How Are You Meant to Live When Cancer Strikes?
How are you meant to live when life hits you hard? Since my book, Meant to Live was released last September, I’ve had the opportunity to share my story through interviews on radio, tv, and podcasts. In fact, the Jesus Calling Podcast team interviewed me and it airs today! Listen here on my Facebook page.
In a number of these interviews, people have asked me how I’m doing as it relates to my son David’s cancer diagnosis. And here’s what I’ve repeatedly said:
“If the message of this book doesn’t apply when life hits you hard—your spouse walks out, your house burns down, your mother dies—then it doesn’t apply at all. It’s rubbish. I can’t tell people to come alive, live your best life when you’re succeeding and life’s smooth and sweet, then renege on the message when life’s tough. It’s in these times, that what I’ve written proves itself true.”
So again I ask: how are you meant to live when life hits hard? And more specifically, how am I meant to live while my son is battling cancer?
1. I’m clinging to God. If I laugh, feel confident, can be productive right now, it’s because my life is in Christ. I’m in Him and He’s in me. God’s made it clear: He is life. So any sign of life is from Him. But how do I realize that? I pray. A lot. Like all the time. I sit with God early in the morning, and, through prayer and the Scriptures, let Him remind me of what is true.
2. I’ve cried a lot. In meetings with oncologists and surgeons, with David and my friends and family. You bet I have. In front of people and in the middle of the night. Of course, it’s been hard. Of course, it’s sad. I hate that my David is going through this.
3. I’m staying open to God. God is always moving. Always at work. Always calling us to Himself, to Life. I know this and it rarely slips my mind.
4. We’ve drawn boundaries. I think this will need to be a separate devotional. There’s a lot to say about this, but for now: We canceled some things we had planned. Things that would drain us. For example, dinners where we were the ones ministering to others. I stepped away from the homeless shelter for a bit. It was just too heavy on me while I’m weaker and more vulnerable.
5. We choose life. We, as a family, have decided: We’re going to live each and every day, believing David is clear of cancer, until further notice. (His next scan will be in May.) We’re not going to waste days. He’s in law school, the rest of us work full time, we still go to church, hang out with friends and do our thing. While it’s true we’ve drawn some boundaries, we’re not curling up in a corner, hovering away. We’re living our lives.
Your life will be brighter than noonday, and darkness will become like morning. - Job 11:17
And I love you for praying for us. Thank you, dear friend.
I’m real because God – God —is so real.
~ Nancy
CALLING
If you're in the middle of a tough time, prayer is one thing. But how we pray is another. Be as honest as you're able when speaking with God. Respect and honesty go hand in hand.