When a friend calls...

It is a matter of life that we are all mortal and that none of us will exit this life without the uncontrollable touch of its challenges that often come. Still, even knowing that, when those tests come, the grief, pain, disappointments, hurt, and anger, and eventually hopeful peace in and during a trial are ours to bear.

This past week a dear friend of mine, a young mother of 3 children, called to inform me that she has been diagnosed with breast cancer which has already spread to her lymph nodes. My mind could barely wrap around the reality of what she was saying.

We have spent countless hours discussing everything from childrearing, marriage, political/social issues, spirituality, and anything our mothering minds could talk about. Never though had we faced the fact that one would be embarking on a very difficult path of treatment and recovery. While my heart is pained with the challenge ahead I am dedicated to see her through this, and know that with the Lord, all things are possible. Not always easy, but possible.

However, I bring this up on my blog, not to shed attention to my friend, or even to myself, but more to work out the thoughts of my heart that have come since finding out.

In my opinion breast cancer seems to hit at the heart of womanhood. Women, who are co-partners with Heavenly Father in creating “life”, often bear the greater weight of bearing and raising humanity. To me women symbolize “givers of life” the divine nature that the Lord has given them. Setting aside so much, and willing self sacrifice to carry, bare, or raise children, whether from their own bodies or another’s. Our bosom’s which so often symbolize worldly pleasures, to me symbolize womanhood and motherhood centered near the heart, nourishment to new life. Before technical advances, before breast pumps, and formula, for thousands of years the woman’s breasts have sustained new life. It is quite amazing. And so while I know there are a myriad of other cancers, illnesses, and diseases that can attack the body, breast cancer attacks the very thing that helped sustain life (I am sure that cervical cancer can be added to that category as well).

The pink ribbon has always signified to me how special each woman on this earth is and the burden that many have to bare. Womanhood or Motherhood is an awesome thing, really. With the physical, emotional, and lifelong sacrifices associated with bringing children into the world and rearing them, it is amazing to me that even during the most difficult times that women’s hearts are most always turned towards their children and family and not upon their own plight. During our conversation, my friend and I recounted the events, focused on planning for the things that need to be taken care of, yet amid all she is about to endure her greatest concern is that of her young boys. The nurturer’s in our divine nature never seems to stop.

I know that this is a well traveled road that many have walked before and will be filled with many emotions and challenges for all involved. Undoubtedly many tears will be shed, and many triumphs will be made. I am grateful that I am able to lean on my faith in the Lord Jesus Christ who has promised comfort, guidance, and understanding. Yet even with that sure knowledge the tears come. Already my friend is teaching me that she is the strong one and her example to me is added among every great woman that has lived!

Pressing forward, that is our motto!