Tuesday, September 6, 2011

Last Monday I was diagnosed with stage I invasive breast cancer.  The doctors, techs, and nurses had been gradually telling me for weeks, yet the words still stung.  When the doctor said the words, they hung in the air like killer bees.  I tried wrapping my mind around them.  I tried being logical and rational; I mastered it for a while. Within a few moments tears sprang to my eyes; I had no control of them.  I knew that the words weren’t a death sentence.  Truth be told they weren’t even the hardest words I’ve ever heard, but they were still difficult words.

Honestly, it has taken me several days to grasp the word cancer.  In fact it reminded me of Harry Potter and the wizard world.  In the books there is an irrational fear of speaking the unspeakable name of Voldemort, or their mortal enemy.  I thought about keeping this diagnosis of breast cancer to myself. I realized I was giving the word more power. I wanted to speak the unspeakable word and release its power over me.

Instead of the unspeakable word of cancer, I decided to focus on Philippians 4: 4-7

4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice. 5Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near. 6Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

This verse changed my prayer life years ago as my father-in-law was diagnosed with cancer.  I learned that within each hardship there was a gift of possibility.  I learned to live with the nearness of God.  I learned the impossibility of being anxious and thankful at the same time. 

Next week I will have surgery. The following week I’ll begin radiation. I am sure that neither will be easy, but at this moment I’m going to live in the space of being grateful. I’m not ignorant of the seriousness, but I also realize that this isn’t a death sentence-I refuse to live as if it were.  Cancer isn’t going to rule my life and neither is anxiety. I decided that the only word to which I am going to offer my complete surrender is the Incarnate Word of God or Christ Jesus.  

2 comments:

  1. "Every Day Holds the Possibility of A Miracle"... These are the words I have written over the living room archway at home and it helped Billy and I through so many days when others had given up. Attitude of God gets us through so many things. My heart goes out to you, You are so right to have power over It! Prayers to you. Love you!

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  2. We all have to choose whether to live "under" our circumstances or to let Jesus define us and help us rise above them. You made that choice long ago, my friend- and God will be faithful. We will be praying for you and Ron. You are loved!

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