The Diagnosis

The diagnosis happens to each and every one of us. It happens to our friends and to our families. It sometimes happens to the very young and routinely to the very old. Are we every ready for it? I mean really ready for it?

I have often been asked what a Christians' thoughts are at a time like that. A friend on Long Island told me that perhaps some of the shortcomings of being an atheist emerged after he got the diagnosis.

What is the diagnosis? You know what the diagnosis is. The thing that happens that changes your life forever. Take Lindsey* for example. I met her when our kids were nine and ten years old. She was a kindergarten teacher in the Bronx, New York. She was a single mother to her daughter Tiffany* when the diagnosis came. It was Lupus an auto-immune disorder which turned her whole world upside-down.

Sometimes, the diagnosis hits in your own family. Such is the case for me, when my husband got the diagnosis recently. I had all sorts of feelings when his routine health exam revealed a possible problem. Then, the process begins. You are in the health system with all sorts of invasive tests, insensitive staff and incomprehensible procedures. Friends and family who mean well but just say the most hurtful things.

As a Christian what is or should be my response? How might my handling of the diagnosis compare or contrast to those who do not believe in God? Is there any difference at all? Over the years it would appear as if one of the most fruitful times that I have impacted people for Christ has been when I have been feeling my worst.

When I have to cope with various problems, betrayals or the lose of a loved one, there always seems to be those around me who suddenly have loads of questions about God and how knowing Him matters in my life.

This time has been no different. As I cope with my husband's health woes, I have had to challenge myself to meaningfully answer important theological questions. This, at a time, where I must confess that I would rather just nest at home with my husband and shut the world out as much as possible! My brain is not even operating at its' full capacity. But, should I give in to all my feelings? The answer is no.

My life and yours is a Ministry to those around us. In a hurting world in desperate need of positive role-models nothing is better than showcasing our godly-living in even the most dire circumstances. I am not talking about phony religious postering or being less than genuine.

When the diagnosis comes, it is one big wake-up call as to where you truly are in relationship with the Lord. Not where you wish you were, not where you tell others that you are. It is important to pay attention to that. If there are any questions that one has during such a critical time, it is important to immediately seek spiritual guidance at church or with a mature Christian. Not doing so can result in falling into the temptation of despair and godlessness. This is just what our adversary, the devil, wants. So, confirming what it is that I believe is the first step in coping with the diagnosis.

Keeping my spiritual routines are really important too. I read the Bible every day and spend time in prayer but now it is even more critical because the first day that I missed doing it, I felt like Moses when he failed to keep his arms lifted in battle. I began to lose things that God wanted me to have, his sweet blessed assurance for instance. Instead, I felt fear and depression attack me, as well as my peace and spiritual strength decrease.

So, this has reminded me to put on the full armour of God everyday and then to let God do the rest. I have just gathered togethered some inspiring bible verses which I thought might be a blessing to my husband and me for the next batch of doctors appointments. I have resolved to forgive those who have been cruel to us or who just failed to treat us with the dignity which God imbued us with. I am accepting the love and help of godly friends and family. My husband is grateful that the Pastor and elders will soon be praying and anointing him with oil, just as described in the Bible. What a blessing.




*the names are changed for privacy.