Dancing with Disease, February 15
Daily Reflections from Inside the Cancer Journey
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Written by David Gira
“You turned my wailing into dancing; you removed my sackcloth and clothed me with joy” (Psalm 30:11 NIV).
After cancer shows up, the last thing you may feel like doing is dancing. It can feel as if you will never get back on your feet again, let alone dance. As impossible as it may sound, God can help you get your groove back.
Immediately following my cancer diagnosis, my wife and I were invited to multiple weddings. How ironic; during the saddest, most depressing time of our lives, we were beckoned to come share in the happiest of happy occasions.
Of course, weddings are followed by parties, which almost always include dancing. One bride’s father hired a professional beach music band to perform. The singer and musicians were excellent, energetic, and very engaging. Instantly the dance floor filled to overflowing.
I drew back, hovering around the punch bowl and the hors d'oeuvres, content to be a wallflower, while Amy socialized. Twenty years earlier, when we were first married, we took a couple of dancing lessons. We had a great time learning to “shag” to beach music. But tonight … I didn’t feel like dancing.
The band launched into “Carolina girls, best in the world!” Amy turned to me, smiled, grabbed my hand, and pulled me onto the dance floor.
Hand in hand, we stepped towards each other and then out again. We recaptured the shag moves we had learned. With one arm around her back, we swayed side to side as we turned. Channeling my best Dancing with the Stars moves, I even spun her around and dipped her back in my arm.
The smile on Amy’s face, the joy in her eyes, and her beauty captivated me. Dancing gave me a chance to really look at her and see. What a gift!
The band played one great dance song after another. They proved to be surprisingly versatile. I did the Hustle. I was “Staying Alive” like John Travolta. I caught the Saturday Night Fever. I moonwalked like Michael Jackson. I thrust my hips like Elvis. We didn’t want to stop.
I backed up several steps from Amy like the scene from the movie Dirty Dancing. Like Patrick Swayze, I waved for Amy to run to me and dive up onto my outstretched arms so I could lift her up over my head. She wouldn’t go for it, but I still had the time of my life!
The writer of Psalm 30 recalls a time when he was down, sick, and at death’s door. It could have been cancer. He felt hopeless and helpless, and cried out to God. He felt more like lying in the dust than dancing.
But God came to his rescue, proving Himself faithful. The Psalmist recalls God’s faithfulness and favor. He proclaims, “Weeping may stay for the night, but rejoicing comes in the morning” (Psalm 30:5b NIV), and “You turned my wailing into dancing!” (Psalm 30:11 NIV)
Reach out to God today. Be honest about how you feel and what you need. Wailing and weeping are welcomed. God can turn your wailing into dancing. Whether you physically get up and dance or your spirit dances within you, He will enable and inspire you to dance.
Pray: Lord, I confess cancer does not make me want to dance. It’s terrible, full of trials and troubles. Help me to see the blessings You have given me and to celebrate. Please turn my wailing into dancing. Help me find joy in You and my life every day. Amen.
Your Turn: Today, dance! Celebrate the goodness of God in your life, past, present, and future. Grab your partner and do-si-do! If you’re alone, get up and “bust a move.” No one’s watching! If you can’t dance, you can move your feet, fingers, or eyebrows, or imagine yourself dancing.
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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