My fun loving, charismatic, beautiful sister-in-law, Kasey, was only twenty-four when went for her annual check-up. This healthy, gorgeous Air Force wife and mother of a one year old, worked out daily, she ate lean proteins, and had no family history of breast cancer. Yet, in January of 2012, Kasey was diagnosed with stage four breast cancer. The next five years of her life were a battle, she went from wondering how many kids she would have to wondering if she would be able to watch her daughter grow-up.1 She fought valiantly for five years. As the cancer worsened, she made it her goal to walk her daughter to her first day of school, this goal and so many more were met. Her daughter was the center of her world and the light of her life. Kasey came to a deep and abiding faith in God and would send her family scripture passages often. Yet, cancer does not care if someone is young or old, a mother or a widow, faithful or agnostic. On January 15, 2017, Kasey died with her husband and child beside her.
I imagine there are several stories similar to Kasey’s in our parish. I hope most of them have better outcomes.
October is national breast cancer awareness month. Our body is a temple to God, Paul writes about the reason that sinning against the body is wrong;2 and one of the best ways we can take care of our body is to ensure we have good health. Of course, this means eating a balanced diet, going to the doctor regularly, and exercising. Yet, we as Christians, have to be extra vigilant. We understand our connection to God, how we are (even through evolution), utterly connected to all that God has made.3 This means, we need to have uncomfortable tests. This month, I encourage all females to make sure they are checking for signs of breast cancer. If there is a concern, or family history, have a conversation with your doctor. If you have been recommended for a mammogram, take this as an opportunity to get this important test done. Make it fun by going for tea with a friend afterwards.The great thing about getting mammograms is it gives a baseline for doctors. As time goes by, doctors may watch an “area of concern” and the issue may lessen. If you are wondering about the best places in Houston to get a mammogram, yelp even made a list; scroll past the sponsored sites and you can find a location. If you are nervous about the process, please know that our pastoral care team, myself included, would be willing to talk to you before and/or after the process. This month is a month to remember that we are from God, and God intends us to take care of our holy temples while on earth.
My prayers are with you.
For His Sake,
Beth Anne
1 This is a news story about Kasey’s life. http://savannah.newsargus.com/news/archives/2013/04/26/live_and_let_god/
2 See 1 Corinthians 6:19-20; Paul is talking about fornication, however, I would argue that his point is about any sin against the body.
3 I know I quote Genesis quite a lot, but if you read the creation story it is absolutely clear that we are connected to God whether we see the story as literal or metaphorical.
