“Kyla, it’s 100% cancer. There’s nothing else that looks like this.”
Those were the radiologist’s words the day I went in to check out the small lump I’d felt on my right breast two months prior. I was just going in for a quick appointment to clear my conscience of this annoying little spot that had crept up seemingly overnight. Instead, I received this crushing news, alone, on March 8, 2018 at the age of 35. I needed a friend.
THE BEST FRIEND IS JESUS
I left the clinic that day, weighed down by the fear of dying young…leaving behind my beloved husband and four precious young children. No one was with me. No one knew. I was alone. Until I realized that I wasn’t. God–in a way that’s hard to describe, but I’ll never forget–flooded me with the Peace that surpasses understanding. He was supernaturally tender to me in those first moments of shock, guarding my heart and my mind. I couldn’t help but praise Him and trust Him with the unknown.
And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. -Philippians 4:7
A FRIEND CAN LOVE FROM A DISTANCE
Over the days that followed, I shared the devastating breast cancer news with close family and friends. As a more introverted person, I was overwhelmed by the idea of telling and re-telling the cancer details to person after person. I leaned on these close family and friends, and also social media to communicate. I desperately needed my friend’s prayers, even though I was too shocked to individually share. I needed time to process, and my friends gave me the space to do so, loving me from a distance those first tender days and weeks. Honestly, I spent a lot of time in my bathroom and closet, crying, praying and listening to music. I felt immensely supported and loved, even though I needed my own space to grieve.
“A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity.” - Proverbs 17:17
A FRIEND SERVES IN HER OWN UNIQUE WAY
I was beyond blessed by many, many friendships during my cancer battle. I loved watching how women used their unique gifts and personalities to serve me and my family. Some were prayer warriors. Some were huggers. Some provided meals and gift cards. Others helped with my children. Some sat with me during chemo treatments (and some brought Sonic!). Some provided for a wig. Others brought me baskets of self-pampering items. Some friends provided love and support for my husband and my parents. My college friends flew in for a fun weekend when I’d lost my hair due to chemo, bringing matching head scarves for us all to wear! Cancer was a special vantage point to view being served by so many. Each way was significant and a blessing.
“For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.” - Galatians 5:13
A FRIEND WILL PRAY
Shortly after I had lost all of my hair, I remember going to the front at church to pray with my husband at the end of the worship service. Soon we were physically surrounded by sweet friends, supporting us, praying for us, crying with us. At home, countless cards, calls and texts were flooding in. A constant reminder of the steady stream of prayers for us. Not only was it encouraging to have many dear friends praying for me, but it was powerful. The Bible instructs us to pray; what an honor that our Sovereign God allows us to play a part in His plan through prayer! Who knows how God is supernaturally using our prayers!
“Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working.” - James 5:16
A FRIEND WILL REMIND YOU WHO YOU ARE IN CHRIST
Inevitably, during my darkest days, fear lurked in the shadows. What a blessing my sisters in Christ were, reminding me that I was a precious daughter of the Most High King! Yes, our bodies will inevitably fail us. But this is not our home, and this is not our forever body. And even if our days are cut short, we can trust in Jesus for a far greater glory than the here and now.
“But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself.” - Philippians 3:20-21
Trials and suffering are sure to come while we are here on this Earth. But oh, what a God to provide the sweet gifts of friendship for times such as these. Whether you are in a season of adversity, or know someone who is, Christ Jesus is surely glorified by our selfless love and friendship.
Meet the Author!
Mikyla Pace, aka Kyla, is a Jesus-lover, an adoring wife to Tim, and a blessed mom to Makena, Rielle, Levi, and Trevor, as well as a licensed pharmacist. She loves talking to women about her personal journey of learning to walk in the freedom of Grace. She spends her days doing all things “mom”, home-schooling her kids, and assisting Tim in their construction and real estate businesses. She enjoys deep conversations with friends, weekly Bible Study, spending time outdoors, and continually learning about healthy lifestyles. Kyla is also a breast-cancer survivor and is enjoying a now cancer-free life to the fullest!