Monday, February 13, 2006

February 13, 2006 - Healing Prayer



I’m realizing today that the low place I’m in right now is a matter of mental attitude as well as the physical side-effects of the chemotherapy. My tiredness has to do not only with physical fatigue (which is considerable), but also with feeling emotionally drained by this whole experience.

This morning I arise around 9:00, after a night punctured by a three-hour spell of insomnia. As I sit on the edge of the bed, it seems like it’s a huge effort just to pull on my socks. I remark to Claire that it’s the prospect of another gray and formless day, much like the last several, that seems especially debilitating.

I’m feeling depressed today, it’s clear. I felt much the same way yesterday, and the day before that. Now if circumstances in my life were otherwise normal, I might feel alarmed about this. I might be thinking about seeing a counselor, or perhaps asking about anti-depressant medications. Yet the fact is, I’m in the middle of cancer treatment. A certain amount of depression is to be expected, isn’t it?

There are different theories. Some say depression among cancer patients is situational, a response to the life-changes cancer brings. Others suspect a chemical component – that some of the chemo drugs themselves have a depressive effect. Either way, it hardly seems appropriate to run out and seek treatment for situational depression, when the situation itself will surely change in a few days.

Most of us aren’t used to thinking of depression as an illness. The voices of past generations echo around in our heads, judgmentally suggesting it’s some kind of moral failing. I know, from my own experience as a counselor, that one of the hardest things to accomplish in working with depressed people is to ease them through this fundamental shift of perspective: helping them to fully grasp the idea that depression is a medical condition and not a personal failure.

This evening I discover something that truly helps. Our church is beginning a series of twice-monthly healing services, on the second and fourth Monday evenings from 7:30-8:00 p.m., and I walk across the street for the first one of these. The service, ably planned by Robin, is simplicity itself: some prayers, some lit candles, some simple music playing softly over the sanctuary sound system. Only a few people are present – with our Sunday services snowed out yesterday, there were no reminder announcements to spur attendance – but the few who have come out are more than enough. We pray for each other, and offer – to those of us who wish to receive it – the ancient biblical gesture of the laying on of hands. I depart feeling the love of the Christian community, and of God.

Healing is a journey. Tonight I know for certain I’m on it.

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

I am so glad.
wishing you true shalom,
Robin

Anonymous said...

That was truly beautiful. I'm so glad that you had the chance to experience that. Once upon a time, I was going through some hard times and I had the same type of experience at a healing service. Tremendous! And a happy Valentine's Day to you and all the family. MB

Anonymous said...

You are always in my thoughts....just returned from Cali and looked forward to reading your "thoughts" every night while away...just so you know I care and think of you and your family everyday....you are so very inspirational happy Valentines Day to you and your family...M

Anonymous said...

Just wondering if joining a cancer support group might be helpful to you - As far as asking for meds for depression/anxiety, etc., I believe that from time to time we have different needs - so if meds can help you to cope more easily, why not talk to the doctor about them. As far as the healing service goes, I always enjoyed the Saturday night services when we could make it. I'm a big believer in meditation - have you tried any meditation tapes? Hope you feel better in a day or two. Charlene

Anonymous said...

I'm very touched by your daily thoughts. I know how difficult this time is but your introspection is so on the money. I wish you well and keep doing what you are doing. Rosemarie

presbybop said...

God is at work in you, and we pray for you each day.

Blessings to you for this day,
Bill and Jamie Carter