54. Cancer Off Center Stage: Finding Faith, Hope, and Peace After Diagnosis

54. Cancer Off Center Stage: Finding Faith, Hope, and Peace After Diagnosis

What do you do when you hear the words, "You have cancer"? In this episode of Courageous Retirement, Vona Johnson sits down with author, speaker, and coach Dana Lyons in an intimate conversation about the emotional and spiritual journey that begins with a cancer diagnosis. Drawing from their own experiences as cancer survivors, Vona and Dana share honest reflections on fear, uncertainty, faith, and finding hope when life takes an unexpected turn. Although several years separated their diagnoses, they walked alongside one another through their respective cancer journeys, offering encouragement, understanding, and faith-filled support. Their friendship underscores one of the episode's most important messages: when facing life's greatest challenges, finding your people matters. Together, they explore the waiting between diagnosis and treatment, the importance of choosing trusted voices, and why experiencing fear or doubt does not mean your faith has failed. Dana also shares powerful insights from her book, You Have Cancer, Now What?, including the importance of praying for God's mercy and refusing to allow cancer to become more central than God. Whether you are facing cancer, supporting someone who is, or navigating another unexpected life challenge, this conversation offers practical wisdom, biblical encouragement, and a powerful reminder that hope is not found in having guarantees—it's found in the One who walks with us through every season. In this episode, you'll discover: • How to navigate the fear and uncertainty that follow a diagnosis • Why waiting for answers is often one of the hardest parts • The importance of finding trusted people to walk alongside you • How to stop fear from spiraling out of control • Why doubt and faith can coexist • Two life-changing lessons from Dana's cancer journey • How a diagnosis can reshape priorities and deepen purpose • Where hope can be found, even when the future feels uncertain Timestamps: 00:00 Hearing The Diagnosis 00:54 That Dreaded Phone Call 03:27 Waiting For The Plan 07:09 Different Cancer Journeys 10:17 Dana's Cervical Cancer Diagnosis 13:11 When Fear Takes Over 17:05 Faith and Doubt Can Coexist 20:29 Praying for God's Mercy 23:26 Keeping Cancer Off Center Stage 24:54 How Diagnosis Changes Priorities 27:10 Living Without Guarantees 31:57 Gifts Found in the Journey 33:38 Hope, Community, and Moving Forward 37:33 Final Reflections I'd love to hear from you! Send me a text message! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2364367/fan_mail/new]  Check out my YouTube Channel [https://www.youtube.com/@vonajohnson/podcasts] where I post the videos of my interview shows.   Learn more about the show, author Vona Johnson, and more at vonajohnson.com [https://vonajohnson.com]! [https://www.courageousretirement.com] Schedule a free 15 minute Your Path to More call with Vona. [https://tidycal.com/vona/your-path-to-more] Join ClubMore [https://vonajohnson.kit.com/clubmore]!

53. What Are You Training Your Eyes to See?

Darkness is loud right now. And if we're not intentional, it's easy to let it become all we see. In this episode, Vona explores one of the most practical — and most powerful — shifts available to us: learning to train our eyes toward the light. Drawing from a memorable moment at a Toastmasters meeting, a morning spent at a young man's funeral, and the quiet faithfulness of her own father's final days, Vona offers a deeply personal reflection on what it looks like to choose peace, purpose, and gratitude even when life is hard. Because the first thing God created was light. And that tells us something about who gets the last word. In this episode: * Why we find exactly what we're looking for — and how to use that truth to your advantage * How to hold grief, fear, and uncertainty without losing your footing * What "finishing well" actually looks like — witnessed firsthand at a celebration of life * The promise in John 16:33 that becomes the floor you stand on when everything else is shaking * A simple weekly practice to help you begin retraining your eye toward the good Scripture referenced: "Here on earth you will have many trials and sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world." — John 16:33 This week's challenge: Write down three things that are good and true in your life right now. Not because the hard things aren't real — but because the good things are just as real, and they deserve to be seen. Courageous Retirement is for believers who are ready to finish well, live with purpose, and embrace the best season of their lives. Learn more at VonaJohnson.com. I'd love to hear from you! Send me a text message! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2364367/fan_mail/new]  Check out my YouTube Channel [https://www.youtube.com/@vonajohnson/podcasts] where I post the videos of my interview shows.   Learn more about the show, author Vona Johnson, and more at vonajohnson.com [https://vonajohnson.com]! [https://www.courageousretirement.com] Schedule a free 15 minute Your Path to More call with Vona. [https://tidycal.com/vona/your-path-to-more] Join ClubMore [https://vonajohnson.kit.com/clubmore]!

52. Your Calling Doesn't Retire: How God Uses Ordinary People for Extraordinary Purposes Beyond the Workplace

Does God still have a calling on your life as you step into retirement? Absolutely — and in this episode, Vona makes the case that your best season is not behind you. It's just beginning. Inspired by her own church's search for a pastor, Vona draws a powerful parallel between the formal call process and the calling God places on every one of our lives — yes, even yours, and yes, even now. From Moses to David to the everyday believer ready to leave the workplace, God has always used ordinary people for extraordinary purposes. In this episode you'll discover: * Why your calling doesn't end when your career does * How retirement frees you to prioritize the relationship and purpose God designed you for * What it truly looks like to "lead a life worthy of your calling" in this season "God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose."— Romans 8:28 "Lead a life worthy of your calling, for you have been called by God. Always be humble and gentle." — Ephesians 4:1–2 "The Scriptures give us hope and encouragement as we wait patiently for God's promises to be fulfilled." — Romans 15:4 Verses referenced in this episode: Mark 12:29–31 | Romans 8:28–30 | Romans 15:4 | Ephesians 4:1–6 📖 Free Resource: Ready to view retirement through a healthy, God-centered lens? Download Vona's free guide, Four Things to Do Before You Retire, and start thinking about the purposeful, courageous life waiting for you in this best season. 👉 Download the free guide here [https://vonajohnson.kit.com/4things] Vona Johnson is a retirement coach and host of Courageous Retirement. She loves equipping Christians to finish well and live the MORE their soul longs for—beyond the workplace. Remember—your best season may just be beginning. I'd love to hear from you! Send me a text message! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2364367/fan_mail/new]  Check out my YouTube Channel [https://www.youtube.com/@vonajohnson/podcasts] where I post the videos of my interview shows.   Learn more about the show, author Vona Johnson, and more at vonajohnson.com [https://vonajohnson.com]! [https://www.courageousretirement.com] Schedule a free 15 minute Your Path to More call with Vona. [https://tidycal.com/vona/your-path-to-more] Join ClubMore [https://vonajohnson.kit.com/clubmore]!

51. The Next Saul: Why We Need to Stop Labeling People

In a world quick to label people, it's easy to form opinions without ever knowing someone's story. In this episode, Vona Johnson reflects on the subtle ways we categorize others — and invites us to pause. What if we trusted Jesus with what we don't understand, and chose to see people, not categories? Drawing on the transformation of Saul into Paul, she explores how faith can change the way we see others — and ourselves. A gentle call to slow down, question the narratives we absorb, and choose love over labels in a divided world. Because we never know when the person in front of us might be the next Saul… waiting for the moment God uses to change everything. Keep living your MORE with courage—your best season may just be beginning. I'd love to hear from you! Send me a text message! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2364367/fan_mail/new]  Check out my YouTube Channel [https://www.youtube.com/@vonajohnson/podcasts] where I post the videos of my interview shows.   Learn more about the show, author Vona Johnson, and more at vonajohnson.com [https://vonajohnson.com]! [https://www.courageousretirement.com] Schedule a free 15 minute Your Path to More call with Vona. [https://tidycal.com/vona/your-path-to-more] Join ClubMore [https://vonajohnson.kit.com/clubmore]!

50. The Years That Matter Most: Why retirement may be the most meaningful season of your life.

Retirement doesn’t mean our purpose is behind us. In fact, it may be the season when our influence becomes the most meaningful. In this episode of Courageous Retirement, Vona reflects on wisdom from a 92-year-old woman who shared advice she wished she had received decades earlier. Her reflections spark a deeper conversation about purpose, grace, and the limited time we have to make a difference. Vona also explores the idea of “cheap grace,” a phrase coined by Dietrich Bonhoeffer, and what it means for those of us seeking to live faithfully in the years ahead. If you’ve ever wondered what God might still have in store for you in retirement, this conversation will encourage you to live intentionally and step into the MORE He may be calling you toward. Reflection Questions ⭐ What are you retiring to in this season of life? ⭐ Who in your life might benefit from your wisdom, presence, and thoughtful questions? ⭐ How are you preparing your body, mind, and spirit for the opportunities God may place before you? Because retirement isn’t the end… It may be the beginning of your most meaningful season yet. If this episode encouraged you, consider sharing it with a friend who is navigating retirement or the next chapter of life. I'd love to hear from you! Send me a text message! [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2364367/fan_mail/new]  Check out my YouTube Channel [https://www.youtube.com/@vonajohnson/podcasts] where I post the videos of my interview shows.   Learn more about the show, author Vona Johnson, and more at vonajohnson.com [https://vonajohnson.com]! [https://www.courageousretirement.com] Schedule a free 15 minute Your Path to More call with Vona. [https://tidycal.com/vona/your-path-to-more] Join ClubMore [https://vonajohnson.kit.com/clubmore]!