Cancer
What an ugly word! This devastating disease has struck countless families in our church over the past 34 years. It is by far the # 1 cause of death of people who have died on my watch as your pastor. In addition to those individuals and their families, it has affected many more who have battled through the indignities of chemotherapy and radiation in order to become survivors. Moreover, once you survive a bout with cancer, you are never sure about the source of your next ache or pain.
With that having been said, how do we as Christians deal with such a horrible, demeaning disease? What can we do to help lessen the deadly effects of cancer? In what ways can help be found when the diagnosis is, 'No cure!' How do we minister to the families who become 24-hour-a-day care-givers?
As Christians, we should face cancer in the same basic way we face anything else. Jesus has promised us peace in all circumstances of life, regardless of the storms around us. Pray for a cure, but also pray Jesus' prayer, 'Your will be done, Father!' The psalmist, David, promises that God will walk with us through every valley and over every hill in our lives. We must learn to trust God to keep His promises, not necessarily to remove the Cancer from us, but to guide and walk with us through this terrible trial.
There are many outlets for making contributions toward a cure for cancer. Find a group and get involved with helping them find a cure. The Susan Komen walks are one such kind of group. We at Tomahawk have participated in the Komen walks for several years. This year we will have upwards of 20 people walking on May 9th as a team to raise money for breast cancer research. Besides the fellowship and fun we will share, we will be using our legs to fight for a cure for this one type of cancer that has directly affected at least 11 women in our church over the last 15 years. We must, every one of us, work to help find a cure.
When a person receives a deadly diagnosis, walk with him/her at hers/his pace. Don't say, 'I know what you're going through.' You don't! Even if you've had the same disease, each person's experience is different. Give them space, while at the same time staying in touch, say, with cards. Take in an occasional meal or dish. Pray for him/her and the family. Walk with those in need without smothering them.
When you are finally faced with that, 'No cure!' diagnosis, consider involving hospice earlier, rather than later. Those who have been able to accept this diagnosis have found, almost without exception, great comfort and help from the organization we know as hospice. I have said this before, 'It takes a stronger person to ask for help than to try to do things on your own.' This is what Christ came to say to us on the cross. He gave his life for you. Let hospice and other care-givers help you in your time of earthly need. The results will be a blessing.
Cancer is terrible, but you do not have to allow it to beat you. Many die with this disease as the cause of their demise. Those who are willing to allow God and others to walk with them through the valley of the shadow of death, experience the blessings God has for us in death, just as he has blessings for us when we are given new life through the birth of a child. Remember, 'To everything there is a season.'
