*Excerpts from Bunny’s keynote address at the inaugural gathering of The Bigger C Encouragers, a fellowship for people affected by cancer, Tuscaloosa, Alabama
During my husband Sam's treatment for cancer, we leaned on our faith and what we knew of God. We found it helpful to surround ourselves with visible reminders of God’s faithful presence. For me, it was like putting on the armor of God. (Ephesians 6:11)
Every time Sam went in for more chemotherapy, before he climbed into the hospital bed, he hung a special cross from the I-V pole where the chemo would be placed. In the middle of dark and sometimes fearful nights, it was a reminder for both of us that Christ was in the room.
We put a small box by his bedside and filled it with our written prayers, as a reminder to share our concerns with God. Many days I watched the chemo drip through the clear plastic tubing that led to a port in Sam's chest. I prayed for each drop, thanking God for the chance they brought for Sam to live and to love again. We taped cards and letters to the windows and walls, surrounding ourselves with the love and well-wishes of others.
Every time Sam went in for more chemotherapy, before he climbed into the hospital bed, he hung a special cross from the I-V pole where the chemo would be placed. In the middle of dark and sometimes fearful nights, it was a reminder for both of us that Christ was in the room.
We put a small box by his bedside and filled it with our written prayers, as a reminder to share our concerns with God. Many days I watched the chemo drip through the clear plastic tubing that led to a port in Sam's chest. I prayed for each drop, thanking God for the chance they brought for Sam to live and to love again. We taped cards and letters to the windows and walls, surrounding ourselves with the love and well-wishes of others.
There are people in our lives who are the hands and feet of Christ--willing to carry our burdens, cares, and needs for us, to give us a break, to be the yoke, but there are subtle ways we won’t let that happen. It was during Sam’s illness that I discovered something about myself. I am much better at giving love than receiving love.
When people asked me what they could do, or how they could help, I usually declined. I didn’t want to be a bother, or perhaps I just didn’t want to ask for help. When a dear friend finally said, “You certainly are being selfish about this,” I was shocked. But that’s when I learned--some days we have to receive so others can give, and in doing so we are giving. We are giving the gift of allowing them to love us.
"What a great favor God does to those He places in the company of good people." --St. Teresa of Avila
Ecclesiastes 4:9 Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor. For if they fall, one will lift up his companion.
Psalm 27:14 Wait for the LORD; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the LORD!
Symbol: Something visible that by association represents something else that is invisible.
-What symbolic item/s have meaning for me? What would I choose to keep near me for strength and courage and as a reminder of God's presence.
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