From the devotional book "Praying Through Cancer"

Every day I read from this little devotional that a dear friend gave me a few weeks ago.  Today's entrance has a lot of meaning for all of us so I would like to share it.

28 Days of Prayer from "praying through cancer"

 by Todd Outcalt, Upper Room Books:

Psalm 103:13-16

AS a father has compassion for his children,

so the Lord has compassion for those who fear him,

For he knows how we were made;

he remembers that we are dust.

"Throughout my thirty-five years of pastoral ministry, I have had the opportunity and privilege to walk with people through stages of grief.  I learned that grief has many faces, may forms.  Grief can be debilitating, but it can also offer a release, a means by which people become empowered, focused, and refreshed.  I have seen this many times and also experienced it myself.

Some years ago, for example, I accompanied an elderly woman who had no family in the area to her first chemo-therapy treatment.  On the way to the treatment center, the woman broke down and began to sob, her grief spilling over in great waves of anguish.  As we talked, I learned that she had much unspoken grief in her life;  estranged children, unresolved issues with her deceased husband, and feelings of isolation.  But as she spoke of this grief, I could see a new strength...a kind of resolve...that was empowering her.

Suddenly, as we prepared to walk into the treatment center, she wrested herself free of the grief and said, "Well, I can't change the past.  I have work to do.  This is not what I wanted, but it's what I have.  And now I've got to do my best to face this cancer."

"I was at once amazed and inspired by her words.  Her grief had given way to acceptance, and she faced her chemo treatments with amazing determination and focus.  In that moment in the car, I knew she had found the strength she would need for her cancer journey.

But this change came after her grief...a refreshing, cleansing sadness that allowed her to unburden herself and name her past and her fears.  Subsequently, she felt empowered to look toward her future.

Today, allow your grief to be your strength.  Grief is not a bad emotion...especially if we are open to the acceptance that it brings.  AS Jesus says, "Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted" (Matt. 5:4)

What comfort do you need from God today?  What burden can you unload?  Do you face unresolved issues that you need to release into God's care?  Allow God to change you grief into strength."

PRAYER

"My Helper, thank you for allowing me to lay my burdens before you today.  I have many sadnesses in my life;  cancer is only one of them.  But I know you can change my heart and offer renewal.  In my grief, I pray that you will come to my side and strengthen me for the tasks and hurdles ahead.  I don't know what tomorrow will bring, but you know.  For that reason, I place my life in your hands, O God.  Amen."

From the Devotional book by Todd Outcalt in Praying Through Cancer