Katherine Murphy. Awake O Sleeper: How I Rediscovered God through Breast Cancer. Sun Creek Books. 2003.

Cancer strikes terror in the heart of anyone being told they have the dreaded disease. Breast cancer is no different. Katherine Murphy shares her story of discovering the breast tumor, learning the diagnosis, meeting with God through it, and recovery.

Katherine discusses her struggles of going through the process of coping. Fortunately, she found some good support groups where other women could encourage her. Here is just a sample of her openness in writing about her situation.

Jack had to go out of town overnight, something he had avoided all fall. Why? Did he sense that I didn't like being the responsible adult at home? Did he prefer not leaving me alone? Or did he know his presence provided strength I did not have? Whatever his reasons for not going I was happy he hadn't. The truth is, I didn't like being the one in charge; cancer had made me aware of how out of control I was. I felt the void when he left.[Page 173-174]

Recommendation

The author's total honesty was refreshing - there was no effort to appear to be coping easily with cancer. She shared her struggles and her joys as she learned to accept God's love for her regardless of the circumstances she found herself in.

Any woman told they have breast cancer will readily identify with Katherine's story. This book should be available in church libraries, on the pastor's shelf, and maybe even on the doctor's bookshelf. It can serve as a guide through the process of being treated and ultimately recovering, or accepting death.

Copyrighted by Diana Pederson, 2005-2009