A Father’s Love, September 20
Inside the Cancer Journey: Daily Reflections for Those Coping with Cancer
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By David Gira
But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him (Luke 15:20 NIV).
Jesus told a parable of a prodigal son, a young man dying to be free and see the world. He demands that his father give him his inheritance now. It’s a huge insult, like saying, “Father, you are dead to me.” Yet the father acquiesces. The son takes his money and heads for a distant land and greener grass.
Before long, the son has squandered his wealth and is starving. In his brokenness, he comes to his senses. If he could be one of his father’s servants, he would at least have food and shelter. Desperate, ashamed and afraid, he heads home.
While yet a long way from home, the prodigal sees something unexpected—his father running towards him with arms open wide. He had never stopped hoping for his son’s return. The son, overcome with emotion, falls at his father’s feet and into his embrace.
The father does not make his son a servant. Instead, he throws a party! He kills the fatted calf, prepares a feast, clothes his son in a new robe and sandals, and puts a special ring on his finger.
The father’s love for his son primarily represents God’s love for all His prodigal children. That being said, many people also find in this story hope for their own estranged or damaged relationship with a parent. By the grace of God, reconciliation and renewed love is possible.
A host of things may have damaged or severed your relationship with your parents. Each one and the pain are real. Cancer has a way of bringing us to the end of ourselves and to our senses. We may discover the need to forgive, love, and accept them for who they are—broken people in need of healing. We need each other. If we open our hearts, we may experience sweet restoration and love.
Early in my cancer journey, I heard God calling me to go home and help my dad. My cancer tests were good, and I felt great. Spending time with him, I got to know him better and to have important conversations. I came to appreciate him more, better understand his love for me, and learn from him. My relationship with my dad deepened.
Parents can change, too. I imagine the prodigal’s father changed, as he missed and feared for his son. Watching a child suffer cancer can break a parent’s heart like few things can. A broken heart is an open heart. They may share their regrets, apologize, and ask for another chance. They may “come running to you”—showing up, calling, helping, encouraging, and loving you in many ways.
Your relationship with your mom or dad may be great or painfully estranged. Regardless of its condition, God can use cancer to bring you closer. “Nothing is impossible for God!" (Luke 1:37 CEV) He works all things for your good (see Romans 8:28). Out of this ugly disease can come beautiful love and reconciliation. This is your heavenly Father’s desire.
Pray: Lord, You know my relationship with my mom and dad. You see the ways we struggle to relate. You know our longing to draw closer to one another. Use this time of cancer to bring healing to our relationship. May we honor each other and You. Amen.
Your Turn: Reach out to your mom and dad, if possible. Spend some time together. Try to be honest about any ways you have hurt your parent(s). If there’s a need for you to forgive, and it is hard, ask God to help. Find something in your parent for which you can thank God.
Michael David Gira, Jr., Cancer Survivor
David was an ordained United Methodist Pastor and graduate of Duke Divinity School. He and his wife, Amy, lived in Raleigh, North Carolina with their three children. In 2017 he was diagnosed with stage four lung cancer. In his book, How Cancer Cured Me, he shares many ways he experienced God’s healing. After a 7 year battle with cancer, David is now joyously singing praises in God’s glorious throne room. His legacy lives on through his writing for Cancer Companions, as he continues to proclaim Christ’s hope and healing power to others experiencing cancer. https://www.davidgira.com/how-cancer-cured-me
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