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Faith can help us cope

GEISINGER CARING

June is “National Cancer Survivor Month,” a time to celebrate the remission and recovery of the brave souls who faced this adversary and won. We also recognize those who valiantly fought this great battle, but whose bodies eventually wore out.

According to Cancer Facts & Figures 2019 published by the American Cancer Society, the cancer death rate fell 27 percent from its height in 1991. Advances in early detection and treatment as well as steady reductions in smoking are credited for the decline. This is good news, but for those dealing with the disease day to day, it is not enough.

Perhaps the three most dreaded words a doctor can utter are, “You have cancer.” Even if we never hear those words personally, we all know someone diagnosed with this disease. Cancer touches everyone: patient, family, friends and coworkers.

How do people cope?

Each person is unique, and the way each one copes is unique. A cancer diagnosis can take over one’s life with doctor visits, tests, and treatment. The effects of treatment tend to leave the patient exhausted and worn. Caregivers and family often assume additional support roles and are not immune from exhaustion themselves. But, cancer is not just a physical battle, it is also an emotional and spiritual one.

Attitude is key in handling adversity. An anonymous source wrote, “I have cancer, cancer never had me.” Remembering that cancer does not define someone–that a person is much more than their disease — can help one maintain proper perspective when life has been turned upside down. Many find understanding and inspiration in being part of a support group. Others find encouragement from the words of another who traveled this road. Stuart Scott, former ESPN anchor, penned these words, “You beat cancer by how you live, why you live and in the manner you live.”

How you live

One of the most quoted Bible verses dealing with hardship is Joshua 1:9, “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God with be with you wherever you go.” It is normal to be struck by fear, doubt, and discouragement during these times. Yet, God reminds us that we are not alone–he is with us every step of this journey. For those who believe in a Higher Power, we have the hope that this life is not the end. We believe that there is a power greater than ourselves who loves us–that there is a life after this one where we can live in perfect peace, joy, and health.

Why you live

Believing in a Higher Power also leads us to the knowledge that we have a purpose. Our lives are not an accident. We have been created with our own set of strengths and weaknesses, talents and abilities, likes and dislikes. For those of the Judeo-Christian tradition, we believe that we are created in God’s image (Gen 1:27). We are spiritual beings housed in human physical bodies. Being made in the image and likeness of God, we can have a relationship with him. We can love him, worship him, serve him and fellowship with him. It brings God pleasure to have a genuine relationship with us (Rev. 4:11).

The manner you live

Whether we are living with cancer or any other physical, emotional or spiritual challenge, we are still individuals with choices to make. John Wesley, the 18th Century leader of Methodism, provides some of the best instruction regarding the manner we live:

“Do all the good you can,

By all the means you can,

In all the ways you can,

In all the places you can,

At all the times you can,

To all the people you can,

As long as ever you can.”

No matter what you are experiencing, God says, “I will never leave you, nor forsake you” (Jos 1:5). Let God be your most trusted companion throughout this journey we call life.

Living with Cancer

June is “National Cancer Survivor Month,” a time to celebrate the remission and recovery of the brave souls who faced this adversary and won. We also recognize those who valiantly fought this great battle, but whose bodies eventually wore out.

According to Cancer Facts & Figures 2019 published by the American Cancer Society, the cancer death rate fell 27 percent from its height in 1991. Advances in early detection and treatment as well as steady reductions in smoking are credited for the decline. This is good news, but for those dealing with the disease day to day, it is not enough.

Perhaps the three most dreaded words a doctor can utter are, “You have cancer.” Even if we never hear those words personally, we all know someone diagnosed with this disease. Cancer touches everyone: patient, family, friends, and coworkers.

How do people cope?

Each person is unique, and the way each one copes is unique. A cancer diagnosis can take over one’s life with doctor visits, tests, and treatment. The effects of treatment tend to leave the patient exhausted and worn. Caregivers and family often assume additional support roles and are not immune from exhaustion themselves. But, cancer is not just a physical battle, it is also an emotional and spiritual one.

Attitude is key in handling adversity. An anonymous source wrote, “I have cancer, cancer never had me.” Remembering that cancer does not define someone–that a person is much more than their disease–can help one maintain proper perspective when life has been turned upside down. Many find understanding and inspiration in being part of a support group. Others find encouragement from the words of another who traveled this road. Stuart Scott, former ESPN anchor, penned these words, “You beat cancer by how you live, why you live and in the manner you live.”

How you live

One of the most quoted Bible verses dealing with hardship is Joshua 1:9, “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God with be with you wherever you go.” It is normal to be struck by fear, doubt, and discouragement during these times. Yet, God reminds us that we are not alone–he is with us every step of this journey. For those who believe in a Higher Power, we have the hope that this life is not the end. We believe that there is a power greater than ourselves who loves us–that there is a life after this one where we can live in perfect peace, joy, and health.

Why you live

Believing in a Higher Power also leads us to the knowledge that we have a purpose. Our lives are not an accident. We have been created with our own set of strengths and weaknesses, talents and abilities, likes and dislikes. For those of the Judeo-Christian tradition, we believe that we are created in God’s image (Gen 1:27). We are spiritual beings housed in human physical bodies. Being made in the image and likeness of God, we can have a relationship with him. We can love him, worship him, serve him and fellowship with him. It brings God pleasure to have a genuine relationship with us (Rev. 4:11).

The manner you live

Whether we are living with cancer or any other physical, emotional or spiritual challenge, we are still individuals with choices to make. John Wesley, the 18th Century leader of Methodism, provides some of the best instruction regarding the manner we live:

“Do all the good you can,

By all the means you can,

In all the ways you can,

In all the places you can,

At all the times you can,

To all the people you can,

As long as ever you can.”

No matter what you are experiencing, God says, “I will never leave you, nor forsake you” (Jos 1:5). Let God be your most trusted companion throughout this journey we call life.

¯¯¯

Suellen Lewis is a staff chaplain at Geisinger Lewistown Hospital. As both a former math teacher and associate pastor, she continues to be amazed at how God uses our experiences, abilities, and gifts to minister to others. She is available at Geisinger-Lewistown Hospital Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. ontact the Spiritual Care Office at (717) 242-7059.

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