I Don’t Want to Go to a Cancer Group, but I Will, January 28
Daily Reflections from Inside the Cancer Journey
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Written by Jenni Ritzert
“Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me” (Matthew 25:40 NIV).
“Sweetheart, how about we sign up for this class at the Kettering Cancer Center called ‘Seeing God in Your Cancer Journey’? It’s a weekly class for ‘only’ eight weeks, and the description mentions some topics that might help us work through your new diagnosis.” My husband, Mark, then asked what day of the week the classes would be, and I told him … Thursdays. (I already knew that was the same night as his band practices. Those nights were good for his soul and helped him unwind from his stressful and sometimes grueling job as a UPS driver.)
Mark asked if I really thought it would be good for us, and then agreed to go every other week, so he didn’t have to give up eight whole weeks of band nights.
On the drive to the first meeting, I was excited to connect with other caregivers and for Mark to connect with other cancer patients. Mark was more apprehensive, not realizing how important those new friends would be to help cope with the journey—his, ours, and theirs.
After introductions at the first class, our facilitator, Rachel, asked, “Is it hard to imagine God using cancer for good? Why or why not?” Mark and I looked at each other, realizing we had only been thinking about our fears and sadness and the “What if’s.” Mark wrote in our shared workbook, “Good can come from bad situations. It can bring people closer and make you realize what’s important.” I wrote, “You learn to appreciate the small things and the little moments.”
Then, Rachel asked, “What if you never see how God uses your cancer for good? Would it be hard to believe God is still using it to work for good? Why or why not?” Mark wrote, “Some good has already come from my cancer—no more working, my belief in God is stronger than ever, and I realize how many people love me and how lucky I am to have them.”
On the way home, Mark thanked me for “making” him go. He talked about God’s presence in his life and how sharing his feelings would help him continue to put his trust in God, and thus help with the spiritual/mental side of the disease.
We attended all eight classes, even though initially he only wanted to attend four. At the end of each class, we would each say what we would like the others to be praying on our behalf that week. We would take notes on each person’s prayer request. Praying for others and knowing others were praying for us was profound. To this day, the other class attendees and I are great friends, and we meet once a month for our Cancer Companions Supper Club (CCSC) dinners.
We lived knowing God was using Mark’s cancer as one way to draw people closer to Him. Mark talked to friends and family about his closer relationship with God and how it was helping him feel hopeful, more loved, and never alone.
Pray: Loving God, please help me find a class or group where we can lift each other up in prayer and learn to lean on You. Help us realize You are bigger than our cancer or our loved one’s cancer. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.
Your Turn: Research to see if there are any local Cancer Companions groups or other support groups that meet in your area. This way, you can share your struggles and joys with others who are traveling a similar path (journey). God can help you lift each other up and you can lean on God, together.
Jenni Ritzert, Cancer Caregiver
Jenni’s husband, Mark, passed away after a courageous battle with pancreatic cancer. They benefited in amazing ways from a Cancer Companions class called “Seeing God in your Cancer Journey.” Mark was able to fully realize God’s extravagant love, and Jenni learned to lean on God and others throughout those difficult times. Jenni retired in 2020 from Wright Patterson Air Force Base. She prays the devotionals she wrote will help caregivers as they journey through cancer with their family and friends.
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.
