"Elias”, aged sixty, was diagnosed with Liver Cancer one year ago. He underwent chemotherapy, but his cancer continued to grow. Reading his medical records that came with the hospice referral, it so appeared that his life was very challenging. Upon meeting him, I was so amazed about his positive attitude about life. His strong faith gave him tremendous strength. “Way to go Elias!”
NOTHING
He came to Joshua’s House this morning;
our shelter for homeless, terminally ill patients.
He recently said, “No more treatment”,
as the cancer continues to grow.
He came to America in his early twenties,
sharing, “It was all about a special gal”.
He married another and had four children.
All of them are now estranged from him.
Years ago, he worked at a grocery store.
He also helped others with home repairs.
Those times and years somehow don’t count
as he now has no financial income at all.
Reading and hearing about his background;
one so easily can think, “He has nothing”;
but upon meeting him, one does instantly notice
his strong faith and positive attitude about life.
His voice is so soft and gentle as he shares his faith.
He has been a Seventh Day Adventist for his entire life.
He will frequently and quietly ask God for support
as so fully believes in a strong and loving God.
As I was leaving, I asked, “Is there anything else?”
He then asked if he could pray with me.
He closed his eyes and held my hand
giving thanks for my visit and support.
Driving away, I realized that, yes, his possessions are few;
his family and friends do not come around; and he is solo,
but then he strongly believes he has all that he will ever need.
His truth is that he has so much more than nothing;
he has everything.
our shelter for homeless, terminally ill patients.
He recently said, “No more treatment”,
as the cancer continues to grow.
He came to America in his early twenties,
sharing, “It was all about a special gal”.
He married another and had four children.
All of them are now estranged from him.
Years ago, he worked at a grocery store.
He also helped others with home repairs.
Those times and years somehow don’t count
as he now has no financial income at all.
Reading and hearing about his background;
one so easily can think, “He has nothing”;
but upon meeting him, one does instantly notice
his strong faith and positive attitude about life.
His voice is so soft and gentle as he shares his faith.
He has been a Seventh Day Adventist for his entire life.
He will frequently and quietly ask God for support
as so fully believes in a strong and loving God.
As I was leaving, I asked, “Is there anything else?”
He then asked if he could pray with me.
He closed his eyes and held my hand
giving thanks for my visit and support.
Driving away, I realized that, yes, his possessions are few;
his family and friends do not come around; and he is solo,
but then he strongly believes he has all that he will ever need.
His truth is that he has so much more than nothing;
he has everything.
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