We’re inching ever closer to the release of my 2nd book, Beyond Cancer’s Scars: Laying Claim to a Stronger Spirit. I say “we” because it has been a collective effort. No words, no stories are written in isolation. They may feel lonely at the time of their penning, but the truth is, our stories cannot be written without the benefit of one another. No one makes it into this world without the assistance of someone else. No one makes it through life without the influence of people.
God meant for us to live in community. We belong to one another. Accordingly, my story belongs to you and yours belongs to me. It’s how we grow; how we change; how we move forward and into a greater understanding about all of life. Oh sure . . . there are a few stories I could have done without (some authored by me, some written by others), but even in them—the skewed, chaotic, and unbalanced ones that foster similar responses in me—I grow. And I am grateful for it all, even when the story is painful. Especially then. Why? Because pain (when allowed) has a way of exponentially growing a heart that exceeds the normal route usually taken to get there. Not that we ask for it, but as pain arrives, we cede its reality to something greater, Someone greater, expecting that on the other side of our tears there will be more to the story than what currently wrecks the heart and stretches the soul.
Pain is a game changer in our lives. There’s no way around this reality. Some changes are good; some disastrous, but either way, pain alters the landscape of our hearts, minds, and souls. Courageous are those who are willing to allow pain to serve as a crucible for heaven’s increase rather than hell’s determined purposes.
So this is what I’ve done, how I’ve managed the torment of my last two years. I wrote my story while living it, believing that somewhere down the road, someone would need it as much as I have needed it. C.S. Lewis once said, “We read to know we are not alone.” If that’s true (and I really, really love his wisdom on this), then I’m inclined to believe that a person writes for the same reason . . . to know that he/she is not alone. The author writes; the reader reads. And when this happens, a community is formed.
Why did I write this book? Two reasons: for me; for you. I wrote it for us. In doing so, I’ve done it for God—the author of community. He wrote his story into mine a long time ago, and he promises to make mine count for all eternity, even when the story is painful. Especially then.
Over the next week or two, I’ll be delving further into the “story” behind the story—the particulars of how Beyond Cancer’s Scars came into being. I’ve been pretty quiet about it all—a silence provoked by need, a silence requested of me by God. But it’s time to move forward . . . to put some words forth so that you might be able to find a few lines of your story written somewhere in between the ones I’ve penned about mine. The ground beneath my feet and my heart has been tilled, and new sprouts are headed to the surface. It’s time to make ready for harvest.
There is life beyond cancer, friends. There is a stronger spirit that lies on the other side of suffering. Beyond Cancer’s Scars is part of my journey to get there. I hope you’ll join me on the road of discovery. As always…
Peace for the Journey,
In my next post, I’ll talk about the unconventional process of writing “Beyond Cancer’s Scars.” It really was a God-thing!
Honored to join you sweet sis on the road to discovery. I love you.
I’m glad to have you with me as well, Denise. Your own strength as you’ve walked through your battles has been a great inspiration to me on my difficult days. Your faith is pure and certain. I love watching you blossom.
Elaine!
I look forward to further postings about your book. You write passionately about your journey; I wonder if ours were similar? I did just fine all through treatment, I was the “stellar” patient but it was the “psychological aftermath” (that’s what I call it) that I never anticipated and was devastated by . . .
I felt ashamed (after all, shouldn’t I be thankful I am in remission?), I felt isolated, I was confused and lost my identity. Who is Cyndi and who am I as a child of God? It took over two years to sort through, accept and adjust to the fact I had cancer. This was a lonely journey. I wonder how many others suffer as I did?
Many blessings and I look forward to your upcoming book. Possibly something our Christian cancer support group could read?
Cyndi
http://advocateofhope.wordpress.com
Cyndi,
I hear you. I’ve lived it. In many ways I still am living it, sorting it through. I don’t claim to have all the answers for living “beyond cancer’s scars”, but I do know that being able to share my journey (the good, rough, and sometimes ugly sides of it), is part of my healing–giving back to those who are suffering the truth that they are not alone in the struggle.
I hope that the book will be used as a small group resource. There are questions to go with each reflection, along with a free facilitator’s guide that will be available for download (here at my blog) on the day of the book’s release. I spent a lot of time on the guide, believing that the work we do in community is sometimes the best way to move toward healing. I pray it will be a blessing to many and to lead others closer to the heart of God.
As painful as the ordeal has been, I’m grateful you’ve been writing WHILE enduring. No doubt you’ll have hindsight reflections too, but the raw & real of the moment is sure to contain a unique power.
Many will be blessed, Elaine. I am.
I’ll share more about the contents of the book in coming posts, Sassy, but I do want to say that the support I received from the blogging community during the treatment phase buoyed me along and kept me committed to the writing journey. How well I remember the beautiful post you wrote about me just after my diagnosis. It warms my heart still. Thank you for always being a true friend. I love you.
This is gong to be such a good one Elaine. I know the prayers and heartaches that you have gone through have formed your heart words in a new and deeper way, they always do when our choice is to see it all from God’s perspective. The daily grind of where you have been and the hope you’ve clinged to is going to bless and give new hope to so many who need it. I especially treasure your honesty in the whole process.
Love you sister! Can’t wait to read it.
There have been times, Sonja, when I haven’t seen so clearly–eyes dimmed by pain and loss and uncertainty. Writing this book gave me a rich opportunity to look backward while the memories were still very fresh. There is so much more I could have added to the book, but I chose to leave it as is. More on that in another post. Thank you for always being a friend I can trust with my heart. You are a treasure.
I’m looking forward to this book as well. Although I followed your journey via your blog, I know there are so many more things you have to share in this book.
I pray it will be a help to anyone who is going through a time of suffering, Cindy. Thank you for your support and for always opening up your heart to me. As you share your gifts with the world, I’m encouraged to share mine as well. I love your creative side!
I am truly looking forward to reading this book…as in all your writings, God’s anointing is evident…and His love and grace shine through like beacons for those wandering in the desert of “why me”….
Karen, thanks for the support. I remember your being one of the first to write a review of “peace for the journey” at Amazon. Your kindness and support increased my confidence, and I am grateful for friends like you who lovingly receive my words and me, most days in spite of me! Thanks.
So eager to hear about your process, my dear friend. And to see the book.
And I’m ready to read yours, Joanne. Get that editing done and give me something!!! I want to hear your story.
Congratulations! Looking forward to reading your book.
And I’m looking forward to reading yours! Hope you’re finding the time and inspiration you need to press forward with your words. You write and live them so well.
My favorite part of the above:
“Courageous are those who are willing to allow pain to serve as a crucible for heaven’s increase rather than hell’s determined purposes.”
You are so “write” on in this.
Thanks for your continued encouragement to me.
You’re next, sister. That’s all I’m going to say. Well, not really. Thank you, thank YOU, for allowing us all a ring-side seat to your suffering. My heart has grown because of the privilege. I don’t take any of it lightly.
Counting myself blessed to be part of your “community” – a unique community made more by heart-to-heart encounters than face-to-face ones…a community bound together by words, tears, prayer, questions, silence, and then out of the silence, more words, tears, prayers, questions, and more silence.
Now I wait with the rest of your community to read your heart once more…Having witnessed your pain and progress via your blog posts, I look forward to new and fresh glimpses of God’s mercy and grace that I KNOW will have spilled over into the pages of your ab;out-to-be-released-2nd book!
Congratulations! Breathe! Rejoice!
A community made by heart-to-heart encounters… how do I love this truth, Rebecca! Thank you for saying it so beautifully. I feel the same about all of you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Elaine, I am so glad we are in community with one another. Thanking God for your writing and your friendship and your life. What a journey it truly has been! Much love to you!
You played a significant role in this entire undertaking, Sheri. You do realize that, don’t you?
You’re beautiful! So glad you are faithful to the pen. Looking forward to this and all encouragement fruit God will bring from it!
God bless it and you! 🙂
I’d love to review a copy on my blog and then pass it along to a friend at church who’s starting chemo this week and is terrified. I know God was with you when you penned every word.
XOXOXO,
Brenda
You’ll be one of the first to receive a copy, Brenda. Many thanks!
Elaine, looking forward to hearing more about the story behind the story — and then looking forward to the story, too. I know it will be an inspiration and encouragement to all. God bless with each step you take with this new book! Excited for you!
I’m excited to be crossing this finish line! I need to cross this one. I know you understand.
Thank you for your willingness to be transparent. I count it an honor to pray for you and will be eager to get my hands on the book, as well as share it with others. Blessings to you, my friend.
Thanks, Leah. I appreciate all the support you give to me. I hope you’re posting pics of your recent trip!
So grateful (as always) for the faith and honest vulnerability that flows from your pen. As mentioned above, I do believe writing this book as you journeyed through this process will provide a depth of riches like none other. I am eager for the wisdom that is sure and certain within its pages. Praying God’s continued anointing on you, sweet friend.
Well, we’re due for a long chat! I miss your writing but am eternally grateful for the connection we made so long ago. Thanks for keeping it alive.
Elaine, you are so right. We are in this together. I love that through the pain you wrote. That’s what I do; in my journals. We each have suffered different kinds of pain, some obvious and others not so obvious.
I look forward to reading your next book. Your suffering isn’t wasted. And along the way you bless others. You are not alone. And we are right here.
Blessings and love,
Debbie
Though your story is known to me and many others by reading about it from your blog posts, I am certain that there is so much more that has not been put into words. And this second book is really a continuation of your first book, Peace for the Journey… for the cancer story is part and parcel of your journey. I know I have said this before, but I’ll say it again: it is an honor and privilege for me to be considered a part of the “us” you wrote the book for. Looking forward to your behind the scenes story about this new book, as well as the book itself.
Love
Lidia