Beautifully put, Kenny, ‘if one can accept an inevitability...’
Echoes of a prayer we were discussing, earlier this evening:
Lord, give me the serenity to accept the things that I can’t change,
the courage to change the things I can
and the wisdom to know the difference.
I know this prayer by a German theologist, it's surprisingly well-known among Russian orthodox Christians.
You know, Yahia, my family member was diagnosed with cancer too... Just yesterday he got the test results, and you know what he said? "I'm glad I can pay for my sins here on Earth by suffering, I'd rather pay here than there, where it would be eternal" I was surprised by his strong faith and strength that is obviously given by God! Your piece has this spirit! The spirit of the power given to us by God in our most difficult moments.
I wish your family member to feel this support!
What a beautiful response, Katya, I'm very grateful to you for sharing it (and have just shared it with my wife). Just the other day, we were discussing the purification process/hidden blessing that might be found in illness and your relative's faithful response is an excellent example of this.
From Him come all good things, including such strength and grace to endure hardship. I think, too, of that inspiring quotation by Rumi: What we are seeking is also seeking us...
We are not alone, and I hope your relative's struggle is made lighter by His Mercy. May he stay blessed
_/|\_You know, Yahia, my Iranian neighbour, an old lady, told me about Rumi before, then I read your post about how attempts of translating poetry can affect the messages that were put inside by the author (on his example), I'm getting interested in this poet, the Universe has been bringing thoughts of him to me...
As for the faith, it's a blessing for those who are ill, my relative said to me that he pities the ones who suffer without it, he said to me also that he'd be about to commit suicide if he wasn't blessed by knowing for sure that his suffering is needed and is for his own good. Moreover, without this faith, he'd never think that he has a chance for cure, but nothing is impossible for our Lord!!!!! We should pray for our dear ones...
Amen, sister, nothing is impossible for our Lord!
And, to extend your relative's observation, further, 'we are all suffering and life is without meaning, if it is without faith.'
_/|\_I'm so happy to hear Rumi is reaching out to you ("what you seek also seeks you, he says). He is a great mystic and tremendous source of spiritual beauty and inspiration. Stay blessed, my friend <3
Great prayer, and exactly the inspiration for my thoughts about things that can and can't be changed. :)