A Hand to Hold

Your life matters. Your presence on this earth is of great significance and the unique expression of God through you is a gift that makes the world even more beautiful. Hopefully, your days are filled with affirmations of this truth-words that declare it and that encourage you to embrace it. But, we know that at other times, word arrives that is anything but good news. It is word that causes "certain" things to quake and challenges your faith. It is word that can be twisted to inspire fear. It is in times like these that we are desperate for God to show up-to make an appearance. We want Him to simultaneously explain Himself and put the destroyer in his place, i.e. under His feet. We want Him to be more real than the circumstances we dread.

We don't have all the answers, but would like to share the comfort and wisdom we've received to support you, our sisters, in living well post diagnosis of breast cancer. (2 Corinthians 1:4).

1. It's okay not to be okay. This phrase has become the tagline of the emotionally brave, so much so that it might appear cliche. But, as popular as it becomes, it remains no less true. It's okay to grieve. It's necessary to grieve-your expectations and the plans you had for yourself. It's okay to ask God what He is doing. It's okay to tell God you don't like it. It's okay to tell God you are struggling to reconcile His good character with your suffering. Don't bury the truth of your thoughts and feelings. Hold them up to the light. Let God prove Himself faithful in the midst of your storm-in the heat of the fire. (Isaiah 43).
2. Don't go it alone. God's Spirit can comfort you in many ways, but oh how He loves to minister His kindness through ordinary people. Plug into community. Invite the saints in your congregation to help carry your burden in the labor of Christ-like love. Join a support group. Find a Christian counselor to walk, pray and battle with you.
3. ​Don't lose heart. Don't give up! Don't lose your hope. Be encouraged with the witness of our sister Melissa Helser, on engaging hope: