Are you going through cancer and need encouragement? Right now, God is closer to you than ever and loves you mightily! Below you’ll see “Cup of Courage” blog posts that relate to cancer; I’ve also included a few scriptures and poems I used or wrote in my cancer journey.
My Story
In 2014, I was diagnosed with advanced, aggressive Stage 4 Breast Cancer. (If interested in the nitty-gritty number details, click HERE). I recently celebrated my 7th year in “NED” No Evidence of Disease” status. Although I’d never want to have it again, I’m thankful that God healed my soul and heart as he healed my body. God walked me through chemo, surgery, and radiation, and He will do it for you.
He’s With You
Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil,
for you are with me. Psalm 23:4
Cancer Isn’t A Punishment
If cancer were a punishment, almost everyone would have it, and people would be nice to one another for no other reason than fear of sickness. Sickness is an age-old question, and scientists and theologians still don’t have definitive answers. There are genetics, exposure to toxins, and other components too. I’ve found that empaths and caregivers have a higher rate of cancer and not many sociopaths. You aren’t being punished. You, like me, may have neglected or even abused your health, but consider drug addicts, they don’t have a high rate of cancer, and theoretically, they should. There are other factors at work. Wherever your cancer originated, God can use it in a mighty way to bring restoration and healing into your soul. Although I’d not choose cancer, after eight years of NED, I sincerely say I’m thankful for God’s blessings through the journey.
Nothing Can Keep His Love From You
For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:38-39
The Strong One
God designed tears, and crying is necessary for healing. It releases emotions and pain that are too overwhelming and deep for words. Maybe you’ve always felt that you must be strong and can’t cry or show weakness. Cancer gives you no choice while providing us with a “justified” reason to cry. In this, we find healing and a vulnerability we may not have previously afforded. I wrote this little poem entitled “Let the Tears Flow” for my friend. Like many people, she had to grow up too fast, and her emotions or hurts were never allowed. Cancer has released tears that she’s bottled up since childhood. She’s learning through cancer that God loves her and doesn’t want that childhood for her. He is healing that inner child through the experience of this disease as she learns it’s okay to be weak.
He Will Help You
My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth. Psalm 121:2

Blog Entries
Painful to Powerful (My Chemo Story)
we can do incredible things through God. I remember when I would have chemo for…
Unexpected
I was diagnosed with Stage 4 Cancer in 2014. At the time, my daughter was…
Dear Cancer, It’s Not Over, Till It’s Over
Since childhood, I’ve heard the saying, “It’s not over ’till it’s over.” I never knew…
The Antivenom (Rocky is the Bitter Road)
If you live long enough and are unfortunate enough to be in a relationship or…
Transforming Pain
Sometimes life is too painful. We strain to imagine a life free from pain, trouble,…
Dealing with Dread
Scanxiety Dread and fear are too familiar to cancer patients. It’s everpresent when we face…
You’re Not Alone
Even though I walk through the [sunless] [a]valley of the shadow of death,I fear no evil, for You are with me; Your rod [to protect] and Your staff [to guide], they comfort and console me.
Psalm 23:4
God Is Very Close To You
God is very close to us during cancer.
The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.
Psalm 34:18
God Will Care For You
“…I made you and I will care for you. I will carry you along and be your Savior.”
Isaiah 46:4
God Will Sustain You
Behold, God is my helper and ally; the Lord is the sustainer of my soul [my upholder].
Psalm 54:4
God Won’t Abandon You
When you ask God to help, save, and be with you, He will and won’t leave you.
“…The Lord your God who goes with you. He will not fail you or abandon you.”
Deuteronomy 31:6
He Gives You Strength
“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Isaiah 41:10
Nothing Can Take You Away From Him
You are in his hands. No matter what cancer does, it can’t take you out of his hand.
I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me,[a] is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father’s hand.
John 10:28-29