When I think about my journey with cancer and faith, it’s hard not to feel a deep sense of gratitude and reflection. My recent trip to Mecca, this time with my mum, daughter, and sister, was a powerful experience. It felt different than my first trip there three years ago, before I was diagnosed with cancer. It wasn’t just a trip to a holy place; it was a journey that made me think about how much has changed and how much has stayed the same.
Three years ago, when I visited Mecca for the first time, I had no idea what was ahead. I was healthy, full of hopes for the future, and going through life with the kind of certainty that comes with being in good health. It was a beautiful experience, filled with deep spirituality, but there was still a sense of taking life for granted. I was thinking about what I wanted, not necessarily about the fragility of life.
This second trip, however, was different. My diagnosis has shifted the way I see life, and in many ways, it made my faith feel stronger. Cancer has forced me to slow down, take stock, and appreciate things I once might have overlooked or took for granted. This time, when we made the Umrah (small pilgrimage) together, I wasn’t just going through the motions. As I performed Umrah this time, every prayer felt more profound, every ritual more meaningful. It wasn’t just about completing steps; it was about connecting, deeply and intentionally, with my faith and its purpose in my life.
Sharing this experience with my mum, daughter, and sister made it even more powerful. Faith is not just a personal journey; it is also woven into the fabric of our relationships. Standing together in Mecca, I felt the strength of our bond... one that has been tested and reinforced by the trials we have faced. It was a reminder that we are never truly alone. The love and prayers of those who walk beside us, and even those who have gone before us, continue to shape our path.
Cancer, as difficult as it has been, has changed the way I see my faith. Where before I practiced faith out of habit, now it’s something that sustains me, giving me peace and comfort. Teaching me the peace that comes with surrender, the understanding that while I am not in control of everything, I am always held by something greater. There’s a peaceful strength that comes with that surrender, an acceptance of life’s unpredictability, and a trust that no matter what, I am never alone.
Being in Mecca again helped me appreciate the connection between all of us; those of us on the journey, those we’ve lost, and those who stand by us. Each of us faces struggles, but within our faith lies the power to find peace. This experience was no longer just about praying for healing; it was about trusting the path I am on, even when I cannot see where it leads.
In the end, my second trip to Mecca was not just about completing a Umrah. It was about rediscovering my faith, strengthening my connection to my family, and embracing the lessons life has given me. Cancer may have changed my journey, but it has also deepened my relationship with God in ways I never imagined. It has shown me the resilience within me, the love that surrounds me, and the faith that will continue to guide me forward.
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