"Finding My Voice Through Cystic Fibrosis: A Journey of Faith, Hope, and Worship" by Candice Kalenga

Singing has been part of my life since I was a little girl. From singing along with my boombox  and cassette tapes (yes, I’m dating myself!) to singing with friends and my church choir in  high school, music has always brought me joy. Today, I have the privilege of serving as a  worship leader at my church with my family! 

However, living with CF has made singing challenging. For someone with CF, even finishing  a song can sometimes feel like running a marathon! 

Throughout my early adulthood, I struggled with coughing, wheezing, shortness of breath,  and chest pain. There were countless Sundays when I pushed through worship, praying I  could finish without coughing. 

Everything began changing when I started taking Trikafta in 2019! 

I'll never forget the first Sunday I sang without coughing! We were singing one of my favorite  worship songs, Goodness of God. As I sang the chorus, “All my life you have been faithful.  All my life you have been so good. With every breath that I am able. I will sing of the  goodness of God”, tears began streaming down my face. After years of struggling, I could  finally sing freely. It was an overwhelming moment of gratitude to be able to get through a  song without coughing! 

That experience reminded me that every breath is a gift. 

Music has also carried me through some of my darkest moments. During one  hospitalization, I remember feeling completely hopeless. I turned on worship music and  paced my hospital room until I began feeling the heaviness of being so sick starting to lift.  Whenever I would get a PICC line placed, I ask the medical team to play worship music. It  helped calm my anxiety and reminded me that God is present. 

One of my favorite passages from the Bible is from Psalm 34, “I will bless God every chance  I get. My lungs expand with his praise. I live and breathe God”. These words have special meaning when breathing isn't always easy. 

I've also been blessed to take voice lessons through Breathe Bravely and participate in  online CF events. These opportunities have helped me grow in confidence and continue  developing my God-given gift. 

I'm especially grateful for my husband, my kids, and my worship team. They understand my  limitations and know when to step in if I need a breath. My husband and son serve alongside me and can often recognize my cues without a word!

Living with CF has taught me that worship isn't about perfect notes, powerful lungs, or  flawless performances. It's about offering God what we have, even when our strength feels  limited. Some days, that means singing boldly. Other days, it means resting, listening, and  allowing someone else to lead. 

My hope is that others living with chronic illness will continue pursuing their passions and using their gifts. Our limitations do not determine our purpose. 

Cystic fibrosis may affect the breath behind my song, but it will never silence the worship  within my heart. Every breath is precious, and with every breath I'm able, I will continue praising God.