What Illness Cannot Do

Sometimes when you are struggling with a chronic or serious illness and the summer approaches it is hard to not see all that illness keeps us from. Today I wanted to share something for those that are courageously fighting cancer or other illnesses ! You are not alone! If you do not have cancer please feel free to insert your illness into this poem! Hold on to Hope! 

WHAT CANCER CANNOT DO

Cancer is so limited ...

It cannot cripple love. {"For God so loved the world..." -John 3:16}

It cannot shatter hope. {"Hope doesn't dissapoint us..." - Romans 5:5}

It cannot corrode faith. {"Now faith is being sure of what we hope for..." - Hebrews 11:1}

It cannot destroy peace. {"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you..."- John 14:27}

It cannot kill friendship. {"A friend who sticks closer than a brother." - Proverbs 18:24}

It cannot suppress memories. {"We all have happy memories..."- Proverbs 10:7)

It cannot silence courage. {"Be strong and courageous...." - Deuteronomy 31:6}

It cannot invade the soul. {"...cannot kill the soul." - Matthew 10:28}

It cannot steal eternal life. {"...that you have eternal life." - I John 5:13}

It cannot conquer the spirit. {"The Lord is my strength and my song..."- Exodus 15:2}

[A special "thank you" to H.Bob Anastasiadis who posted this poem in the Plattsburgh Press Republican Newspaper(2011) in honor of his wife who bravely fought cancer. {I added Bible verses to each of the points in the poem that I have found to be specifically encouraging in my own health journey.}]

During special seasons of the year, like summer, it is tempting to compare our stories to those who are healthy and free to do a lot this summer. It is tempting to feel depressed that we are not able to do "all" that our friends and family members are able to do. Hold on to hope dear friend and remember all of the things that your illness or struggle cannot do!