone. Let’s step into the fire together—and thrive.

Father God, I pray for my friend listening right now. I don’t know what battles they are facing, but You do. I pray that they feel Your presence, that they know they are never alone, and that You have plans to prosper them and not to harm them. Give them strength, hope, and peace as they walk through this fire. In Jesus' mighty name, Amen.

🔥 Until next time, keep walking through the fire—and thriving. 🔥