Endurance: The Encourager Magazine

The Encourager Magazine Library

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Encourager: A Burden Shared is a Burden Diminished

Articles

A Burden Shared is a Burden Diminished
Cancer is a life-changing experience. It changes how we view ourselves and our future. It changes our daily routine—perhaps for a few months, perhaps for as long as we live. It may change the kind of work we do or where and how we live. And, as is true for all long-term trials, cancer changes our relationships.

Of all the discomfort, turmoil, and uncertainty that accompany cancer, the struggle to deal with changing relationships often brings us the deepest pain. All too often it see... (continued)

Friendship Means Bearing the Burden of Love
When I went off to college I said good-bye to my old friends, not only because I was going away to school, but because my mother would soon move to a different
city. At school I quickly made new friends—lots of them. I had roommates. I had great friends from the many sports in which I participated. I had close friends with whom I led high school groups. I had deep friendships from the short-term mission trips we took. Plus I enjoyed the many social activities that buffer the demands of colle... (continued)

Bear the Burden, Lighten the Load
Finding ways to help a friend bear the burden of traumatic injury or serious illness is challenging, but not necessarily difficult. What a hurting friend needs most is your thoughtful heart and faithful commitment. When we’re in the midst of our own busy schedules, it is easy to overlook some of the simple, practical ways we can support and encourage a friend who carries the burden of suffering. Consider some of these possibilities:

- Write down your friend’s medical appointments on your ... (continued)

Comforters

When I was Diagnosed with Cancer:

My first friend came and expressed his shock by saying, “I can’t believe that you have cancer. I always thought you were so active and healthy.” He left and I felt alienated and somehow very “different.”

My second friend came and brought me information about different treatments being used for cancer. She said “Whatever you do, don’t take chemotherapy. It’s a poison!”She left and I felt scared and confused.

My third friend came and ... (continued)

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