Many years ago I received a prayer request from a friend in Mississippi. The ask was for a young mother of four who had been diagnosed with a very rare eye cancer. Ocular Melanoma. I rarely share names when writing, but Ashley McCrary, is such a Princess Warrior, I want you to have the ability to follow her story on Facebook.
Here is a link to an article about how many people from Auburn were found to be diagnosed with this rare disease. https://eyecancer.com/dr-fingers-desk/ocular-melanoma-mystery-rare-eye-cancer-found-36-auburn-university-graduates/
Ashley's cancer has spread throughout her body. She has been fighting the good fight and truly lived sacrificially traveling weekly from Auburn to Philadelphia, enduring treatments and trials in hopes of a cure being found for this deadly disease. Her faith inspires me. She recently wrote some very wise words we should all print off and share with others.
Psalm 90:12 Teach us to number our days that we would have a heart of wisdom.
Lessons I have learned as I have walked this hard road with my OM friends. By Ashley McCrary
1. Forgive. Life is too short.
2. Be grateful. If you only had today, what you thanked God for yesterday... what would you have?
3. Don't take things for granted. It seems we take something/someone for granted until we do not have it or them anymore.
4. Don't sweat the small stuff. We often let first world problems steal our joy. Reframe the narrative.... is it really worth being that upset over whatever it is?
5. Gain perspective. When I think about how many people are frivolous over things that really don't matter, I think about the person who is sitting at their kitchen table trying to think of what bill they do not have to pay so they can afford to take a trip to see a doctor who can treat their OM. Think of others, act on those thoughts, make a difference.
6. Be kind. You never know what someone else is going through and even though a person may look healthy and fine on the outside, they could be dealing with hard issues on the inside.
7. When you think about someone, send a text, a card in the mail, a meal to their house, a flower to their office. Don't just think about someone do something for them.
8. Be still. We are so busy. Be still, listen, contemplate.
9. There is power in ONE. Be the ONE to make a difference.
10. It is ok to not be ok. Sometimes you have to sit in the hard. Like REALLY sit in it. Cry, throw something, allow your heart to grieve. But don't stay there. Acknowledge the hurt, take the time, but get up. There is life to live… go live It.
11. When someone takes a picture, get in the picture. None of us seem to like pictures of ourselves but your loved ones will cherish it.
12. Tell that person you love them.
13. Don't waste time worrying or being angry. Worrying and anger rob you of the joy you should experience In life. Choose joy!
14. Turn your pain into purpose. On our worst day there is someone worst off than us. Sometimes we go through something hard so we can be there for someone else. We can encourage them because we have experienced the same thing. What legacy will you choose to leave?
15. Your scars tell a story. Share your story!
16. And for me personally, I want everyone who reads this to have the same confdence I have. If you were to die today, do you know where you would spend eternity? I believe having a relationship with Jesus is not just about "fire insurance" and going to Heaven. It is about the peace He offers now, in the midst of the struggle. I wish everyone knew Him like I do.
The Song
"The Goodness of God" Rhett Walker
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CHG6Ak5Jqkc
