Craving Connection

God created us for relationship with Him and with other human beings. Even the avowed introvert needs friends, community, and meaningful interaction. For cancer warriors, these needs are intensified. While our on-line ministry enables us to pray for one another across distances, nothing can replace face-to-face connection–an element sadly missing in today's world.

  Fifty years ago we were connected geographically to friends and family. Our relatives lived within traveling–often walking–distance. Our churches and schools and businesses were in our neighborhoods. But, as travel became easier and cheaper, our world expanded. Educational and job opportunities carried us far from our roots. As families were separated by long distances, maintaining connection became more difficult. Still, before the advent of the computer and the world wide web, we kept in touch by telephone and snail mail. 

Modern technology for all of its benefits has caused more isolation. Texting and messaging, while facilitating information exchange, actually impede meaningful communication.  Social media is but a feeble attempt to remedy the dis-connect many feel. We acquire hundreds of "friends" who wouldn't know us it they passed us on the street. Meaningful conversation has been replaced by superficial exchanges masquerading as communication. Instead of, "What are you thinking? What do you believe? Who are you?", we ask, "What are you doing? Who are you with? What are you eating?"

Real communication involves truths--getting beyond the veneers and facades to a level where we share our basic humanity. A good support group facilitates this kind of communication. Our October f.a.i.t.H. group meeting was everything a support group meeting should be. We had a mix of caregivers and survivors all of whom had dealt with Stage IV cancers-one newly diagnosed, two in treatment but stable, two who have been cancer free for several years, another whose loved one is fighting for his life, and Susan Sullivan whose husband Bob, passed away nine months ago after an eleven-year journey with multiple myeloma. All came together to create the perfect storm. And in the eye of the storm, we felt the presence of God.Surely the Presence

We cried and laughed as we shared our experiences and lifted each other up in prayer. At the end of the meeting, none of our circumstances had changed, but each of us had been changed for the better. We left feeling the love and support that comes from participating in a group bound by common experience and faith. 

I encourage you to join a support group in your community.