Search
-
October 22, 2020“In God’s Hands” is a book about “living through illness by faith.” It is a book about the personal journey the author traveled beginning with the diagnosis of breast cancer.
This book offers several fresh spiritual and practical ideas for those faced with the challenges of serious illness. The author, Maureen A. Cummings, mother of six children, having been diagnosed with breast cancer, does a great job of sharing personal experiences as she made her own medical journey for overcoming some very difficult physical, emotional and spiritual challenges presented by her illness.
The book quickly captured my full attention beginning with Ch. 1 – “Why Not Me?”
While it may be more common to respond to a diagnosis of serious illness with “Why Me?” Cummings, according to her words, said, “One of the first graces I received was three simple words Why Not Me?” And, it seems if this response and leap of faith set the context for this book.
Cummings kept a journal to record her thoughts, emotions and spiritual “to-do” list as she relied primarily on her faith, family and friends to cope with the highs and lows of her battle with breast cancer. With each chapter she provides examples of how she tapped into her faith and relationships for peace, comfort and strength. From learning to “take time for silence” and “prayer to join your sufferings with Christ,” there are many opportunities for the reader to gain new hope and confidence to cope with the diagnosis of serious illness.
One particular new insight I gained from this book was the idea and suggestion to “Pray Without Words” in Ch. 8. Cummings offers, “We can all – and should – be open to utilizing contemplative prayer as she shares this quote from Saint Teresa of Avila: “Prayer, in my opinion is nothing else than a close sharing between friends; taking time frequently to be alone with him who we know loves us.”
For me, the insight gained was the idea of spending time in prayer sharing with God versus always asking God to do something.
Being diagnosed with serious illness is something we all may have to deal with during our lifetime and the challenges for coping can be overwhelming. The impact often can have a rippling affect presenting challenges to family, friends and caregivers. The personal journey shared by Cummings offers plenty of inspiration and hope for the reader as they travel along their own journey and I highly recommend this book.
John H. Dolezal is a freelance writer for the Sooner Catholic.
