Last week, while I was waiting for Austin to finish his MRI, I chatted with one of my favs. As a child life specialist she sees all the things and this day had been especially challenging.

We talked about how cancer doesn’t have a preference — it effects all kinds of people and families. And each family reacts differently. She said she’s seen people draw closer to God and some quit Him altogether.

Truth be told, I might have quit, too. There are many reasons why I haven’t, but here’s the two I mentioned that day:

1. I have been real with God — even and especially in my anger and confusion and grief. And He has responded with understanding, patience and such kindness.

2. My people — The community of family, friends and believers who have stood with us. Who didn’t run away when it got scary painful and they didn’t know what to say or how to respond. Who let us be broken and loved us.

I can’t say this enough: COMMUNITY. It has been so, so important these last several months (really the last few years!). Walking beside a cancer-fighting family is a BRAVE thing — because the set-backs and the loss hurt them, too.

Some live around the block and listen to me vent over coffee. Some are our church family, and they have been there during moments of heartbreak and they have cried with us. Some drive hours just to sit with us in a hospital waiting room. Some live states away and pray and text at just the right time. Some I haven’t even had the privilege of meeting in person yet but they find ways to love me, to love us anyway.

Here’s what I’m trying to say: Do life in community. For real. You won’t regret it. I know it has meant the world to our family!

Galatians 6:2 ESV

[2] Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.

Romans 12:15 ESV

[15] Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.

(Pictured: When I think about doing life in community, this night comes to mind. We gathered on the beach to play and pray — a kind of “sending off” for a family embarking on a new adventure.

These are my people. 💜)