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!

We will go through difficult times. But, we won't walk through our trials alone. We can have peace through them.

 

Depression doesn’t have to become a permanent part of life.

There is hope.

Depression doesn't have to become a permanent part of life. There is hope. Hope Prevails and Hope Prevails Bible Study.

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

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