Pastor John E. Packo wrote Coping With Cancer and Other Chronic or Life-Threatening Diseases in 1990, nine years after his cancer diagnosis and treatment. I purchased the book while receiving treatment for breast cancer, in 2001, but never got around to reading it. As I headed back to familiar waiting rooms for additional cancer testing during last two weeks, I chose Coping With Cancer as my book-companion.
Mr. Packo described how he journaled his “heart-talk,” which he defined as that continuous internal conversation “about every daily experience of every waking moment.” He utilized a heart-shaped, graphic organizer as a guide for his emotions, mind, and will to make creative choices in coping with cancer.
Graphic organizers are great tools for solving problems, clarifying information, and communicating more effectively, and Mr. Packo’s organizer is an effective way to internalize biblical thinking. Following Mr. Packo’s example, I journaled the following:
Emotionally (I feel): I feel discouraged because cancer means suffering, and I don’t like to suffer.
Intellectualy (I think): In spite of my previous memories of suffering, I am mediatating on the Word of God that declares:
Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go. (Joshua 1:9)
Volitionally (I choose): I do not choose cancer, but I choose to believe that my life is in the hands of a sovereign God, perfect in love and wisdom, who controls every circumstance of my life, and who rejoices to do me good (Jeremiah 32:41).
Even though I’m still dancing a jig (King David style 
) that my recent medical tests revealed no cancer, I plan to continue to use the heart picture as a way to help me speak fluent “Bible,” and not to allow emotions or experiences to control my reponses to circumstances.
The ideas presented by Mr. Placo in Coping With Cancer are equally valuable in obtaining God’s perspective concerning any of life’s challenges that threaten to turn one’s world upside down. Mr. Placo shared his pictorial “heart-talk” and journaling discipline with thousands of people until his death earlier this year, at the age of 72.
Thank you for another good book report. I don’t know if I will be able to find that book but it is one that will help any person who is struggling with life issues or death issues.
I like that – “speak fluent ‘Bible.’” Speaking what God says and not what the devil says is what Jesus did when he was tempted in the wilderness. He sets the example for us. I have been on that scripture Joshua 1:9 a lot lately. God’s Word is so good.
Once again, I have learned not to judge a book by it’s cover. Everybody experiences adversity, and usually books that offer spiritual encouragement for one issue can be applied to other areas as well.
Katherine,
The best teacher that I have ever heard is a friend of mine in Austin named Marcie. I had the privilege of teaching 5th/6th grade Sunday School with her for several years. She talked about learning to “speak Bible,” and it really got my attention.
Marice taught both Andrew and Hannah, and they remember many of her lessons. Andrew can actually re-tell her lessons, and mimic her tone of voice. She is quite remarkable.