Most of you have seen the You Tube video of Megan Kowalewski lip-syncing "Stronger"
I truly love this video and this song. Through my lifetime I have recognized her spirit in other people and thought about what going through a struggle can "make you" besides "stronger". I think of my pastor's wife, who just finished a major breast cancer battle. For her, I think the last word of the song might be "free". She just returned from a missionary trip to the Philippines with her husband; something she could only have dreamed of last year.
Then there is my best friend, Kim who went through widowhood at a young age, and then her own cancer battle less than 2 years ago. I think the last word of the song for her might be "confident".
I have a good friend from years ago who has gone through a divorce and betrayal from those who should have treated her better....her last word might be "wiser".
Just this weekend I heard about a man I'll call "JC" who is struggling with cardiomyopathy and was given 4-5 years to live (he is in year 5 now). He has 5 children and coaches their teams and spends as much time as possible with them. The last word of the song for him could be "committed". I even heard a sweet story about how his ex-wife has given him custody of their teen son so they could spend his final years together. Having been a DivorceCare facilitator for many years, I know that it takes a real act of faith and compassion to do something like that; it is a rare trait. Perhaps the mother's last word is "loving".
Today I read the obituary of my best friend from junior high. I'm ashamed to admit that I lost track of her and have not spoken to her in over 20 years. Life goes by so quickly; it's over in an instant. My prayer is that you let whatever you are going through "make you" something that is beautiful.
To your health,
Tari
