self-love – Urban City Podcast Group

Gloirah James Williamson: Faith, Redemption, and the Fight for Life

Urban City Podcast Group — Wed, 29 Oct 2025 16:05:45 +0000

Major Takeaways

Faith and Recovery Work Hand in Hand: Gloirah’s survival story shows how spiritual strength and addiction recovery can empower physical healing and long-term resilience.
Family and Community Save Lives: Her journey highlights the power of forgiveness, love, and support networks in overcoming both cancer and addiction.
Hope is the Ultimate Medicine: Gloirah’s story reminds us that faith, gratitude, and self-love can guide anyone through even the darkest battles.

Grace, Grit, and God’s Glory Through the Storms

At 59 years old, Gloirah James Williamson of Illinois radiates a quiet strength that only comes from surviving what many could not. A mother of six, grandmother of nine, and great grandmother of three, Gloirah carries herself with the unshakable conviction of a woman who has faced death twice and won both times.

“I’m still fighting my battle to continue to survive,” she says. “Thankfully, I’m in remission for the second time despite it being more aggressive. I’m faithful that I will not have to experience breast cancer, or cancer in any form again. But I’m certain God will bring me through like He did before.”

For Gloirah, survival isn’t just about living, it’s about thriving with purpose. When she was first diagnosed with breast cancer, she describes it as a storm that shook the very foundation of her life. But even then, she felt the steady hand of divine presence.

“Jesus didn’t leave my side,” she says. “The pain of going through chemo and radiation was the worst pain, something draining, but He stayed right there with me.”

Her second diagnosis came years later, more aggressive than before, threatening to undo everything she’d rebuilt. Yet this time, she was equipped with deeper faith, a stronger sense of family, and a decade of sobriety.

“I don’t know if this is because of my past. I’m a recovering addict, 13 years clean, or just my luck of the draw,” Gloirah reflects. “But I know that even though it was painful, Jesus didn’t leave my side.”

She pauses, then smiles. “My family was my biggest support and my greatest motivation to do everything I could to beat this and be the mother and grandmother able to spend quality time with them that they deserve.”

Gloirah’s story is also one of redemption, from addiction, regret, and self blame.

“I missed a lot during my years wasted in these streets,” she says candidly. “My children suffered for it growing up. I thank God for taking care of them and guiding them to take care of each other, and eventually help me regain my footing when my baby girl became a teenager.”

Her voice softens as she speaks about her family, one son lost, one incarcerated, and another doing great work alongside his three sisters.

“In my eyes, nothing is more painful than trying to smile and stay positive knowing you’ve failed the people you love the most. But when I see the love they have for me and the forgiveness and hope in their eyes, I find the energy, the wherewithal, the power, the grace of God to face anything I have to.”

That grace, she says, isn’t just divine. It’s reflected in her children’s love, in every prayer whispered by her friends, and in the community that rallied behind her.

When Gloirah says, “I love my family. I love my life. I love my friends,” there’s no hesitation in her voice. Each word sounds like a vow.

“I am thankful for having a job and being able to do it,” she adds. “I am thankful for all the people who keep me in their prayers and who always have encouraging words to share with me.”

She describes moments when despair threatened to pull her back into old habits, particularly after losing friends and relatives, some to cancer, others to addiction.

“Two years into my battle, one of my good friends died of breast cancer,” she says. “That rocked me to the core. I almost went back to using, but I didn’t.”

What kept her anchored was community.

“I don’t miss my NA and AA meetings if I can help it, and I’m honest with them about what I’m dealing with. My sponsor and the group itself really helped me get through those moments that rocked my emotions.”

For Gloirah, staying clean and sober is just as much a part of her survival story as beating cancer.

“Had I still been strung out when breast cancer first hit, I would not have been healthy enough to have pulled through it,” she admits. “I definitely know I couldn’t have pulled through that second time.”

She now uses her testimony to encourage others in recovery to prepare for the unknown, especially health challenges.

“I encourage anyone to get clean as soon as you can because you never know what health challenges are coming down the road, especially those directly connected with your drug use,” she warns. “Of all I’ve dealt with since being clean these 13 years, the battles with breast cancer are the only ones the doctor didn’t say were connected with years of drug abuse.”

It’s a sobering reminder that healing the body often begins with healing the soul.

Gloirah doesn’t shy away from discussing the toll cancer and life have taken on her body. “Being out there caused me to go through periods where I deal with having strokes. I have heart problems, and they had to put a stent in my heart. I also dealt with incontinence briefly. Those were very frightening,” she says.

But each medical scare only deepened her gratitude. “I’m just thankful. That’s all I can say.”

She explains how she chose to embrace self love even amid physical changes. “Yes, my hair thinned, so I just decided to start locking. People are always telling me how beautiful my hair is everywhere I go. It was never that way before I got clean and overcame breast cancer.”

For Gloirah, locks symbolize renewal, a crown of strength for a woman who has weathered everything from addiction to radiation and still stands proud. She speaks from experience, not just as a survivor, but as a woman who’s endured immense loss and chosen faith over fear. Her message is direct and powerful.

“Believe in yourself. Fight for yourself. Forgive yourself. Love yourself. Doing those things, there will be nothing you cannot overcome as long as you keep God in your life.”

Those words echo like a mantra for anyone navigating hardship, whether it’s illness, addiction, or self doubt.

“Allow yourself the time to experience all the emotions you feel,” she advises. “And then immediately get active doing whatever you know you can do to clean your blood and defeat that cancer.”

Her tone grows firm when addressing others in recovery.

“Don’t replace that habit with another bad one. Replace it with spending more quality time with the people you need to earn forgiveness from so you can patch those relationships.”

Her message is one of hope, not just survival, but restoration.

In her Chicago neighborhood and church support community, Gloirah is known as a source of light, someone who prays with others at cancer centers, checks in on fellow survivors, and attends recovery meetings with an open heart.

Her social media page overflows with gratitude posts, prayers, and updates about her health, each one punctuated by encouragement for others still struggling.

“God’s got me,” she often writes, “and He’s got you too.”

Friends, church members, and fellow survivors respond with love and admiration, calling her a walking testimony.

And she is. Hers is a legacy of love and light.

Today, Gloirah James Williamson continues her fight, not against cancer, but for life. She’s in remission again, and her mission now is to inspire others through transparency, gratitude, and faith.

“They found no cancer cells at last check! What I love most though is when I see my family’s forgiveness and hope,” she says. “I find the energy, the power, the grace of God to face anything.”

Her voice, strong yet soft, carries the conviction of someone who knows what it’s like to walk through darkness and come out radiant with purpose.

“I want people to know they can make it through anything. God doesn’t leave you in the valley, He walks you through it.”

If Gloirah’s story has touched you, consider supporting cancer survivors, caregivers, and awareness programs through the following organizations.

Faith, Healing, Self-Love, Resilience, Spiritual Growth: Deepest Within You Podcast

Chasity McMillan — Wed, 22 Oct 2025 14:00:16 +0000

Urban City Podcast Group

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Major Takeaways:

Faith and prayer can transform pain into strength and provide guidance during life’s challenges.
Practicing self-love, releasing unnecessary expectations, and setting boundaries are essential for personal healing.
Seeking support through counseling, faith communities, or resources empowers growth and inspires hope.

Deepest Within You: Finding Faith, Healing, and Strength in Life’s In-Between

Welcome to the Deepest Within You Podcast Show on the Urban City Podcast Network. I’m Chasity MacMillan, and I’m thrilled you’re joining us on this spiritual journey a journey into the profound depths of the human soul, where we explore the divine connection that unites us all, whether female or male.

This podcast is dedicated to bringing you inspiring stories, enlightening discussion, and transformative insights designed to help you connect with your inner self and the world around you. Whether you’re seeking spiritual growth, inner peace, or a quiet moment of reflection, our episodes aim to uplift, guide, and inspire. We hope you find solace, encouragement, and a deeper understanding of yourself through this journey.

Personal Story & Inspiration

Back in November 2009, I was navigating my own trauma and pain, asking the Lord, Where are the women who have endured struggles like mine? How did they heal? During that time, I often found myself alone, feeling the weight of my circumstances.

In those moments, I turned to prayer, seeking comfort and guidance. One place I found peace was Murder Beach. This was way back when you could use Priceline to bid on an oceanfront room, and I would spend time alone, away from the noise, especially during moments of anxiety or panic. It was my space for self-love, self-care, and reflection and it became a source of strength.

I also drew strength from the stories of other women who had walked similar paths. Women who, despite adversity, discovered hope and healing through faith. Their resilience inspired me to keep moving forward, even when the road seemed impossible.

One story that has always resonated with me is Hannah’s story in 1 Samuel 1. Hannah prayed for years for God’s revelation and blessing, even when misunderstood and ridiculed. Her silent prayers reflected deep worship and unwavering hope. Her journey reminds us that even in our darkest moments, faith can be a guiding light.

Hannah’s honesty about her pain and longing for restoration teaches us that vulnerability and persistent faith are powerful. In 1 Samuel 2, her prayers were answered, and she responded with gratitude and joy. Her journey shows us that pain can transform into strength when we trust in God’s promises.

Encouragement & Resources

If you or someone you know is facing hardship or abuse, remember: you are not alone. Millions have walked this path and found hope. Reach out to local resources, support organizations, or the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAVE. Taking the courageous step to seek help can be the beginning of healing and a brighter future.

Your story does not have to end with pain. Through God’s strength and restoration, you can rise as a warrior, finding hope, peace, and purpose. Let your faith be the foundation for healing and growth. James 5:15 reminds us that the prayers offered in faith can heal. Philippians 4:6 encourages us to present our needs to God with trust that He hears every prayer.

Even in illness, cancer, disease, or domestic violence, God still heals. Hope in divine design. Supplication earnestly presenting your needs to God is powerful. Trust that He is listening and ready to answer.

Practical Steps for Healing & Self-Love

Self-love: Set aside time to release expectations that do not bring peace. Reflect on your burdens, practice forgiveness, and allow love and joy to fill your heart.
Release unnecessary weight: Let go of pressures from your environment and others’ expectations. Set your own boundaries and let love fill your life.
Seek support: Connect with faith communities or consider faith-based counseling. Starting in 2017, faith-based counseling helped me face fear and challenges, and discover beauty, clarity, and growth on the other side.

Your courage to seek help and embrace healing can inspire others. Your in-between is a space for growth, strength, and new beginnings. Embrace it.

Awareness & Gratitude

In October, we honor awareness months for domestic violence, breast cancer, liver cancer, and blood cancer. Our prayers go out to all empowering, inspiring, and supportive communities coming together in love and service. Seek local resources if needed and remember the spiritual tools available to you.

Closing Thoughts

Thank you for joining me on this journey into the Deepest Within You. I hope today’s discussion inspires you to connect with your inner self. Remember, self-exploration and personal growth is a lifelong journey. Every step brings you closer to fulfillment and purpose.

Continue exploring biblical principles and spiritual teachings that resonate with you. Apply them in your daily life and embrace your in-between. You will strive, grow, and glow. I pray, decree, and declare that these words, led by the Holy Spirit, bring revelation and alignment with God’s purpose in your life.

Have a beautiful and glorious week. God bless, and much love.

For thoughts or experiences to share, reach out at urbancitypodcast.com or chasitybmcmillen@yahoo.com

Shani Scott: Resilience, Self-Love, and Survival A Breast Cancer Survivor’s Journey of Purpose and Power

Mari Michelle — Tue, 21 Oct 2025 21:18:17 +0000

Major Takeaways:

Breast cancer doesn’t define survival — resilience and mindset do.
Self-love and intentional living are essential for healing and fulfillment.
Knowledge, action, and support networks are vital to overcoming adversity.

Shani Scott: Resilience, Self-Love, and Survival. A Breast Cancer Survivor’s Journey of Purpose and Power

Urban City Podcast proudly highlights the remarkable journey of Shani Scott, an author, speaker, and award-winning radio personality whose life story stands as a living example of courage, healing, and the power of self-determination. A mother of two daughters and the owner of MediaRoom360, Shani has faced adversity with grace and emerged stronger, using her platform to empower women everywhere to reclaim control of their happiness and well-being.

Her books, The Rough Side / The Soft Side and Shani, How Do You Do It?: A Mindset Manual for Women Who’ve Had Enough, dig deep into the themes of resilience, growth, and the pursuit of self-worth. Through her writing and public speaking, she reminds women that healing begins with intentional living and radical self-love.

But behind her inspiring words lies a personal battle that redefined her perspective on life. In November 2016, Shani’s world shifted when she was diagnosed with breast cancer. That day, she recalls sitting in her car, tears streaming down her face, grappling with the thought of mortality. “The moment you’re diagnosed with breast cancer, you instantly become a survivor because you survived up to that diagnosis,” she said. “Even those who have passed from breast cancer are still considered survivors in spirit.”

From that moment, her journey became a testament to resilience. Shani’s OB-GYN, Dr. Raymond Delaina, guided her through the early stages of her diagnosis, connecting her with her first oncologist and offering unwavering support. When she lost her corporate job and health insurance, her oncologist waived his bill and directed her to programs in Texas that provided medical coverage for women battling cancer.

These small acts of compassion became lifelines of hope. Eventually, Shani began working with Dr. Joyce O’Shaughnessy at Baylor in Dallas, a partnership that empowered her to explore a treatment plan that aligned with her values and fears. Shani chose a blend of holistic and medical approaches, avoiding chemotherapy and radiation, while focusing on maintaining her quality of life. Her journey even took her to Nassau, Bahamas, where she tried natural remedies like Soursop juice, an experience she credits for helping her heal physically and emotionally.

Through her battle, Shani learned the art of prioritization. “I learned how to be a little selfish,” she admits. “To make sure what needed me most—my daughters and myself—had me.” She also discovered how vital diet, exercise, and mindset are to wellness. “Cancer feeds off sugar,” she warns. “You’ve got to move your body, eat right, and be mindful of what you put in it.”

Her recovery inspired her TEDx talk, Living Because I’m Dying, a raw and empowering reflection on how confronting mortality reawakens one’s purpose. “I decided to live because I’m dying,” she said. “You don’t know your last day, so live fully.”

Her latest book, Shani, How Do You Do It?, builds on this philosophy, including a 31-Day Resiliency Challenge that helps readers reconnect with their personal power and joy. Shani herself continues to live by the principles she teaches—taking time for rest, reflection, and recreation. “I intentionally watch TV now,” she jokes. “It sounds simple, but it feels like living again.”

Today, Shani Scott is more than a survivor; she’s a teacher of resilience, an advocate for wellness, and a voice for self-love. Her life encourages others to seek knowledge, take action, and never neglect themselves in the process. She reminds us that healing is both an internal and external act—one fueled by information, community, and faith.

For those seeking trusted information and resources, Shani recommends organizations like the American Cancer Association, American Heart Association, and American Stroke Association—sources that also guided her through her own healing journey.

Through her courage and authenticity, Shani Scott shows that survival is not the end of the story—it’s the beginning of a new chapter of purpose, balance, and strength.

Urban City Podcast celebrates her as a shining example of how resilience and self-love can transform even the darkest battles into testimonies of triumph.