About the Book
Why Buy this Book?
Approximately 1 in 3 people will develop cancer in their lifetime. Chances are you know someone right now. There are many books about cancer offering advice and support. Confronting Cancer with Faith is a Bible study that uses God's Word to confront cancer's realities while guiding the reader into a deeper faith. Whether in the stage of suspicion, treatment, remission, or the end of life, you will discover biblical answers to cancer. Some of the issues discussed are purpose in pain, comfort in crisis, brokenness, the truth of God's promises, freedom through worship, acceptance, the shadow of death, and finding contentment.
Whether Christ is the center of your existence or a distant bystander, the devastation of cancer is the same. If you have been diagnosed with cancer or are supporting someone who has, this study is for you. A gift of encouragement for someone else or a boost of inspiration for yourself, this study provides a daily dose of spiritual medicine to soothe the troubled soul.
Reviews
About the Author
"Ascribe to the Lord the glory of His name." (Psalm 96:8)
Karen Allen is a retired certified clinical research professional and medical technologist who lives in Birmingham, Alabama. She worked in cancer research at the University of Alabama at Birmingham Comprehensive Cancer Center for 32 years co-authoring numerous articles published in peer-review journals such as the International Journal of Cancer, Clinical Cancer Research, and the Journal of Immunotherapy.
For the first few years of their marriage, she and George Parker (Parky) lived in the heart of Cajun Country (Lake Charles, Louisiana) but then moved back to their native Alabama roots. Although Karen and Parky do not have children, they have always enjoyed canine companions, most of which were rescued. Two of her former dogs became nationally certified as animal-assistive therapy dogs visiting hospitals, nursing homes, and rehabilitation centers. Karen enjoys giving back to the community and served as a hospice volunteer for more than a decade. She now serves as an animal shelter volunteer.
Karen enjoys using her musical talents as a singer and instrumentalist. On Sunday morning, she can be found on the organ bench at her church. She is also involved in local, national, and international missions frequently going on short-term mission trips around the world.
Although interested in writing for many years, Karen did not pursue her interest until after being diagnosed with breast cancer in 2003. Her walk through cancer brought new heights of faith. Friends encouraged her to write about her experiences offering deeper spiritual support through inspiration, hope, and faith-building to others.
Confronting Cancer with Faith is her first book project. Since her book, Karen has published numerous award-winning articles, devotions, and short stories.
Karen is available for speaking and singing at churches, support groups, retreats, conferences, women's events, small groups, and fundraisers and may be contacted at [email protected].
Author Speaking Topics
Confronting Cancer with Faith: Cancer opens new doors of opportunity to challenge our perspectives and deepen our walk of faith. From suspicion to remission, the preparation, process, and aftermath can have spiritual relevance. While cancer may not always be conquered, it can be confronted with faith.
When Life Gets Baaa . . . aad, Ewe Can Still Be Glad: When life throws its curveballs, we can be prepared with tools that equip us through the coping process. Developing an analogy as “His sheep” reminds us that God is our shepherd, and that is all we need.
The Good, the Bad, and the Godly: The medical and spiritual aspects of cancer are cleverly combined. Karen overlaps her work in clinical trials about cancer with her personal experiences as a cancer survivor.
Commissioned to Missions: The challenge to witness in Jerusalem (home), Judea (south, east), Samaria (north, west), and to the ends of the earth (international) is explored through Karen’s mission endeavors.
Confronting Life's Crises with Music and Faith: Music and faith can play a crucial role in the healing process. Learn about music therapy while participating in fun demonstrations.
This is an interactive presentation (easily geared to Christmas) with music, laughter, and anecdotes to deepen your faith. You may also purchase Karen's music therapy CD "The Comfort of His Holiness."
Pain with Benefits: Pain and suffering are part of life in which God’s glory can often best be revealed. As believers in Christ, there are many benefits to the suffering that can lead us to greater understanding and a deeper relationship in Christ.
Beyond the Diagnosis: Research reveals that spirituality can play an integral part in healing. This presentation is geared to the medical community and addresses how to incorporate spirituality into the medical setting. Specific techniques used by successful practitioners are discussed.
Sample Lesson
Whirlwinds, sheep, tornadoes, and shadows merge in this award-winning six-week Bible study. Each of the thirty faith-filed lessons is packed with descriptive insights, biblical truths, and coping strategies. Be encouraged, educated, comforted, and redirected. Scriptural references and symbolism parallel personal circumstances to provide greater relevance. Honest emotions, personal dilemmas, and God-centered solutions are explored. Questions and answers, simple exercise, meditative thoughts, and examination of feelings engage the reader with every lesson to ease the pain of cancer and improve one’s general and spiritual well-being.
Table of Contents
The Preparation
Week 1 - Phase I - Setting the Stage
1. Suspicion of the "C" Word
2. Preparation for the Journey
3. Purpose in Pain
4. Get Plugged In
5. Remembering God's Promises
The Process
Week 2 - The Diagnosis
6. A Time to Cry
7. The Whirlwind Begins
8. Order in the Telling
9. Gathering Support
10. In the Place of Brokenness
Week 3 - The Plan
11. God Reaches Out
12. Clear Margins
13. The Shepherd's Comfort
14. A Better Perspective
15. "X" Marks the Spot
Week 4 - The Effects
16. Accepting Change
17. You're Still Beautiful
18. The Shocks Don't Stop
19. Relationships Molded
20. The Shadow of Death
Week 5 - The Responses
21. Finding an Outlet
22. Building the Faith
23. Worship God Anyway
24. God's Peace ~ Our Joy
25. Stepping into Glory
The Aftermath
Week 6 - Phase II - The Rewards
26. Because It's Over
27. Wearing the Label
28. Reaping the Rewards
29. A New You
30. Finding Contentment
The Preparation
Week 1 - Phase I - Setting the Stage
1. Suspicion of the "C" Word
2. Preparation for the Journey
3. Purpose in Pain
4. Get Plugged In
5. Remembering God's Promises
The Process
Week 2 - The Diagnosis
6. A Time to Cry
7. The Whirlwind Begins
8. Order in the Telling
9. Gathering Support
10. In the Place of Brokenness
Week 3 - The Plan
11. God Reaches Out
12. Clear Margins
13. The Shepherd's Comfort
14. A Better Perspective
15. "X" Marks the Spot
Week 4 - The Effects
16. Accepting Change
17. You're Still Beautiful
18. The Shocks Don't Stop
19. Relationships Molded
20. The Shadow of Death
Week 5 - The Responses
21. Finding an Outlet
22. Building the Faith
23. Worship God Anyway
24. God's Peace ~ Our Joy
25. Stepping into Glory
The Aftermath
Week 6 - Phase II - The Rewards
26. Because It's Over
27. Wearing the Label
28. Reaping the Rewards
29. A New You
30. Finding Contentment
The Comfort of His Holiness" CD is a compilation of seventeen contemporary Christian songs and instrumental arrangements selected to provide reassurance during times of crisis (not just cancer). The CD was borne out of the comfort I personally received through my trials with cancer. The songs remind me of God's abiding presence. The CD is referenced in Lesson 13 titled "The Shepherd's Comfort" found in my book Confronting Cancer with Faith. Many have found comfort in its soothing music and subtle message.
As traumatic life-changing events occur in our lives, we may find the need to grasp a helping hand to gently guide us back to the place of God's comfort especially when He may feel so far away. The selections on this CD are a musical depiction of the "baby steps" needed to be taken to come into full recognition of the comfort only God can bring. The music strives to move you from brokenness to acceptance, to prayer and joy, and ultimately to praise. You will find yourself immersed in the message as you listen and recognize your own journey of faith, moving forward and backwards in the steps towards God's holy comfort.
"The Comfort of His Holiness" CD is not just for cancer patients and their loved ones although testimonies of inspiration have certainly sprung forth from these individuals. This CD has brought comfort to the grieving, the sorrowful, the imprisoned, and the anxious of heart. People from as far away as India, South Africa, and Burma have been touched by this anointed CD. Whatever your intent, I hope you will find the comfort of His holiness in your life.
You may purchase the CD for $15 which includes shipping and handling. Your donation will be used to support Ewe R Blessed Ministries. To request a CD, email Karen at [email protected] or write her at: 5101 South Broken Bow Drive, Birmingham, AL 35242. Checks may be made payable to Karen Allen or PayPal may be used.
Behind the Scenes
I cannot begin to tell you how many setbacks occurred during the time it took to write this Bible study. I am convinced the devil didn't want it to happen! When I lost my journal containing all of my precious notes and godly encounters, I was resigned to give up. How could I possibly remember it all? I prayed that if God still wanted me to write it, He would have to give me clear direction and remembrance. He did! I came to understand that the journal would have been a crutch, and I would have been less likely to rely upon God's divine direction.
For myself, I want nothing more than to glorify God in the greatest possible way and to develop a ministry that will do the same. For you, I humbly desire that my Bible study will help you find comfort, hope, and faith in the sorrow and trials you are facing. May God show you His tender compassion and mercy in a personal way as He did for me. I ask you to please pledge to yourself to complete the entire study. Don't give up. If it's too hard to read at times, put it down for a while but pick it back up. Even if you can't do a full lesson in a day, take whatever time you need but be thorough. Don't miss a word even if it takes six months to finish. Just finish. Every lesson has an important message. Allow God to speak to you. Open your heart and your mind to anticipate what God has in store for you. If you do these things, you will surely be blessed.
The one thing God told me before embarking on the scary task of writing this book, my very first writing endeavor, was that He would bless it. He has kept His promise. My book has blessed many throughout the country and beyond. Amazingly, it has been translated into four languages: Slovak, Serbian, Burmese, and Spanish. The Slovak and Serbian translations are available through their national publishing houses while the Burmese translation was never officially published. It was instead taken into the depths of the jungle by a missional pastor. The Spanish translation awaits publication.
I love to hear from groups and individuals who have participated in my study. Please share with me how this study has impacted your life. If you are interested in leading a small group, contact me for a group discount on the book. I will be happy to send them to you. Also, be sure to visit my social media outlets and my blog page. I look forward to hearing from you.
Order Information
FORMAT: Soft Cover
ISBN: 978-1-62480-110-5
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