My Plus One
Author: Reena Cho, Head Elder
March 19, 2026
In my work as a nurse practitioner caring for cancer patients, I often meet people who are understandably very anxious and scared. Hearing the word cancer can make anyone feel alone and overwhelmed. I usually begin by reassuring them that I have been doing this work for more than thirty years, and that the surgeons I work with are among the best in their field. I want them to know they are in capable hands.
Recently, I had a patient sitting with her iPad while I was talking with her about her new cancer diagnosis. As I explained her treatment options in detail, she was looking things up on ChatGPT at the same time, trying to find answers immediately. I admit I was a little taken aback, but I also understood why. When people are scared or uncertain, they want answers immediately.
That moment made me think about how often we do something similar in our own lives. When we feel anxious, scared, or alone, our first instinct is often to look for answers somewhere else—our phones, ChatGPT, family, or friends—before we pause and turn to Jesus. Just as my patient was searching for answers and missed what I was saying, we too can become so focused on finding answers ourselves that we miss the words of Jesus—who is already right beside us.
What would it look like if we truly invited Jesus to be our plus one in every moment of life? When we speak with our loved ones. When we make decisions at work. Even when we are standing in line at the store.
If Christ were truly part of every moment of our lives, perhaps we would pause and turn to Him before searching for answers on our phones or seeking the opinions of others. Perhaps instead of spending time scrolling, we would spend more time with Jesus in prayer and Bible reading. Perhaps our words would become gentler, our patience deeper, and our choices wiser. The ordinary moments of life might begin to feel sacred, simply because we remember that Jesus is right there with us.
This is the invitation Jesus gives us—not just to meet Him occasionally, but to walk with Him every moment.
Just like many of my patients when they first hear the words “you have cancer,” there are moments in life when everything suddenly feels dark. The future becomes uncertain, and we cannot see the road ahead. In moments like that, the Bible reminds us:
“Let the one who walks in the dark, who has no light, trust in the name of the Lord.” — Isaiah 50:10
And Jesus reassures us with this promise:
“Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” — Hebrews 13:5
He is offering to be our constant companion—our plus one through every season of life.
Sometimes we get busy doing things for Jesus—serving, helping, and working hard—but we forget the most important part: simply including Jesus in everything we do. Calling on Him first. Becoming more like Him through our time together with Him. Choosing Jesus to be our plus one in each and every moment of our lives—now and for all eternity.
Because when Jesus is our plus one, we never walk alone.
BACK