She’s a rocker. She’s a speaker. She’s outgoing, energetic, and enthusiastic. She’s also battled cancer since a child. Her insights and vibrant presence have been used by God to influence a ton of teenagers. You’ll probably see in this conversation that Paige Armstrong had with interlínc why that’s true!
(be sure to download her song "Wake Up" at the bottom of the article)
As a cancer survivor, you definitely have an extraordinary testimony.
God has certainly worked in my life in some ways that I never would have imagined or picked if I was writing my own life’s story. But, then again, isn’t that true for most of us? Much of my journey began when the carefree life I had known was shattered by unexpectedly being diagnosed with bone cancer just before my eleventh birthday. Immediately, I was thrown into chemotherapies and extensive surgeries. It was as if one day I was a healthy little girl, and the next I woke up in the hospital, bald and in a wheelchair. Everything I had known was stripped away as I spent most of that year in the Oncology Unit at St. Christopher’s Hospital.
I didn’t understand why that was happening. I thought God was punishing me, but I couldn’t figure out what I had done to deserve cancer. While I struggled with so many questions, frustrations and doubts, God came along side every one of them and became more real to me than I had ever known.
Through that experience, God showed me that He had a purpose for my pain and brought about so many blessings that I never could have imagined. One of those blessings was the opportunity through “Make-A-Wish” to come to Nashville from my home in Pennsylvania to record an album. That experience was beyond incredible, and through it an opportunity opened up to sing and speak at all kinds of events nationally. God began opening unreachable doors to share what He had done by giving me opportunities to be part of Bath & Body Work’s Christmas album in 2005 and to share my faith on programs like the “Today Show” and “Extra.”
People seemed to be encouraged that something as bad as cancer could actually lead to something good. To me, seeing that God could use the trial He allowed in my life to impact others was the greatest blessing of all.
That is why, (as strange as it may sound) I can honestly say that even if I could go back and take away having cancer, as horrible as it was, I wouldn’t – because God has unleashed fresh dreams through that circumstance and has given me a new perspective on life and a passion to share it. God has proven to me His promise in Romans 8:28, that He truly does work all things for the good of those who love Him.
You have a DVD called Sermonettes with numerous teachings on subjects teenagers can relate to. Which Sermonettes have made the most impact on your audience?
Each Sermonette theme seems to hit young people differently according to what they are going through. While one student might be dealing with peer pressure, another is questioning why his or her parents split up. I have noticed how much the kids latch onto seeing Biblical principles specifically applied to the everyday issues they face. Not only does it put their faith in action, it helps make it tangible and real to them.
My favorite and perhaps the most eye-opening discovery, however, has been that they crave depth. The last thing they need is to be talked down to. My Sermonettes, “Faith”, “When Does God Love Me?” and “What Do I Have to Offer?” especially dig into deeper issues and questions that far more than expected young people are aching to hear about. From what I have seen, the greatest impact comes when the deepest questions are addressed and shared to set the foundation for their faith and lives.
You’re involved with iShine Live. How has this ministry given you a platform to share your story and to have an impact on teenagers all over the country?
iShine has been an absolutely amazing blessing! One of the craziest things about it for me was being asked to be the speaker for their live event and later the host for the first season of their television series! While I had spoken at events before, I had certainly never been the keynote speaker for a traveling event or ever interviewed someone for TV!
Even through my own personal feelings of inadequacy, God used those opportunities to grow me in ways that I didn’t know possible. Not only did He walk me through issues like preparing a talk with on-stage interactive elements, but surrendering myself during every concert in order to truly make a connection with the kids.
The irreplaceable part of iShine is the connection made with kids. Getting to share with those precious young lives about their value, identity, and purpose – as well as the gospel of Christ – each night was the greatest thing I could have ever been asked to do.
While you give so much to students in your ministry, who pours into you?
I really appreciate this question! I used to think people in ministering roles were just continuously brimming with inspiration and good advice. I’ve come to realize that burning out can be so easy without the right people in your life bringing you back to our ultimate and only ever-flowing Source.
I’m learning that too many voices make it too easy miss His. The individuals that are continuously close and counseling me are a select and precious few. My parents have forever been an incredible support to me. There are countless times that I have gotten tangled up in the “if’s”, “don’t know how’s” or the discouraged, “I can’t do this”, when they have always helped bring my perspective back. They are essential. Also, my best friend has been amazing in consistently checking up and pouring into me. We share each other’s burdens and joys. Those sharing times leaves our perspectives broadened and hearts full. Beyond that, books, church family, and time alone are part of my recharging.
My alone time is the best, because it’s just between God and me. Taking the time to read His Word and engage in a conversation with Him is renewing, fulfilling, and clarifying. Without that time with Him, I’m running on empty and everything I do is thrown
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