Dr. Page. You’ve been a practicing surgeon for over 20 years. Why is A Spoonful of Courage for the Sick and Suffering a good book to read when your sick?

Faith helps us see the benefits of our trials. When we realize that God has allowed our adversity for a purpose we begin to look upward instead of inward for the answers.  

As human beings we’re trying to make sense out of our pain. We ask those introspective questions. Why me? Why now? Why not someone else? Why this particular challenge? Why God? Why are you letting this happen to me?

Understanding that we will never understand all the why’s we are asking—at least on this side of eternity—is the first step. I’ve learned that sufferers who look upward, focusing on God and His promises, understanding God’s loving nature, and leaning upon His faithfulness, progress us towards healing.

In the next step, individuals learn to focus outwards—at others. Despite a challenging illness, the best thing a sufferer can do is help others. My mother died of lung cancer about four years ago. I felt alone and helpless. I could perform life-saving surgeries on others, yet there was nothing I could do for someone I cared for deeply. Then along came Katherine.

I diagnosed Katherine with a locally advanced breast cancer. At first, I thought she was intentionally living in neglect. Over time, I learned that Katherine wasn’t in denial, she simply was so other focused she didn’t have much time to think about herself. She knew that her time had come. She had lived a fulfilled life. She was ready for heaven. And if God so willed for her to pass with breast cancer, then she was content with that.

Somehow, Katherine learned about my mother and her diagnosis. When she did, her conversations shifted to me and my dying mother. Katherine’s way of expressing concern and love for others came in a little paper sack. She would fill these sacks with pecans while walking down by the river. With each pecan put in a sack, she would offer up a little prayer for that person.

Katherine brought me a lot of sacks filled with pecans. Instead of looking inward, Katherine was looking upward and outward. I can never express how much her encouragement meant to me during this tough time in my life. I was her doctor, the one supposed to be imparting advice, encouragement and strength. Here was a woman dying of breast cancer who showed concern for someone she didn’t even know.

By the way, Katherine lived much longer than anyone—including me—anticipated. I believe it was because she had a focus, a purpose and reason to keep going.  Giving to others kept Katherine going. That’s one example of how faith affects someone going through a health challenge and one of the best reasons this is a good book to read when your sick.

So if you’re looking for something to read during quarantine this christian inspirational will give you courage, faith and hope to endure your suffering.

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