Encourage One Another, November 2
Inside the Cancer Journey: Daily Reflections for Those Coping with Cancer
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By Ashley Taylor
Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing (1 Thessalonians 5:11 NIV).
Going through breast cancer is definitely not something you wish for. It is a shock to be diagnosed with breast cancer. However, looking back on my journey, I see now that God was preparing me for this walk even before I received my diagnosis. After the shock wore off, I was worried about the unknown, but I also had peace. I knew I was in God’s hands. He would bring light out of the darkness of this disease to His glory.
Through the words of today’s verse, God has taught me to share my experience and to be a helper and encourager to others going through a similar battle. I would like to share my suggestions for someone newly diagnosed with breast cancer:
1. Take a deep breath and do not feel rushed in your decisions. Pray and talk with God, your family, your doctors, and others who have been through the battle.
2. Let out your feelings with screams or tears or whatever works for you, and then, get up and fight in the full armor of God. “Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes” (Ephesians 6:10-11 NIV).
3. Getting a second opinion is something I highly recommend.
4. Be sure to write down all of your questions to ask the doctors and take the time to write down the answers.
5. Take someone to your appointments with you, whether it is a family member, a friend, a neighbor, or a coworker. Two pairs of ears are better than one.
6. Let others help you; it’s important. God provides love and support through them that you need. My husband kept family and friends updated when I didn’t have the energy. I remember needing a ride to an appointment an hour and a half away and my friend, Amy, gathered up her six-year-old daughter and was ready to go. People are genuinely glad to help.
7. If you do not usually put yourself first, do so now. Be kind to yourself. Soon after my diagnosis, my younger daughter and I went for a pedicure to relax and to put on my fight color—bright pink.
8. Remember that your loved ones are scared and worried about you. Be sure to take the time to talk to each other and pray together.
9. Surround yourself with positive people that God has brought into your life. I will always treasure my brother’s tender hugs, Elsie’s faith, Angela’s laughter, Cheryl’s M&Ms, Sherry’s Cup of Courage, Jane’s colorful scarf, Margaret’s prayers, April’s book of wisdom, Laura’s sweet cards, Dede’s basket of joy, Stephanie’s soft backrest, and the list goes on.
Cancer may pull us down, but God will lift us up to bring hope to others. Our suffering won’t be for nothing. “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him” (Romans 8:28a NIV).
Pray: Dear heavenly Father, open our hearts and let us allow You to work through us to bring hope to others, remembering that our cancer walk isn’t for nothing. Amen.
Your Turn: Hear the words of Toby Mac in “Speak Life” and “lift your head a little higher, spread the love like fire, hope will fall like rain.” Cancer will not have the last word.
Ashley Taylor, Cancer Survivor
Ashley is married to James, and they have two daughters, Grace and Hannah. All four are big Tar Heel fans, having attended the same school, UNC-Chapel Hill. In 2020 Ashley obtained her roofing license to help with her family's business. She is a breast cancer survivor. She has been grateful for the opportunity to join the devo team for Cancer Companions, to reach out to others for God’s glory for His goodness in her cancer journey.
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.
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