Purpose Through Pain

The following program is sponsored by evangelical life ministries.

Welcome to engaging truth, the manifestation of God's word and the lives of people around us. Join us each week. As we explore the impact of his message of spiritual renewal from the lesson of forgiveness forged in the crucible of divorce, to the message of salvation and learned by an executioner from a condemned killer to the gift of freedom found in the rescue of victims of human trafficking. This is God's truth in action.

Welcome to the program. My name is Matt Papa. ITZ you're listening to engaging truth. And with me today is author speaker and founder of our Lindsay unlimited. It is miss Rachel McCanns Rachel, welcome to the program.

Thank you for having me.

I'm so excited to talk to you because I think the work that you're doing, the ministry that you have is, is so needed right now with, with what we've gone through in the last year. Um, your ministry, which we'll get to in a second is, is focused on, on motivating people to live the life that God has called them to, uh, to live. Um, and you've got something new that you're doing, which is helping people start their day with motivation and spiritual strength. But before we dive into that, I want our listeners to know a bit of your, your profound personal story. Uh, you've been through some stuff, haven't you tell us what you've been through?

I have been through a lot, but I, for the longest time did not allow God into my situation for the longest time. I was relying on myself, even though I was raised as a Christian in the church, I feel like I was really saved when I was born. Like I was in a Christian private school, vacation Bible school. I even went to Christian summer camp and yes, I was in Awana and Sunday, all of it, but not until a grade three brain tumor was discovered on my pineal gland. Did I give everything to God? I often say God had to physically me to help me and get me on the path that he wanted me to be on and then came AR Lindsey unlimited.

So, so how old were you when you had had a brain tumor?

28.

And, um, had you been healthy otherwise up until this point? Yes.

And I am a little bit of a workout fanatic, and I was actually really, really excited about the new job I had just taken over. I was an assistant showroom manager and our job was to work out very often and get in the community and make connections with other workout facilities and communities. And so I was working out all the time and then I was promoted to the showroom manager. And so I was over the a room and that's when I started getting massive headaches and other body pains that did not make sense to me. And then I passed out, I was on my way to teach dance class at the showroom to some of the young girls, because we worked with young girls in helping them, um, in their aspirations and sports and athletics and things. And so I was able to teach them dance routines because I like to dance. I'm also a certified ZBA instructor. So, you know, like it was a lot of fun and, um, I was on my way to teach a dance class and I passed out before I made it to the, the dance class that morning in the garage, across the street from the showroom.

So, so, so you're, you're healthy. You're, you're working out, you're like moving up in your career, like, like everything's going as it should. And, and you're doing all the right things. You're, you're a woman of faith, right? Mm-hmm uh, so you've got faith, you're taking care of yourself, you're successful in your career. And then all of a sudden you get a brain tumor, like, was there a part of you that it was, uh, like angry with God at all? I mean, cuz this is not how it's supposed to go. Like you're doing all the right

Things. Right, exactly. And I w by the grace of God and people look at me kind of crazy because of my experience, but I give it completely and fully all to God. I was more confused than mad. I was just like, I didn't know what to do, but God, he stepped in and was so far ahead of me that I could not be mad because the job that I was working at at the time they came together and they made a, you caring fund for all of my initial medical bills, my uncle took care of all the other bills that I had. And then God being God showing up and showing out I received no medical bills from my brain surgery. I received no medical bills from the chemo. I received no medical bills from the radiation, God being God and my manager. She did her best to make sure I had long term disability before everything was said and done.

And God being, God, he set this all up because I had just taken over that position as manager and things. And, um, before I, even when I became a assistant showroom manager, I was leaving another job in corporate where I was unhappy. And I was just like doing anything I could to get out of there. And that company would not have taken care of me the way I was blessed with this company, because this is a Canadian company. Hmm. And so if I had never moved to this job, like I, would've not had it set up that way. I mean, God, would've done something else miraculous as he does, but it was just right time, the right position.

So, so how so how long ago was this and what's your, what's your health like now? And, and what's your prognosis these days?

Yes, I am completely healthy. All of my hair is back. I was balded twice. I showed pastor Mike the picture already, but I will show it again. My brother got this picture of me when my hair was kind of growing back a little bit. Wow. Um, beautiful. Thanks. Uh, but yeah, I am completely healthy by the grace of grace of God. I am claiming no more tumors ever because the tumor was a growing tumor. So it has the possibility to grow back, but we're claiming never again. Um, and that was about five years ago. It will be five years in June.

So, so what are some of the things that you, you learned through this journey? I mean, obviously the way you, the way you tell it, God took care of you throughout this. He showed his power and his provision. Not only did he heal you, but he helped you all throughout this process. So like, so what are some of the things that, that you learned and, and how did your, how did your faith grow by going through this really, really difficult, scary thing?

Yeah, it, um, definitely grew because I had to depend on him completely, which wasn't a, a difficult task at all because he just kept one thing after are just kept coming. Thank you, Jesus. That's all I can say. And that is why that comes out of my mouth so much these days. Just thank you, Jesus. Um, but it just really taught me to rely and trust and have faith. And you really have to walk by faith, not by sight, especially right now, um, with the business and like really just relying on him and taking me forward with the business and relying all on him, because I also did get social security with my first application, which I, um, it stopped last year. And so now, depending on him for finances and everything.

So, so obviously you depended on God through this, this, this cancer journey, but then now as you've redeemed that journey or taken something bad and turns it into this, these lessons learned, and now this, this gift that you offer to the world in, in this ministry, you find yourself having to rely deeply on him again, is that what I hear you saying?

Yes, sir. And it's a really good reminder to go back and look at God's resume, um, of what he has done for me. And so why would I question him now? So

As you, as you, as you work with people specifically, I, I, I see that you, in your ministry, you work a lot with women mm-hmm , um, and just encouraging them, motivating them, helping them. What, what do you see are some of the big needs, uh, that, that people have right now, um, uh, in particular, the, the women that you work with, what, what are some of the needs that they're bringing to you in your ministry and how are, how are you able to help them?

Well, I, I can take no credit. I give it all to God. I, I can't help you do anything. Like I give it to God, my first step in anything and everything, including the book ladies, as we love ourselves, the six step program to self-worth is turn to God. And so the first thing I do is I say, ask God, what is, um, what, you know, ask him for direction and ask him for guidance and help. And I also, um, just ask them, I give them different affirmations. That is also what I use in the program that we will talk about later. But I believe in affirmations and I believe in biblical affirmations. So I often tell myself Philippians four 13, I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. And I also rely heavily on first Peter, five, seven cast, all your cares and anxieties on him, because he cares for you.

So a lot of the issues that ladies are dealing with right now are people in general is anxiety and not knowing what's next and all not feeling worthy. So today I, um, every morning on social media, on Instagram and Facebook on my stories, I give encouragement for every day of the week, Monday through Friday, and today is worthy Wednesday. I did a whole session on worthy Wednesday. If you go down my feed, there are, uh, stories from ladies on feeling worthy. Um, I think that was self worth a week. I don't, that was, it was like a few years ago, but, um, now I do worthy Wednesdays where I just give little encouragements on being worthy today is you're worthy of a safe Haven because God is our safe place. He is referred to as our refuge in many verses in the Bible. And so he is our refuge. He is our hiding place. He is our safety and you are worthy of that through Christ. So I just give them encouragement of the, in the relationship with Christ and stop depending so much on them, because it's all in your mindset and like what you're telling yourself and how you're feeling. And then it flows throughout.

You mentioned anxiety and, and mm-hmm , uh, man, I think you were, I think you were so spot on. I mean, everybody's dealing with, with, so, so everybody's so anxious right now. Yeah. For, for a number of different reasons. And, and you mentioned the verse that says cast your cares. Mm-hmm cast your anxieties really upon the Lord. Mm-hmm like, like let's talk more about that. Like practically speaking on a daily basis. I, I like, I love the phrase, cast your anxieties upon the Lord. Mm-hmm how, how do, how do I actually, how do I do that? Like, what's that actually look like

What that actually looks like? Um, I go to Jesus calling. I don't have you heard that devotion? Yeah.

Jesus calling. Yeah. Jesus calling famous devotion.

Yes. I have read that for so many years and I get something different from it every year. Um, one of the things recently, and one of the devotions was just saying, I trust you, Jesus. Like you just have to constantly, because first that's alone in, I believe it might be five 17 just says pray without ceasing. And so if we're praying without ceasing and not stopping praying, you're always in communication with God. So I say that and one of my friends actually asked me that, like, you know, how do I rest in him? It's just constantly him, um, to take this burden and doing my best, not to take it back. Like you just have to continuously talk to him. And a lot of things, a lot of people, and a lot of times it helps to write like, write out what you're feeling. You can write God love letters. He reads it. He's Omni, nip, Omni, and omnipotent. And he knows it all. And he sees it all. He knows it before it, it touches your tongue, as David said. Um, so you, we just have to talk to him and he will give you that piece. And I also, my affirmations really helped me. One of my affirmations is also Philippians four seven, the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. So I it's just a lot of affirmations for me. It's the mindset.

So, so it it's about like this ongoing conversation with, with God mm-hmm, where, you're where you're, you're, you're putting the problem kind of back on him. Like it's not on my, my shoulders. It's on your capable, crucified, resurrected shoulders. Jesus. Yes. And it's just kind of constantly saying, and I'm trusting you for this. I'm leaning on you for this. It's kind of a constant push and, and God, God welcomes that. Right. He welcomes, he welcomes our problems. Right? Exactly. It's okay for us to

Do that. And I really work on, um, the dependence thing because I try not, I don't wanna be lazy, but I'm like, okay, Lord, you want me to completely depend on you, so I'm gonna do it, but I do my best not to be lazy.

So, and, and, and it, it sounds like you're, you're really helping people do what you're talking about. Kind of begin that rhythm of being in conversation with the Lord being connected and affirmed, uh, in their relationship with God. So, so speak more about that mini that aspect of your ministry of, of early mornings with a dose of Jesus.

So early mornings with a dose of Jesus, Christians hire me to ignite a dose of Jesus because most do not see him first get too busy, get too stressed. fall short of accomplishing their goals. Yeah. I help them achieve growth in their relationship with Christ, because bottom line it's by his grace.

And so what does that, what does that look like? What what's happening on these daily zoom meetings?

Yeah. So we get on at 6:00 AM. That's early. Yeah, it is early. But if you have goals to accomplish like many of the people who are a part of EMD J that's what we call EMD J um, you're trying to accomplish things, of course, within God's will. And I do my best to submit and commit a Lindsay unlimited to God every morning and my quiet, quiet time. So, so I wake up at three to make it there at six. So I have all my hair

. Hold on, hold on. You, you, you wake up at three in the morning. Yeah.

Well, when MDJ is going on, em, on break

Right now. So, so, so when it's not going on, let, let's take a person. When are you waking up when this is not happening? Right. Well,

Right now it's four 30.

You are a productive person. Rachel.

I am working on it. So , I have a business coach. And, um, one of the questions she asks is what is your superpower? And you are supposed to ask some of the closest people to you, what your superpower is. Hmm. And what my good friends, she said, discipline

It sounds like it, I sounds

Like it. So, but I mean, maybe it is, I don't know. Well,

But you know, you're, you're, you're, you're getting things done early in the day. And one of those things is you're prioritizing time in, in your faith and with your Lord. Yes. And, and, and you're making sure that there's time early in the day to make that happen so that the rest of the day can be lived out of those, that encouragement and not for it. Right. Yes. And, and that's, that's a big thing. I, I want, I want, I want the life I live, uh, I want to live flowing from a grace that I have not toward a grace I'm trying to scramble for. Right. Yeah. And, and these devotions are a way of anchoring yourself in something that you have in Jesus so that everything you do can be a response to that. Not an effort to earn it, right.

Yes, exactly. I need you to come and be, do commentary when I advertise for this.

not at, not at three 30 in the morning. That's not gonna happen.

Not at three 30 in the morning. No.

So, so how long do these last,

Oh, I say, give me 10 minutes, but I, my goal is five minutes or less, and I start with an encouragement and I give an affirmation and I give a verse or two or a chapter. It depends on what it is and for you to read in your own quiet time, cuz I do emphasize in having your own personal, quiet time with Jesus, this is just a kickstart to your day. Um, and then I give a song so you can meditate on for the day. So

You mentioned, uh, Jesus calling as a devotional that, that you've worked through a number of times mm-hmm, , you know, you know, our listeners who are, are probably starving for some resources to encourage them and keep them motivated and keep them grounded in their faith or, or really just help them begin to learn the faith. Obviously they can, they can sign up for early mornings with the dose of Jesus with, with Rachel McCanns. But what are some of the, what are some of the other resources that you found personally that, that maybe might be, might be, uh, of help to our listeners? So

I actually just went through this Bible study, uh, will not Bible study. It's a book and I read it during the tumor season, but a friend of mine led a Bible study on it and it's called the red sea rules by Robert J. Morgan. And it's about the Israelites crossing the red sea and how Jesus divided the sea for them and saved them from the Israelites and everything. And it is just so powerful. It gives you 10 rules for the red sea rules. And my favorite rule is the first rule because it's God has you exactly where he wants you to be right now mm-hmm and you just have to rest in that and be confident and comfortable in that. And there's another, uh, rule about, you know, being silent, why God fights for you, which is an exit this. So it is just that I really love that book. Um, Jesus calling and I use, um, our daily bread in the morning. Have you heard of our

Daily bread? I have. It's an excellent resource. Excellent resource. Mm-hmm

I read that in the morning too. Um, and I just do those pretty much. And my, I am a member of Oak cliff Bible fellowship. That is where I grew up. Like I was raised in Oak CBF and pastor Evans recently did a study Bible and a commentary and one of my E EMD, one of my E D members. So graciously blessed me with both of them. So when I do my devotion in Jesus calling, because she does give you verses I go on the study Bible or the commentary and I, um, read the commentary in there and it's

And have, and having a great study Bible is, is important. So to grow in your faith, right? So you can, you can read the scriptures, but then you can read what, what followers a, of Jesus that have come before you and, and who are contemporaries with you. Uh, the, the insights that the spirit has given to them and, and helps helps you really understand and grasp and, and grow and what's going on. And, and, um, so having a good study Bible is an important resource for your, for your, for your daily encouragements, for your overall growth as a follower of Jesus. For sure. Mm-hmm so, so Rachel, you, you mentioned earlier your book. Yeah. And I, I wanna make sure we, we touch on that briefly as well because, um, because I think our, our listeners will really be encouraged by that. So tell, tell us a little more about what the book is about.

The book is a six step pro, uh, blah pro program for self worth. It takes you through six steps and it gives you a step a day. So one step takes about a week. You can do it in any order that you want to, but it's just a really good, um, foundation of true self worth because our true identity and self worth is in Christ. And it just takes you through that.

And where can people find that book? And they get on Amazon.

It is on Amazon. Yeah.

And then you have a website as well. Right?

I do www dot R Lindsay, L I N D S a Y no, E Y a Y unlimited.com.

And, and there, they can find your book. They can learn about, uh, early mornings with the dose of Jesus. And they can also learn about like your are speaking and teaching and, and, and other things you do, right? Yes, sir. So, um, as we, as we round the corner towards the end of our time together, I, I wanna just dig in more to your own personal insights and, uh, your own, your own personal faith. And, uh, I, I wonder if there's a, if there's a particular verse or passage that has become kind of a, like a life verse or a constant source of encouragement for you, you, you mentioned Philippians four 13, um, and a couple of others. Is, is that your, is that your verse? Is that your one you hold onto? Um, or, or is it something else?

No. Okay. So I told you I was raised in church and, um, when I was growing up up my mother, I say she blessed me with this verse because, um, I was being a stubborn youth and I was complaining about going to like Christian camp or some, like, I was just being stubborn. And she blessed me with Jeremiah TW nine 11 for the Lord, you know, the, he knows the plants he has for you. And that is, is also in the book as well. Cuz that has been my verse ever since I also have a mug and a rock with this verse on it. She wanted me to know it and it is ingrained in my brain. Um, but what has really become, uh, one of my verses because God has definitely met all my needs during this is Philippians four 19 and my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus. And that like, I have just really held onto that with the brain tumor situation, with the finances, because he just continues to show up and show out and just show is just so many steps ahead. I just, I can't I can't, I there's nothing else I can

Say so, so even as God walks you through things, you would never choose like a brain tumor mm-hmm you can still be confident that he's good and he will give you what you need. So he may give you something you don't want mm-hmm but he will all always give you what you need

A man. And that is a book I recently read by pastor Tony Evans called detours

In the, oh yeah. Another resource. So detours by Tony Evans,

Detours by Tony Evans. And you just reminded me of something that one of my friends told me that is hilarious. She really admires my relationship with Christ and stuff now. And she's like, so many friends have said, like I was a Christian back then, but they just say, I have changed so much since the brain tumor. Um, but she says, she tells Jesus, I really admire Rachel's relationship with you, but I don't wanna brain tumor

Yeah. If we can avoid that, we'd love to, right. Yeah. But, but, but you know, it's, you know, we, we will probably not get a brain Zoomer for if we're listening to this, you know, and, and uh, but we all will have our thing. Right. We, we, all, we all will have our thing. We've got to walk through that. We don't want that God is wanting to use for his glory and the good of us and the good of others. Right, right. You know, it's it's yeah. It's just, no, it's just interesting to me. I mean, every, you know, I talk to a lot of people and everybody, everybody wants to live a really interesting story. Right. Everybody wants their story, their life to be a book that people can't put down. Like, oh my gosh, I can't believe the life that Rachel's lived. I can't believe the life that Matt's lived, but nobody wants to go through the kind of things that make a life worth reading. Right? Yeah. Let alone worth living. Or, or that build character or that deepen faith. I mean, you, you can't, you can't have it both ways. And, and, and the Lord has worked in your life to take you through some things you never would've chosen, but the end result there are, are things that bring glory to God, blessing to others and have changed you in ways that you would never undo.

Yeah, exactly. And, um, that, what I was gonna say is exactly what you said, because my best friend, the week before the brain tumor was discovered, I told her we were on the phone and I said, I don't have a story. Nothing has ever happened to me. And that sat, like I told her that, that Sunday, and then that Saturday passed out.

Wow. Wow. Rachel, tell us one more time where we can learn more about you and your ministry.

You can learn more about me and my ministry on my website, www dot R Lindsay, L I N D S a Y unlimited.com or all the social media, uh, um, all are Lindsay on. All of them are Lindsay unlimited on all of them, Instagram and Facebook. I don't do Twitter, anything like that. And LinkedIn, Rachel McCains, but

Yeah. Great. So I, Facebook on your website, we can follow you and find out more about the encouragement and the motivation that you're giving. Rachel, thanks so much for being on engaging truth today.

Thank you so much for having me. This was a great conversation. I enjoyed it so much.

So did I? And I'm sure our listeners did as well. And to you who are listening, thank you for tuning in. Thank you for listening. Uh, we're we're always grateful to have you with us here on engaging truth. You can find us right back here, same place, same time next

Week. Thank you for listening to this broadcast of engaging truth. Be sure to join us each week at this time, to help support our ministry, contact evangelical life ministries, post office spots 5 6, 8, Cypress, Texas, 77, 410, or visit our website Elm houston.org, or find us on Facebook evangelical life ministries. Thank you.