How Cancer Changed My Faith

By Racheli Alkobey

1 min read

When faced with a life threatening illness, many people have very specific reactions to their faith and how they continue to practice their faith. I wasn’t sure how my beliefs might change and what I would put all of my faith in, but as I continued to go through treatment and experience survivorship, it all became quite clear to me. I hope this video finds you in peace and that you are able to offer an open heart in understanding why I believe what I do.

I am always interested and open to hearing about your journey and how adversity has affected your belief system in a higher power! Please open that dialogue with me below.

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Racheli AlkobeyMember
Thank you so much for that acknowledgement. I am so glad to know that I am not alone.
Racheli AlkobeyMember
Hi Mike! Thank you so much for this thoughtful response to this topic and my words. I love your perspective and think that your journey is so special!
Racheli AlkobeyMember
That's fair!
Pamela MunnellyCommunity Admin
<inline-mention user-id="3641862" username="donnaclabaugh" class="bp-suggestions-mention"/> - I'm sorry to hear about your recent diagnoses but am so glad you have found your faith to be helpful in getting you through this difficult time. While we all cope differently, faith is often an important part of the journey for many. Thank you so much for sharing with us here. - Pam (Team Member)
Jim SmithMember
<inline-mention user-id="3651245" username="Racheli Alkobey"/> I was raised a Christian in the United Church of Christ. Later, as an adult, I became a Seventh-day Adventist. Though that is a Christian faith, we kept the same Sabbath that you kept (Friday evening to Saturday evening). My wife, adult children, and their children are all SDA’s. I no longer consider myself one. My father died of lung cancer just prior to my own diagnosis of Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL). I have since become an agnostic believing that the existence of God is unknowable. I can’t prove He exists and I can’t prove He doesn’t. I have not discussed this much with my family. In fact, except for my wife, I guess I’m still “in the closet,” so to speak. I still capitalize the word “God.” I guess that means I’m still holding on to my former beliefs in some way. Like you, I don’t want to harm anyone or put them in doubt of their beliefs. Who am I to say what is truth. I still often wish readers of my posts “Godspeed” so I hope it doesn’t seem hypocritical. I simply mean I hope that life will find the answers they need, whether from God or their own journey. Your video was very courageous. I found it very encouraging. Thank you.