A Potluck Dinner, January 26
Daily Reflections from Inside the Cancer Journey
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Written by Karen Tripp
“But here on this mountain, GOD-of-the-Angel-Armies will throw a feast for all the people of the world, a feast of the finest foods, a feast with vintage wines, a feast of seven courses, a feast lavish with gourmet desserts” (Isaiah 25:6 MSG).
For me, potlucks are complicated. I never know what to make. I guess that is why being invited to dinner is so much nicer than being invited to a potluck. And yet, the dinner invitation is barely out of my friend’s mouth before I yelp, “What can I bring?” Some friends let me bring a salad or a dessert, but then there’s the friend who says, “don’t bring a thing.” Part of me is thrilled to be treated with such hospitality, while another part of me is immediately feeling guilty that I’m going to show up without a dish.
Why is it so difficult for some of us to be treated as special, when we’ve nothing to contribute but ourselves? Even a cancer walk can feel like a time you need to “get it right.”
For some Christians, a cancer diagnosis brings a determination to have a model cancer walk so they can have a strong testimony to others. They want others to see the evidence of their faith, even through the cancer. This wonderful idea can often lead to a lot of pretending. Pretending you’re not tired, frustrated, or worried can be hard work in the face of cancer. Christ doesn’t need you to work on your testimony to reveal His power in your life. He just needs you to focus on Him.
It’s like going to heaven and seeing this incredible banquet!! There’s this huge table covered in linen that shines whiter than light, and hundreds of candelabras glistening brighter than the sun—and the room is filled with this incredible music that makes you want to shout for joy, and the food, don’t get me going on the FOOD! And you’re standing there, in this immaculate banquet hall, completely dazzled—but guess what? You heard the invitation wrong. Instead of a heavenly banquet, you thought the invitation said the dinner was a potluck. So, you show up, in heaven, with a casserole dish.
Jesus is standing there before this spectacular feast that He’s prepared for you, and He says, “You didn’t have to bring anything.” But do you know what you’ve been doing? You’ve been trying to find just the right casserole dish—because you didn’t want to show up empty-handed. You look back and realize, “I never should have spent so much energy trying to ‘get it right’. All Jesus wanted was for me to soak up all the love He has for me.”
Cancer too easily pushes patients and loved ones alike to work hard at not being frightened, and not letting others see them frightened. Fears will come—but instead of pushing them away, Jesus wants you to give them to Him. Then, come each day empty-handed to the banquet He’s prepared for you. Replenish your soul and drink in the abundant love of Christ.
Pray: Jesus, trying to not look frightened to others is exhausting. Take my fears today, and teach me to give my fears to You each and every day. Thank You for being all I need. Amen.
Your Turn: Make a list of any feelings you are having that you do not want your loved ones to see. One by one, place these at the feet of Jesus in prayer.
Karen Tripp, MS, LMFT, Cancer Caregiver
Karen is the Executive Director of Cancer Companions, the premiere national Christian cancer ministry (https://www.cancercompanion.org). Her roles have included authoring several Christian books including God is Bigger Than Your Cancer and working as a licensed marriage and family therapist. She is a daughter of a colon cancer survivor. Karen uses her experience to teach how to step into another person’s struggle to help build their faith while strengthening your own.
Cancer Companion’s vision for the future is for every person impacted by cancer to know the hope, love, and grace of Jesus and that every oncology team has included faith in their treatment toolbox. By 2033, Cancer Companions will provide 5 million engagements through cancer prayers, scriptures and interactions to those impacted by cancer. Engagements include; social media outreach, e-newsletters, prayer team requests, 30 days of Cancer Prayer event, and volunteer connections.
To learn more about our ministry and the services we provide visit our website by clicking here.
