There are some people who may disagree with me, and that's okay. We don't have to all think alike. And I am fortunate enough that I don't have very many friends or family members that will say these things. I've been thinking a lot about a conversation that I overheard at UNC between a daughter and her mother. The daughter would say things like ''Mama you're strong, you can handle this". Or," mama everything will be just fine".
To those who think along these lines. I'd like to put in my two cents worth. #1 you're a strong person and can handle this, or, you need to be strong, are not encouraging words at all. In fact this leads me to believe that the other person is saying, ''I can't deal with this, so please don't cry or complain to me". #2. Everything will be okay, everything will be fine. Unless it's spoken by doctor, it really is meaningless.
Suppose cancer was a firing squad, and all guns were aimed at you. Standing there, wondering whether they will fire or not, would these words be an encouragement to you. That's kind of how many cancer patients feel. Will the cancer take my life?
If a person really wants to comfort a person that has cancer or any other kind of disease or condition that is life-threatening, just be there for them. Let them know that it's okay to cry at times. Let them know that it's okay to be afraid. Let them know that you are a listening ear, you're that shoulder to cry on. Let them know, that you're there for them, and that you understand.

If we are strong it's not because of anything any person has said. We're strong because we want to be strong for ourselves. If we're strong, it's because the Lord God Almighty has given us that strength.
Isa 41:10
Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.
Psalm 27:1 The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?
My strength comes from God, and the faith God has given me. That, I know no matter what happens to this old earthly body, I have a home waiting in heaven for me. No one, no one, can take that from me.
I'm hoping and praying with all my heart, as I have said before, that my cancer is gone. But if it's not, I will have to once more reach deep within myself to find that strength that comes only from God. I hope that each of you will pray with me for a cure for this evil disease called cancer.
Until next time, Willard and I wish you health and happiness, God bless and God save.