We didn’t ask for it, and we weren’t prepared for it when it struck. In fact, the most devastating news came at what was supposed to be our most joyous occasion in years.
Hearing the doctor declare that the biopsy results confirmed my husband had cancer came the same day my book, “Hope Prevails: Insights From a Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depression” was released. The launch party was planned for five days later, and a major book signing event was to be held just two days after that. And yet, amidst all the celebrating, our hearts were breaking.
We had walked this path before – a different cancer, yes, but cancer nonetheless. We were not newbies. We had visions from the previous go-around infiltrating our mind. Minus the hellacious surgery he had to endure with his first bout of cancer, the rest of the treatment would be much the same: unwelcome but necessary.
The truth is cancer stinks. The truth is cancer hurts. The truth is cancer doesn’t just affect the one diagnosed—it impacts the entire family, and to some degree, friends and extended family as well. The truth is, nobody asks for it, and nobody wants to go through it.
Cancer is an enemy and just like the enemy of our soul, it seeks to steal, kill and destroy. And if that is what we focus on, that is what will happen. But as with everything in life, it’s a matter of perspective and you get to choose your perspective.
The truth is, unless you allow it, cancer cannot plunder faith, eradicate hope, quash love, abolish peace, mute courage, annihilate memories, nullify friendship, or steal eternal life.
The truth is that we will all go through difficult times, the cancerous times: relationship difficulty, financial strains, health issues, job problems. They aren’t wanted or invited. But the even greater truth is that we don’t walk through these trials alone, and we can have peace through them:
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world, you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).
So while the fiery darts are flinging and we must walk this valley, we do so with swords drawn, prayers raised, and a faith in the One who has already overcome it all.
Because of Him, #PeacePrevails!
Depression doesn’t have to become a permanent part of life.
There is hope.
Hope Prevails: Insights From a Doctor’s Personal Journey Through Depression and the companion Hope Prevails Bible Study help the reader understand how depression comes to be, recover their joy, reclaim their peace, and re-establish their true identity, while knowing their worth, remembering their secure destiny, and being confident that nothing separates them from God’s love.
Hope Prevails and the Hope Prevails Bible Study are must-reads for anyone suffering from depression or knows someone suffering from depression.
“As a counselor, I have read many books on depression, but I have never read a book that deals with the spiritual aspect of healing as thoroughly as does Hope Prevails. Dr. Bengtson draws from her own personal journey as well as her professional experience. I highly recommend this book for anyone who has tasted the pain of depression or knows a friend who is depressed.” ~ Gary Chapman, Ph.D., Author of The 5 Love Languages
I love you Michelle. I love your book Hope Prevails, I just finished reading ch 4 and yes I am writing the scriptures on 3x5s and trying to reading often. I will be praying for your husbands’ healing of the cancer and also for you. I am a 3 times cancer survivor, colon cancer twice (2004 & 2012) and Lund cancer last year. Each I believe we’re stage 2 and caught early enough to do surgery and chemotherapy. I’m in remission now. Praise God! I am struggling to quit smoking. It’s very frustrating, especially for the last 1 1/2 years. Actually I have quit smoking cigarettes but I am vaping wit just a little nicotine and I am on the 14 mg patch. I wanted to tell you that the book has really touched my heart and I can relate to you in so many ways, yet I know, we’re on a different path yet the same. I felt that you like only 2 other authors, as though you looked into my mind and my heart and wrote my story. Renee Swopes, author of “A Confident Heart” is the first one. She’s amazing! And so are you. Thank you for sharing your story and allowing God you use you as vessel to bless others, including me. I would love to see if you could come and speak at my church, Christ Fellowship in Royal Palm Beach, Florida. I’m praying that Good d would make it happen. I don’t know how much you charge or where to begin to see if it’s possible. My email is kathybirkenshaw@bellsouth.net. I hope that you read the comments on your blog posts. Thank you for what you do. Love and blessings to you and your family.
Kathy,
I’m so glad that the words God gave me to share are meeting you where you are, and that I’m in such good company, as with Renee Swope (love her!). I love nothing more than sharing truth to God’s people through writing and speaking, so we will just have to pray and see if God opens up a door to make a way for me to return to south Florida to your church–that would thrill my heart! I’m so proud of you for doing the hard work: reading the book, writing out the Scripture, and reading them out loud. You are a woman who wants freedom, and I believe God will reward your diligence! Praying God brings you HIS help, His hope, and His healing! Because of Him, #HopePrevails!
I’m praying for you and your family, Michelle. You never journey alone.
Thank you Anita. We feel the strength offered by your prayers. #HopePrevails!
I am so blessed that no matter what I go through, I am never alone. My Savior is always with me in every trial and storm. I needed the encouragement to keep going no matter what this life throws at me. Thank you for sharing such intimate details and moments of your life. Your friend at Moments of Hope.
Mindy, doesn’t it infuse us with hope to know that we have a Savior who is with us no matter what we go through? Life is tough, but greater is He who is in us than any storm that swirls about us! Because of Him, #HopePrevails!
Praying for you and your family. I dealt with postpartum depression after my first child. Depression almost won and I am so thankful it did not. It is a real issue that we as a society need to talk more about. Thank you for sharing your story and this book.
Thank you for this great encouragement, Michelle. I am so sorry that you are having to walk this road right now, but am grateful for the strength you are standing firm in. Visiting from Coffee for your Heart.
Praying for complete healing and that the enemy will not thwart what God wants to do in and through you and your book!
Praying for you sweet Michelle! YES! #HopePrevails!
I’m so sorry about your husband’s diagnosis but you are so right–hope prevails and peace reigns, even in times of struggle. I pray for healing! Your neighbor at #IamHer.
Praying for your family, Michelle! Thank you for sharing your hope with us at #MomentsofHope!
Hugs,
Lori
Dear Michelle, I am here for you and Scott. Praying.