God Will Be With Me
October 13, 2016:
This is a text conversation I had with a friend right after learning I had cancer.
My young friend:
I’m sorry for texting you so late, but I was just thinking about you. I want you to know that I am here for you if you ever need anything. You are not alone. You are never alone. In one sense, we are all alone - nobody else has our exact perspective. But, truly, we are all in the same boat and are all held in the same arms of love. I don’t know if it’s helpful for me to share this, but I think about death often and I am often afraid of it. I am often afraid to grow old and move towards the unknown. As I said before, I have no doubt that this illness you’re facing is just a great challenge that you will grow through, if you wish - with a long life ahead. But I just want you to know you’re not alone if you’re facing any fear. There was a time in my sickness when I thought I might die that night. I was at the emergency room, not knowing what was wrong, but in pain. My family was gathered around me. And despite the external circumstances, I was in a state of great peace and contentment, without any fear. God was with me in that moment. I know that when I face death one day, God will be with me. I know He is with me now. And I know He is with you, too. God bless you tonight, momma.
Me:
I actually did read this last night. I have a feeling over the next year, I will be reading that very often. It was so encouraging. You're invaluable to me, so loving and supportive. I love you so much. Thank you for your heart.
My young friend:
I totally know that state of consciousness you're experiencing! It's hard to nail it down with words but you did it well. Most people are so caught up with their own storyline that they fail to realize that "all the world's a stage". We are all weaving threads through the same tapestry - a grand narrative that is who we are.