Generation to Generation
Navigating Challenges Together an Interview with Leslie Wallace
Fifteen years ago, Leslie Wallace received news that every woman fears: she had breast cancer and would have to undergo surgery, chemo, and radiation therapy to treat and remove the mass. At the time, Leslie had two children in elementary and middle school, and her husband, Mike, traveled for work, making that diagnosis even more challenging. However, Leslie looks back on this experience now, not with negativity, but with gratitude for all the support that she and her family received. “Instead of looking at it as such a hard time, I look at it as just being a time that I was filled with so many blessings,” Leslie explains saying, “at every turn, someone was there to help us.”
She does admit that, at first, she was overwhelmed. But one day shortly after her diagnosis, Coleman Efird approached her in the parking lot at church with a list of scriptures. One that stuck out to her was 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, which urges us to “give thanks in all circumstances.” Leslie describes reading that scripture like flipping a light switch saying, “I realized that this is what God has given me and I can’t control it, I can’t change it, I’ve just got to move forward with it and remember to look for those blessings.” And at that point, the blessings began to overflow.
Family, friends, neighbors, and church members all stepped up to support Leslie during her treatment and recovery. Outside of cards and phone calls, they found all sorts of ways to share their specific gifts and help Leslie in her time of need. Those who enjoyed gardening came to plant flowers in her beds. Those with a particular eye for design helped to decorate her tree for Christmas. The youth even found a way to share their gifts by coming to the house and singing Christmas carols. Everyone had something they could contribute. Specifically, Leslie remembers friends like Liz Current, Mindy Mitchell, and Tom Challenger, who have since passed on, but taught her the power of hope and courage. She also shares how important Josie Conner and LeeAnn Harris were, never leaving her side and sharing their support and humor. Each of these things was an expression of love, Leslie explains.
But Leslie wasn’t the only one to receive love and support. The congregation surrounded her family doing all they could to help. For five months, members and friends worked to provide meals for Leslie’s family. They looked after her sons and made sure they made it to school, scouts, or other activities. Josie specifically made an impact by inviting Leslie’s boys over to her house once a week. “I never had to worry; I could just focus on getting well,” Leslie explains.
From a spiritual standpoint, Leslie gives thanks for a wonderful Pastoral Staff. Rev. Layton Mauzé and Pastor John Stanley sat with her and Mike at the hospital during her surgery and offered prayer and support throughout her recovery. Leslie explains that it meant so much to have loving ministers that walked along with her every step of the way.
For those facing similar challenges, Leslie urges them to allow their community to offer support. Leslie’s story demonstrates that God has given everyone special gifts to share and when they are allowed to do so, the results are amazing. Too often we will say things like ‘I can do it on my own’ or ‘I’m all right’, but when we allow people to walk alongside us on our journey, we are able to experience the love of God more fully. “When those dinners roll in and you don’t have to spend time cooking and your children are cared for and loved, your whole family is loved, it means so much,” Leslie says with a smile.
Leslie speaks nothing but praise when it comes to how the community responded to the challenges she faced. She tears up as she recalls these memories saying, “I can’t imagine what it would be like to go through those trials without the support of a loving church family and friends and this wonderful community.” The whole church, young and old, rallied around her in such a meaningful way. Leslie explains that to this day she remembers the specific things that each member did for her and how those blessings carried her family through such a difficult time. She encourages the congregation to keep doing what they’re doing, because in her words, “they do it so well!” Each member works together to offer what they can, be it a meal, card, or phone call, to support each other. Even a little humor helps! “I am so thankful for this church, my family, and this community. Everyone was so amazing.” Leslie says. “It just goes to show that when we work together, great things can happen.”
This article is part of a weekly series featuring FPC Gastonia members as part of our Generation to Generation Campaign. Check-in next week as we share another member's story! Find more on our website at www.fpcgastonia.org/generation-to-generation.
She does admit that, at first, she was overwhelmed. But one day shortly after her diagnosis, Coleman Efird approached her in the parking lot at church with a list of scriptures. One that stuck out to her was 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18, which urges us to “give thanks in all circumstances.” Leslie describes reading that scripture like flipping a light switch saying, “I realized that this is what God has given me and I can’t control it, I can’t change it, I’ve just got to move forward with it and remember to look for those blessings.” And at that point, the blessings began to overflow.
Family, friends, neighbors, and church members all stepped up to support Leslie during her treatment and recovery. Outside of cards and phone calls, they found all sorts of ways to share their specific gifts and help Leslie in her time of need. Those who enjoyed gardening came to plant flowers in her beds. Those with a particular eye for design helped to decorate her tree for Christmas. The youth even found a way to share their gifts by coming to the house and singing Christmas carols. Everyone had something they could contribute. Specifically, Leslie remembers friends like Liz Current, Mindy Mitchell, and Tom Challenger, who have since passed on, but taught her the power of hope and courage. She also shares how important Josie Conner and LeeAnn Harris were, never leaving her side and sharing their support and humor. Each of these things was an expression of love, Leslie explains.
But Leslie wasn’t the only one to receive love and support. The congregation surrounded her family doing all they could to help. For five months, members and friends worked to provide meals for Leslie’s family. They looked after her sons and made sure they made it to school, scouts, or other activities. Josie specifically made an impact by inviting Leslie’s boys over to her house once a week. “I never had to worry; I could just focus on getting well,” Leslie explains.
From a spiritual standpoint, Leslie gives thanks for a wonderful Pastoral Staff. Rev. Layton Mauzé and Pastor John Stanley sat with her and Mike at the hospital during her surgery and offered prayer and support throughout her recovery. Leslie explains that it meant so much to have loving ministers that walked along with her every step of the way.
For those facing similar challenges, Leslie urges them to allow their community to offer support. Leslie’s story demonstrates that God has given everyone special gifts to share and when they are allowed to do so, the results are amazing. Too often we will say things like ‘I can do it on my own’ or ‘I’m all right’, but when we allow people to walk alongside us on our journey, we are able to experience the love of God more fully. “When those dinners roll in and you don’t have to spend time cooking and your children are cared for and loved, your whole family is loved, it means so much,” Leslie says with a smile.
Leslie speaks nothing but praise when it comes to how the community responded to the challenges she faced. She tears up as she recalls these memories saying, “I can’t imagine what it would be like to go through those trials without the support of a loving church family and friends and this wonderful community.” The whole church, young and old, rallied around her in such a meaningful way. Leslie explains that to this day she remembers the specific things that each member did for her and how those blessings carried her family through such a difficult time. She encourages the congregation to keep doing what they’re doing, because in her words, “they do it so well!” Each member works together to offer what they can, be it a meal, card, or phone call, to support each other. Even a little humor helps! “I am so thankful for this church, my family, and this community. Everyone was so amazing.” Leslie says. “It just goes to show that when we work together, great things can happen.”
This article is part of a weekly series featuring FPC Gastonia members as part of our Generation to Generation Campaign. Check-in next week as we share another member's story! Find more on our website at www.fpcgastonia.org/generation-to-generation.
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