Could Cancer Be a Blessing? 

My colon cancer journey, while painful and shocking, ultimately has been a blessing in my life. I KNOW, that sounds crazy! When your own body betrays you – tries to kill you – you want to scream, run and hide, or cave into negativity. 

In fact, if I had been all on my own perhaps that’s what I would have done. But it’s my belief that God made sure I was not alone, even when no actual person was there. Throughout the tests, embarrassing exams, excruciating surgery, surveillance colonoscopies, and tense doctor appointments, I always had someone. My husband, my daughter, a friend, or family member sat with me, or called me, delivered meals, mailed colorful cards, texted me, and privately messaged me words of encouragement.

Even when I was in the hospital for a number of days and everyone went away at night, I was never really alone. I felt God’s presence in the room with me. He was there. I spoke to him, sometimes out loud (“I need a little help here, Lord!”), and he ever-so-quietly comforted my lonely soul. Every time I asked him for help, he answered me. Have you ever asked him for help?

As another anniversary of my diagnosis recently passed by, I was able to see just how loved I was when I went through my worst struggles. People can never really show you what you mean to them until your very presence with them is threatened. I was surprised not only how many people loved me but were also willing to bring me and my family meals, flowers, and make house visits after I went home. Not that I enjoyed my cancer, but would I have known how valued, how cherished and celebrated I was without it? I don’t think so.

For many years before, as a military wife I was accustomed to having lots of friends but then moving away after a few years. Since my husband retired from active duty it’s been a real joy to keep the same friends for nine years now! Those friends keep up with my surveillance appointments and want to know how they can pray for me. Wow!

Whether you or a loved one is facing cancer or other big scary thing, reach out to God for help. If you’re not sure if he’s real, ask him to show up for you and expect him to do it. If you feel alone, ask him for comfort and take a close look at who is still surrounding you. Thank them for their love. Cancer sucks, no doubt about it, but it is possible to find peace and joy within it.

Four years after surgery, I’m doing well so I make it my mission to daily pray for and encourage others with cancer. My list grows longer as the time goes by. The first four names on my cancer list all began with the letter L. I’ve added both M and G friends in the past six months. Someone gets diagnosed often. But because I was deeply cared for, I care for others. Sometimes a simple text accomplishes much. Sometimes more commitment or sacrifice are involved. I’m down with it! They can count on me.

Israel’s King Solomon was wise when he said, “Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up.” (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10).

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About the Author:

Laura Siegel is the editor for a nonprofit magazine and enjoys ministering to international women in her free time. Although she has opinions on absolutely everything, this is her inaugural blogging experience.