When Cancer Feels Lonely (Part Two), February 22
Daily Reflections from Inside the Cancer Journey
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Written by Niki Hardy
“As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another” (Proverbs 27:17 NIV).
Life—especially life with cancer—is a team sport, and no one wins alone. But what are we meant to do when we feel alone and unseen in our cancer journey? No matter how helpful and involved our family or support network is, it's still possible to feel alone and scared—because quite honestly, no one's in our heads but us, and no one can sit in the chemo chair or undergo surgery but us. The good news is that there is no need for us to feel alone in our cancer journey.
In part one of this message, we saw that our first step to overcoming loneliness is to draw near to God, and I promise you, He will draw near to you. The second thing we've got to do is we must lean into community. At the beginning of my cancer journey, I struggled to let even my closest friends and my husband into what was really going on inside. My pride got in the way. I thought there was nothing that Google or my doctor couldn't teach me. I thought that I could handle it.
And I was afraid. I didn't want anything to do with other cancer survivors. I'd been through so much grief already. I didn't think I could handle it if I got close to people in a cancer support group, and then one of them lost their battle.
Eventually, I realized I needed people in my life who understood what I was going through. I needed people who knew what it was like to have an ostomy bag leak in Target or sit in a chemo chair. I found a group on Facebook specifically for people with colorectal cancer. There were friends there, encouragement there; everything changed.
The Internet is a wonderful world when it's used for good and it's one place we can find PLU’s—people like us—who can offer empathy and not just sympathy. Through my cancer journey I realized I needed both. I needed to lean into the community that was already around me supporting me, loving me. And I needed to step out to a community that was waiting for me and who understood me.
More than anything I want you to know in the core of your being that you are not alone. Will you let the truth of that sink into your soul? Yes, you may be walking through the valley of the shadow of death. But as you do, you're not alone. Jesus—Emmanuel, God-with-us—is with you. You're also surrounded by others walking through the same valley. I want to encourage you to link arms, walk together, chat together, support one another. As you do, you will know you are not alone. And when you truly believe it, you’ll find the courage to walk on and not to fear. Can I invite you to do one thing today—to find one place to connect? It starts with just one small step.
Pray: Lord, cancer can be a lonely road, but we know you are a God of community. You want communion with us, and You have provided community for us here on Earth. We trust in Your unfailing love and presence as we walk through the valley of the shadow of death. Thank You for those You provide to walk with us. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
Your Turn: Ask God to help you find and connect with people who understand the journey you are on. If you have not yet found a supportive cancer community, take the first step to finding one today. You can ask at your medical facility or search online. For Christian support, locate a Cancer Companions group at www.cancercompanion.org.
Niki Hardy, Family Member and Cancer Survivor
Niki is a British author, speaker, podcast host, and cancer thriver. Through her books Breathe Again: How to Live Well When Life Falls Apart and One Minute Prayers for Women with Cancer, and her free Trusting God Through Cancer Summit and Chemo Chair Prayers podcast, she helps people discover that life doesn’t have to be pain-free to be full, then to go live it. Download her FREE book bundle or find other resources at nikihardy.com.
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.
