The Power of Giving

Here’s the scene: We’re in the middle of a men’s cancer support group meeting. We have old men and young men and many in between. It’s a vibrant group and this evening’s session is no exception. I ask the question, “What’s the greatest gift you have ever been given?”

One gentleman said, “A clean bill of health.” Another shared, “Finishing chemotherapy.” An older gentleman said, “Faith in God.” A young man in his early twenties who had recently completed treatment for testicular cancer answered, “A new car!” We all laughed but his father who was in attendance became emotional.

Thanksgiving? No, ThanksLIVING!

What is one of the worst habits, the one that causes disappointment, conflict, loss and dis-ease of every kind? I have recorded many cancer patients’ responses to that question. The answers range from laziness to blasphemy against God. Some speculated the worst was procrastination. Others thought it to be criticism. All good choices.

But the absolute worst habit is ingratitude—the lack of thankfulness and appreciation, our poor return for blessings and kindness received.

The looks on my kids’ faces when I got the eviction notice…

“It was interesting seeing the different reactions of my kids when I was handed the eviction notice. My 13-year-old daughter walked out of the room and didn’t say a word. My 8-year-old daughter asked, ‘What’s an eviction notice?’ My 2 1/2-year-old son stuttered trying to say, ‘M-mo-more Cheerios.’”

That’s Ruth Ann, single mother of three and a breast cancer patient. It’s a chilly Michigan Sunday in March. In the middle of breakfast, as she was getting her children ready for church, she heard an unexpected knock on her apartment door.