Faith and Happiness Go Hand in Hand

I have a friend who has cancer. Several years ago, the doctors told her she had 6 months to live. Her name is Judy.

I came to know her through a fellow engineer where I work. I've never met her face to face, but I know her. She sends out emails to everyone on an email list, who requests updates on her condition.

Throughout the last two years that I have been receiving her email updates, she has been through many changes in treatment, including radiation, and chemotherapy. Judy's cancer invaded her lungs, her liver, and other organs. It has nearly disappeared several times, but has come back.

Working in the medical field like I do, I visit hospitals around the country, and primarily work in critical care areas. I have met many cancer victims and heard of many different cases. I know the debilitating effects of Chemo and Radiation therapy; the pain, the headaches, the nausea, the hopelessness.

What is so remarkable about Judy is her faith in God. Through every set-back, Judy has praised God. Through every victory, she has praised God. I have never seen Judy lose hope. Her peaceful acceptance regardless of what happens is governed by her faith in God as no one else I've ever known. It is without anger, or blame, or self-pity.

Judy is a testament to us all in our ordinary and healthy lives that many of us could learn from. Because of her faith, she is not encumbered by those emotions that could detract from every day in her life, when she may not have any to lose.

During times when things don't go right, or as you'd want them to, putting yourself into God's hands brings peace, and Judy is gifted with that same peace that I wish for every day of my life.

We all know the value of knowing someone cares when you're hurt or sad, and has you in their prayers. I've asked all I know to add Judy to their prayers. God hears all prayers, even if there is no indication of such, it's part of that faith.

Recently, Judy received a signed letter from the President. You may not like our current President, or be a Republican. You may be thinking that this letter is just one of hundreds automatically sent out. And that may be so, but the person who sent it out on behalf of the President did it on his request. What matters, is that it was sent, and it brightened the day of someone who needed it.

Many of you know that I am a huge advocate of the Patriot Guard Riders, and my passionate respect for those who serve our country. Through my job, I have been in military hospitals many times, populated by hundreds of burn victims, amputees, and other critically injured soldiers. And I've also heard them praise our President, as he visits these soldiers regularly, and personally speaks to them about whatever they wish to speak about. I know that he does care by the way these brave souls speak of him.

This letter, this small act of kindness, for one such as Judy who has never served in the armed forces but certainly fights for her life everyday, has brought joy and happiness to one of God's most faithful.

God is my ultimate hero, but Judy marches right along side of Him here on earth, and inspires me to be a better Christian because of it.

Show someone you care, and you will notice all those who care about you. Whatever faith you have in whatever God you worship, make it absolute. Your life may not change over night, but the peace will come.

A little faith will bring your soul to heaven, but a lot of faith will bring heaven to your soul. ~Author Unknown

Please add Judy to your prayer list. God will know who you are praying for. And if you'd like to send her your encouragement, please send me a message or reply to this post. I will see that she gets it.