Hope is so important in Princess Kate’s cancer diagnosis

One of the most revered, celebrated and scrutinised mothers I know of is our gracious Princess Catherine, whose style is emulated both globally and locally.

Her recent cancer diagnosis has touched hearts most profoundly, as evidenced in the plethora of sympathetic responses. It has also perhaps caused fear in many hearts, with visits to the NHS website cancer page rising by 373% following the announcement.

My attention was grabbed by the poise and eloquence with which Kate delivered such personal and consequential news, and caused me to shed tears. When confronted with a crisis whereby you yourself may be the perpetrator of distress for your young, the stakes are considerably higher. There is a deep sense of nurturing and responsibility riding alongside an innate drive to survive.

I know that because, as a mother, I walked through a similar anguish, yet mine was without public scrutiny. During my own health turmoil five years ago, I was able to choose a few to confide in; those who would reinforce faith and not capsize it. The Princess doesn’t have such freedom for confidentiality but has bravely chosen to dispel rumours with her confession.

What I heart learnt through my illness, is that there is hope in the throes of heartache. 

What I heart learnt through my illness, is that there is hope in the throes of heartache. Human life is comprised of mind, body, soul and spirit and investment in each of these components is integral in our passage towards healing.

Having personally forged a pathway out of an autoimmune condition, fuelled by the knowledge of countless pioneers and undergirded by spirit-breathed verses from the Word, I proffer a few ideas:

1. The soul is dynamic, responding to a sense of purpose and soothed by that which animates it. My soul is invigorated by emitting a roar to embody the lioness that sought to protect both myself and brood. Mixed with a hefty dose of circumstantial anger, it enabled me to rid myself of emotional toxic waste, creating space for a super-natural joy to be invited in. This internal audit enabled me to process and be present with my own needs and to the emotions of my children.

2. Simultaneously, muscle movement released pent-up angst that was trapped at a cellular level, both historical and recent, a physiological manifestation of pain. Unselfconscious and uninhibited dance ignited liberation in me and my girls. Sometimes I’d pound the pavement, walking with intentional steps that drove trauma into the ground. Additionally, I discarded the mental tax of chores and symptom management in the wake of joyous movement – the body needs space to breathe.

And the mind is in tandem with the body, the two inextricably linked, with the mind calling shots on how the body responds.

3. The mind is in tandem with the body, the two inextricably linked, with the mind calling shots on how the body responds. We must be staunch gatekeepers of the cognitive load to be able to function optimally. There were frequent days of endless mind battles as I scrambled to remain in truth and not bow to thoughts leading to difficult endings. Our bodies believe that which the mind registers and feeds upon. I hope that Princess Kate has someone like the trauma doctor, Gabor Maté on speed dial to assist with such mindful matters.

Faith is foundational to the fulfilment of holistic and hope-filled pastures. Our focus can only reside in the Living Word where hope itself is formed. When we ingest and ruminate on the Word of God, (whilst eating a balanced, nutritious diet and breathing deeply), we can receive the tangible healing presence of Jesus himself, that which transforms - the only hope that never disappoints. And as these words of life reside in our hearts, out of that overflow the mouth speaks, and so truth presides over our narrative and with that comes victorious hope.

My heartfelt prayers are with Princess Catherine and her family.