Anchor of Hope
We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.
Hebrews 6:19
Relationships are important to me. I cherish my family relationships and my friendships. I love meeting new people! Put me in a room of people I have never met, and I love to “work” the room. Introducing myself to others and hearing their story.
When I was diagnosed with cancer, not only did my family step up and support me, but my friends, coworkers and my church family did as well. Over the years, as I have met others walking through cancer, their story is different. Their family walked away. Their friends walked away. Why?
We have talked about this in the monthly support group I host, Community Cancer Group. Sandy was hurt deeply when her best friend walked away after her diagnosis. Digging further into the relationship, the friend had lost her husband to cancer just a couple of years before Sandy’s diagnosis. Maybe, her friend couldn’t bear losing her best friend to cancer. Maybe, the hurt from losing her husband was still too fresh. Maybe when she was with Sandy, all she could think about was how huge the hurt would be if she lost Sandy too! So, the friend chose to walk away.
Even though Sandy was hurt by her friend walking away, Sandy found support from those in the group. She found new friendships and a new community in the group. They give her hope, encouragement, comfort, and support.
Maybe this has happened to you. Maybe the ones you trusted walked away. Maybe the ones you trusted don’t understand you need them now more than before cancer. Whatever their reason, I am sure it had nothing to do with you personally, just like Sandy’s friend.
It’s so easy to focus on the ones that left us, but can I encourage you to focus on the one who is here? Jesus. Jesus can be your anchor.
What is the definition of an anchor? Something that serves to hold an object firmly, a reliable or principal support.
Jesus is your anchor that is firm and secure and will not let you drift. Jesus is the anchor for your soul. He provides security when no one else does. Even through your diagnosis and treatment, Jesus can be your anchor. He is your principal support through all the unknown and there will be lots of unknowns. Let’s make sure we are firmly anchored in Him---and nothing else.
Your Breast Friend,
Edie A. Tolbert
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