An older woman pulled me to the side one day, and without hesitation, began pouring out her life story. What caught my attention was her battle with breast cancer. How ironic, I thought, that she shared this during Breast Cancer Awareness month. She was a lady worn out by time, struggling with dementia, yet when she spoke of her illness, her voice was bold and defiant. She told me how, with great resolve, she booked her appointments with her doctor and agreed to have her breast removed. “They chopped it off,” she said bluntly, her tone a mix of relief and bitterness. The cancer was gone.
Fifteen years later, it returned for the other.
Philippians 1:21-23: "For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.
If I am to live in the flesh, that means fruitful labor for me.
Yet which I shall choose I cannot tell."
She spoke with pride, as survival had become her testimony. During her days, she said, not many people had cancer. Perhaps they did, but the diagnosis wasn’t as prevalent as it is now. Now, it feels as though everyone has cancer: someone is fighting it, someone is beating it, or someone has lost to it.
When I hear such stories, I think about how fragile life is. We are the most intelligent beings on earth, yet brought to our knees by invisible enemies of cells going rogue, tiny viruses, or fate itself. It makes me wonder, When will it be my turn?
I seem to have this notion that everyone in life has to suffer through something, be it in their youthful days or their aging days. Some lose loved ones, others lose their jobs, houses, dreams, or their health. One way or another, we all lose something, and eventually, we all lose ourselves.
When will it be my turn? When will I lose someone or something that shatters me? When will I lose my life? (not that I’m eagerly waiting, but the thought often lingers like a shadow).
As I live through my days, I feel as though there is this cloud of doom slowly hovering behind me. It is silent, patient, and inevitable. I don’t know what it is or when it’ll strike, but what is certain is that it will happen.
So what am I to do? Shall I worry my days away in fear, constantly glancing over my shoulder, waiting for it to catch up? Or shall I live this privileged life given to me and use it to brighten another’s path? I am healthy, so I will help those who need it. I am gaining knowledge, so I will use it to educate others. Paul said, “To live is Christ and to die is gain.” If one has accepted Christ, then they should be fruitful and spread His word to the people around.
While we are still here, navigating the tragedies and fortunes of the world, we ought to be fruitful in our lives to glorify Him. If we are to die, then our souls shall rest in Him and with Him for eternity. I cannot outrun the uncertainties of life, but I can embrace the unknown and glorify God in all I do. After all, we don’t know what tomorrow holds but we know Who holds tomorrow.
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