SAY IT! “I HAVE A DISEASE.”
Words create a powerful reality. It did not matter that I have been contributing to HLN magazine for more than 13 years; I was pleased to admit, “I am a writer.” An editor said, “Karen Zielinski is a freelance writer and a frequent contributor to HLN magazine.” Admitting to this objectified a part of my life when I saw it written, it became a reality outside of me. Accepting this reality outside of me I felt prompted to empower a friend to do the same to help him accept a diagnosis.
A dear friend shared he was diagnosed with cancer. Upon hearing the news, we talked, cried and prayed together. At the moment, the simplest thing would be to help him name the diagnosis. I encouraged him to say out loud, “I have cancer.” It might sound like a simple thing to do but it is significant when accepting the reality of a diagnosis. Name it
Accepting a diagnosis is not easy. Talking and naming it can be a step toward recovery because acknowledging any diagnosis- “I have diabetes,” “I have Alzheimers,” “I have PTSD,” or “I have cancer” can be a way to release suppressed emotions. Saying I have a disease acknowledges reality; therefore, I can admit to it to face it. Naming it is a therapeutic way to admit the reality of being sick, and naming it puts us in control of the reality.
Bring words to prayer
“Strive by your thinking, as well as by your praying, to fulfill in your daily life what you say with your lips in church; and make the Holy Spirit who speaks through your lips be glad to dwell in your heart. Our words and our lips should be in agreement.”
St. Caesarius of Arles
Our Creator, God, loves us unconditionally and He is gentle and caring. Daily prayer and spiritual practices can be a safe, intimate place to say the difficult words out loud.
It can be a non-threatening way to put the reality of what is happening into perspective, to bring order into your life and to bring your concerns to something greater than yourself. When I pray, it can be freeing to feel a sacred presence.
The story of the bleeding woman, in the book of Matthew, who is healed when she touches Jesus' cloak is a reminder to make our needs known, including addressing both our physical and spiritual needs.
“Just then a woman who had been subject to bleeding for twelve years came up behind him and touched the edge of his cloak. She said to herself, “If I only touch His cloak, I will be healed.” Jesus turned and saw her. “Take heart, daughter,” he said, “your faith has healed you.” And the woman was healed at that moment.”
It is not always the case that Jesus seeks out those whom He heals publicly; instead, the sick and poor came to Jesus. Those who sought Jesus were healed when they came before Jesus, such as the woman who was healed after touching Jesus' cloak, admitting they were sick or taking action to deal with sickness.
The power of words
Words have power, whether spoken aloud or written down. Writing is another therapeutic way to name a reality in our lives. Writing something down about our lives can feel cathartic because it is a way to get the pain out of our hearts and put it somewhere else. That doesn't mean ignoring or denying the reality being faced, or that the perspective is misplaced but that it gives power to accept the reality of the situation. Setting aside time to journal in a quiet place or room can be a healing way to articulate difficult and negative feelings or to reflect on God's love for us.
This can be a time to be honest with ourselves–jot down what surfaces, both the good and the bittersweet or even dreams of recovery. Find something to look forward to. It isn't a time for judgement or criticism but a time for grace where you can't be wrong about your feelings, emotions, the diagnosis, life events, etc.
In my experience, it has worked for me and for others in the healing process. So say it! Write it down! Name it! Claim your disease! Accept it! It's choosing to be healthy no matter what you face!
Sister Karen Zielinski is the Director of Canticle Studio.
Canticle Studio is a part of the Sisters of St. Francis of Sylvania, OH’s overall advancement effort and has a mission of being a creative center where artists generate works, products, and services in harmony with the mission of the Sisters St. Francis.
She can be reached at kzielins@sis tersosf.org or 419-824-3543. ✲
Healthy Living News | August 2026 11
