Liberation Lunes
February 3rd, 2025

Faith-Based Support for Caregivers, Cancer Fighters, and Those Navigating Life’s Hardest Moments
Life Can Change in an Instant
Have you ever been blindsided by life? One moment, everything seems stable, and the next, a crisis shakes the ground beneath you. A diagnosis. A loss. An unexpected storm you never saw coming.
For me, that moment arrived after nine exhausting days in the hospital with my mother. She had been struggling with symptoms for months, pushing through like so many from her generation—refusing to show weakness, convinced she could manage on her own.
Then came the reality none of us wanted to hear—stage 4 colon cancer, metastasized to her liver and lungs.
It wrecked me.
Cancer isn’t new to my family. My father passed suddenly after his own stage 4 diagnosis. My half-sister fought bravely for 14 years before it took her. And now, I find myself here again—this time as a caregiver.
How do you care for someone who has never truly seen you? How do you honor your parent while protecting your own emotional well-being? These are the questions I wrestle with—not just as a daughter, but as a Christian, a therapist, and a human being searching for peace.
The Weight of Family, Culture, and Caregiving
As a second-generation daughter of an immigrant mother, caregiving isn’t just a responsibility—it’s an expectation. Many cultures, including my own, carry the unspoken rule that family takes care of family—no questions asked. But what happens when that burden feels unbearable?
My mother, resilient yet stubborn, has always carried herself with pride, never allowing weakness to show. Even now, in the face of a terminal illness, she minimizes the severity—perhaps as a coping mechanism, a trauma response, or even denial.
She has come home with me. She wants me to take care of her. And I want to be there for her.
But the truth is—this journey is complex and messy.
Caregiving isn’t just about physical support—it’s about navigating unresolved wounds, unspoken words, and the weight of generational trauma. It’s about the tension between wanting to love unconditionally but still carrying the scars of the past.
How do you hold space for someone who has hurt you? How do you extend grace when you feel empty yourself?
World Cancer Day 2025: United by Unique
As the world observes World Cancer Day (February 4, 2025), this year’s theme, United by Unique, reminds us that every cancer journey is different—shaped by faith, resilience, and the support systems around us.

For me, this journey has reinforced the importance of holistic healing—not just for my mother, but for myself. Cancer is more than a physical disease. It affects mental health, faith, family dynamics, and emotional well-being. And as caregivers, we must also focus on our own healing and liberation.
Holistic Approaches to Cancer Care & Caregiver Wellness
A faith-based and holistic approach to cancer care doesn’t mean rejecting medical treatment—it means supporting the body, mind, and spirit through complementary strategies.
1. Nutritional Healing
Anti-inflammatory foods: Turmeric, ginger, leafy greens, and wild blueberries.
Gut health support: Bone broth, fresh juices, herbal teas.
Hydration: Filtered water, coconut water, and electrolyte-rich drinks.
2. Detoxification & Circulatory Support
Epsom salt baths: Helps detox the body and reduce stress.
Lymphatic massage & dry brushing: Supports circulation and immune function.
Walking in the sunshine: Boosts vitamin D, regulates mood, and promotes movement.
3. Mind-Body Practices for Caregivers & Patients
Breathwork (Wim Hof Method): Oxygenates the body and reduces stress.
Qigong & gentle stretching: Supports circulation and relaxation.
Journaling & prayer: Helps process emotions and connect with God.
Faith in the Fire: When Trials Feel Like Too Much
📖 “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” – James 1:2-4
Yeah… consider it pure joy?
Seriously? My father, mother, and sister all attacked by cancer, and I’m supposed to see this as joy?
But then—what other choice do I have?
I could let this break me, let bitterness take root, drown myself in distractions or addictions—but where would that lead?
I know where that road goes, and I refuse to take it.
So instead, I hold onto my faith—not because it’s easy, but because it’s the only way I stay sane. I stay the course because I have to. Not just for me, but for those watching, those learning from me, and those who I work with and mentor.
Prayer for Strength in the Fire
Father God, I don’t always understand Your ways. Some days, this road feels unbearable. But I know that without You, I would be lost. Help me to see through the pain and trust that You are refining me. When I am weak, be my strength. When I question, remind me that You are still good. When I want to give up, hold me steady. Let this trial deepen my faith, not destroy it. Let my life be a testimony of perseverance, not defeat. I don’t have to have all the answers—I just need to trust the One who does.
In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Christian Cancer & Caregiver Resources
📖 Books on Faith, Healing & Caregiving:
Holding On to Hope – Nancy Guthrie
A Grace Disguised – Jerry Sittser
Radical Remission – Kelly A. Turner, PhD
Chris Beat Cancer – Chris Wark
🌿 Holistic & Integrative Cancer Healing Resources:
💛 Caregiver & Cancer Support Organizations:
If you’re in this storm, you’re not alone.
If you need faith-based support, I’ll be here when the time is right.
Until then—hold on. Let’s walk this road with grace.
In Service, Faith, Hope and Love,
Diana
And now for the disclaimer to make sure you understand that YOU are responsible for YOU:
Disclaimer:
The content provided on Liberation Lunes is for entertainment and informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical or mental condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have read on this blog. The views expressed on this blog are my personal opinions and do not represent the views of any professional organizations with which I am affiliated. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor, 911, or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255) immediately. Liberation Lunes does not recommend or endorse any specific tests, physicians, products, procedures, opinions, or other information that may be mentioned on the blog. Reliance on any information provided by Liberation Lunes, others appearing on the blog at the invitation of Liberation Lunes, or other visitors to the blog is solely at your own risk.
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