The perspectives you need to get through any adversity
By Andy Burrows, 19 December 2018 One of the things that is common when talking to people who have had a brush with cancer is to hear phrases like, “it certainly changes your perspective on things.” And people pick up on that and make all kinds of assumptions about the perspective we’re talking about. Sometimes…
Considering hardships when life is not hard
The title of my latest book, Facing Cancer with Faith, may mislead people into thinking that it will only be of interest if you have cancer or if you have faith. Admittedly, it is written very much from a Christian viewpoint, and therefore if you’re not Christian and are not interested in hearing anything about…
New Book – Facing Cancer with Faith
Cancer has been a big thing in my life for more than six years. It put me in hospital for nearly two months at the beginning of 2010, and has reared its ugly head again twice since then. Each occasion has involved a roller coaster ride of emotion whilst going through the painfully slow process…
Do Not Worry
This post is now incorporated with 22 other similar ‘reflections’ in my book, Facing Cancer with Faith. In the ‘Cancer and Me’ chapter I posted back in August 2015 (No 37), I finished by referring to the anxiety that was afflicting me at the time. I took the decision to defer publication of this follow-on…
When You Choose to Suffer
One day during my stem cell transplant, probably while I was waiting to feel rubbish, I remember chiding myself that I chose this. I was in pretty good health when I came into hospital, and yet I’d decided to come to hospital and be made sick, and then to be off work sick and unemployed…
The Two Words that Change Everything
This post is now incorporated with 22 other similar ‘reflections’ in my book, Facing Cancer with Faith. There are two words in the Bible that, for the Christian, make a huge difference – a huge difference to the way we live, our motivation, our strength in suffering. If someone were to ask me to sum…
I’ve Had Cancer and I Am Not Angry With God
First published 15 April 2015 This post is now incorporated with 22 other similar ‘reflections’ in my book, Facing Cancer with Faith. When I first heard about Stephen Fry’s now infamous outburst against God in a recent interview on Irish TV, I admit that I dismissed it as the ranting of a celebrity amateur atheist.…
Weighing Up Hardships
First published 13 August 2013 This post is now incorporated with 22 other similar ‘reflections’ in my book, Facing Cancer with Faith. “I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.” So said the apostle Paul in Romans 8:18. Paul, who…
A Lesson From King Asa’s Bad Feet
First published 15 May 2013 This post is now incorporated with 22 other similar ‘reflections’ in my book, Facing Cancer with Faith. I was struck recently by a verse I read in my daily Bible reading. It challenged me personally, but struck me as pertinent to any believer who suffers illness, and, since we all…
What Keeps Me Going?
First published 18 February 2013 This post is now incorporated with 22 other similar ‘reflections’ in my book, Facing Cancer with Faith. I went for some tests – an endoscopy in fact – in hospital the other day. As the nurse was doing the booking in form with me, she was remarking that everything was…