Hope through Christian Community. - 23 Feb 2007

In May 2006, Ann had a check up which discovered a possible secondary cancer. Medical opinion varied from probable to unlikely, alternating over the course of six weeks. Consequently our hopes were raised and dashed again and again. This rollercoaster experience reached a low point during a holiday at Lee Abbey in Devon. Ann was to phone up for some results of further tests, only to have her phone pack up. In anger and frustration she threw it down on the beach. When eventually that news was inconclusive, I found myself quite low. I sought some Christian counsel whilst staying at Lee Abbey. I found vocalising my thoughts caused me to break down, but by doing that and having someone to listen to me and pray with me at my lowest brought a good measure of relief.
Whilst there, I met a guy whose wife had been diagnosed with possible MS. Although our wives had different conditions, our ages and circumstances were similar, which helped us to be a support for each other. We prayed together and chatted and my anxiety lifted - so much so I really enjoyed the end of the holiday.
Thankfully, there was found to be no secondary cancer.
I think God does meet us through Christian brothers and sisters and their prayers. I am not normally very good at being as open as I was then, but by doing so I was comforted. And by meeting God again I had hope.