I’ve had three friends or family members suffer from Alzheimer’s disease. I have had several friends or family members suffer from cancer or other diseases. I have known way too many friends or relatives that have committed suicide. I know that death can come like a thief in the night and life can suddenly change without warning. All of it makes me want to pay attention to every moment and be thankful for the life that God has given to me. I feel that the longer I live the more I feel that I should be thankful because I know that my time won’t last forever.
The challenge for me is seeing other people suffer and die around me. Both my parents have passed away. Most of my aunts and uncles have, too. I always felt a little alone in the world, but now I feel it more than ever. There’s no adult around to be my safety net. If my world comes crashing down around me, then I am going to have to pick myself up. It is strange because when my parents where alive, they made it seem like I wouldn’t be able to take care of myself and now that they are dead, I know I’ll be okay. I don’t know I’ll be okay because I have a plan or I understand that I will be alright, in fact, I am anxious all the time about my ability to weather the storms that will come in my future. I know I’ll be okay because I have faith. I’m scared all the time, but whatever comes, God’s going to get me through it. I’m just worried sometimes because I don’t know how to see all the people I love, go through it as well. I don’t want to be a witness to their lives and I’m scared that I will be.
So tonight I pray for God to please watch over all the people I love and there are many. Please help them to find peace and deliver them from evil and suffering.
My faith saved me. May God’s peace reside in all of our hearts.
