* Strength in Numbers

Groups are an important part of people’s lives. They can be your family, church, sports team, special interest club, etc. Each group has its’ own reason for being and we join because we have a common interest with the other people in the group. Well, except for families. We are born into those but we are still part of that group whether we like it or not. And the truth is, we need them.

For groups that we join, it is because we want to be a part of something and spend time with people who share our interests. Having others to learn from, do community service with, worship with at church or to cheer with for a favorite sports team at a ballgame are enjoyable. We could do these things alone but it’s so much better when there are other people involved. They encourage and lift us up.

My Zodiac sign is Cancer the Crab whose characteristic involves being a loner and I am very guilty of doing just that. When things get overwhelming, he crawls back up into his shell to hide and avoid the chaos. A little bit of that is okay from time to time but ultimately you have to come out of the shell and deal with life. That’s a great time to find strength and support in numbers; your people, your group.

Cancer patients and survivors learn very early the importance of the strength found in numbers. That’s why support groups and team approaches to care are so important. Even the infusion room is designed to create community by having all the chairs out in the open so you can talk to each other during treatment. It shows you that you aren’t and don’t have to go it alone.

Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 reminds us that “two are better than one” and “a cord of three strands is not quickly broken”. Whatever you are going through, find a place you can belong with people who will care for you and walk through the valley with you. Indeed, there is strength in numbers.

Blessings, Cindy J