To Learn or to Teach, October 7
By Jamie Spikes
And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose (Romans 8:28 NIV).
During my two breast cancer experiences I was able to continue to teach collegiate nursing, even as I received chemotherapy and radiation therapy. It was not always easy, as I was tired and “just not quite me,” but I could manage during the week and then rest and restore on the weekends. My family, the student nurses, and university staff were incredibly supportive and helpful during these times.
While I was confused and discouraged at times, I knew that God was with me and wanted me to “carry on.” I did not want to draw attention to the physical challenges of my treatment. I wore wigs very similar in color and style to my “real hair.” I wore my usual make-up. I did not want my illness to distract from my ability to continue in my teaching and leadership roles. This became even more so as I began to see all the ways God was using my cancer to teach my students. One way I clearly saw God at work was the many times several of my male nursing students would meet my car in the university parking lot, pick up my book bags, and carry everything into my office. They learned how to be helpful, and I learned how to allow my cancer to teach them this trait necessary to nursing.
Being able to see how God was using my cancer to teach future nurses strengthened me. I learned it was easier for me to endure hardship when I could see how God was using it for good.
As a nurse educator, I tend to frame things in an educational context. What am I to learn from any experience, and what am I to teach about it? Are these two things related or not? I certainly think so. Also, who is the teacher and who is the learner in any given situation? As with many, dare I say most, teacher-student interactions, the roles are not as “discrete” as they may seem.
However, through this third walk with cancer, it was difficult to see how this cancer was teaching others and/or teaching me. I am now retired from teaching. With no nursing students to benefit from my struggle and to so faithfully support me during this most recent adventure, I now faced the burden of cancer not knowing how God would use it for good. At times I wondered what the purpose was for having cancer again? How would I face those difficult cancer times not seeing clearly how God was using my cancer?
Now I see God has placed “students” to learn from my cancer in ways I may not ever know. Perhaps it’s my joyfully sharing I am wearing a wig when I’m complimented on my hairstyle, or the personal care I receive from my medical team, many who are on this cancer walk with me for the third time. I have to say it was a gift to see my students benefit from my cancer, but now God has prompted me to look for the places where He uses all things, even cancer, for good.
Pray: Dear heavenly Father, thank You for being with me on my cancer journey. Lead me to see the ways You are using my cancer for the good of others. On the days when it’s hard to see any benefit to this cancer, remind me to my core that You are using my cancer to do amazing things for Your Kingdom. Amen.
Your Turn: Begin a list of times you believe God is using your cancer for good. Is He using your cancer to touch the lives of your family? Friends? Medical team? Strangers? What about your life? Also add to the list ways God is teaching you.
Jamie Spikes, Cancer Survivor
Jamie is a retired nurse educator, and a widow whose husband died of prostate cancer. She has one son, who serves in the Army Medical Corps, and is blessed with two grandchildren. She is on her third cancer journey and, due to a genetic predisposition, is presently on medication to prevent further cancers. Jamie is the group facilitator for Cancer Companions at her church in Manhattan, Kansas.
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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