A Covenant College professor and his wife share their experience with blinding suffering, including their battle with cancer and chronic pain. They discuss the importance of finding identity in Christ amidst suffering and the need for support during difficult times. They explore the uncomfortable territory of lament and the significance of expressing honest communication with God. They also talk about the challenges faced during the wife's battle with cancer and the lingering effects of chronic pain.
Having support and presence from loved ones and the community is crucial during times of suffering, providing comfort and strength.
Acknowledging and expressing feelings of doubt, frustration, and confusion through lament is essential to navigate suffering and find hope.
Deep dives
The Importance of Support and Presence
During times of suffering, having support and presence from loved ones and the community is crucial. Being present for someone going through difficult situations, such as cancer or chronic pain, can provide comfort and strength. Simple acts of kindness, like bringing flowers or engaging in activities together, can bring joy and distraction from the pain.
The Role of Faith and Lament
Navigating suffering involves wrestling with faith and asking difficult questions to God. It is important to acknowledge and express feelings of doubt, frustration, and confusion. Lament, as seen in the Psalms, plays a significant role in processing pain and finding hope. Developing spiritual muscles for lament is essential to maintain a sense of identity apart from the suffering.
The Need for Support for Caregivers
Caregivers, who support individuals going through suffering, face their own challenges. Often overlooked, caregivers experience their own struggles and need support just as much as the person going through the pain. Recognizing and valuing the role of caregivers, providing them with understanding, support, and community is crucial.
Whether you're bowled over by cancer, chronic pain, or other blinding forms of suffering, even the next step can feel bleak. But the experience of Covenant College professor Kelly Kapic and his wife Tabitha has filled them with unspeakable hope and nearness to the God who suffers alongside us. Don't miss this broadcast with the author of Embodied Hope: A Theological Meditation on Pain and Suffering, one of Christianity Today's books of the year. Show Notes and Resources