A Word of Advice

A Tribute to a Beautiful Young Lady Named Kaylyn Brock

May 20, 2014

“Why? Why do bad things happen in this world?  Why?  Why do bad things happen to good people?  What did we do wrong to deserve such suffering and hardship?”

I know that these are questions that many ask often either to themselves, to clergy or even to God.  “Why, Lord did I get cancer at the age of 17 years old?  These are the years that I am supposed to have fun, be athletic and scholarly.  I’m supposed to be enjoying life, but I’ve had to lie up in the hospital for weeks and months receiving chemotherapy treatments and having people poke and prod me. “

I can imagine that these are some of the questions that my niece Kaylyn may have asked God when she was diagnosed with stage four non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma in November 2012.  Why her?  Why anyone?  One thing is for sure, when you know the truth, it will make you free.  Kaylyn was strong enough to know Truth and who Truth is.  Jesus is Truth and Grace.  He gave her His sufficient Grace to get through what has been one of the most traumatic experiences in our family. 

In March of 2013, Kaylyn was pronounced to be in remission and completed her junior year of high school.  She went to prom with her big sister Taylor, bald head and all showing everyone how she was more than a conqueror in Christ Jesus.  She went on to play volleyball in the fall and won the most outstanding player award, ran track, all while earning above a 4.2 GPA and a 28 on the ACT receiving acknowledgement for being in the top 3% among African Americans for the ACT.  That’s not all!  Kaylyn was accepted into the prestigious Elon University and has been accepted into their honors program.  (That’s a big deal!)  She has received $156,000 in scholarships, has won her high schools character award and two athletic awards. 

Last month, I was able to attend her senior speech and in that speech she had to give a word of advice.  Her advice was to “keep your priorities in order because you don’t want to waste your time on things you won’t remember next year or even in a few months.  It’s important to focus on what really matters in your life like your beliefs, family and friends.  Life is precious and fragile, so be grateful for every moment.  Nothing can be guaranteed, and everything can change in a single moment.  You don’t want any regrets.” 

What I took from this very wise advice was this:

1.       God and your family should be your main concern.  We only have a certain amount of time to impact our children and to help frame their beliefs.  We must raise up Godly, productive, gracious and influential children.

2.       Don’t focus on time wasters. Determine God’s plan for your life and live it to the fullest fulfilling your dreams, passions and desires.

3.       Know what you and in whom you believe and stick to it.  Don’t be ashamed of your God and Father.  Let the world see Him through your life.  Share Him with your friends and family as an act of pure love towards them.

4.       Live life in the now; in the moment.  Allow for God’s plan to unfold in your life.  Don’t sweat the small stuff and quit worrying.  God’s got it all under control.

5.       Thank God every day for your life.  Refrain from all complaints and recognize that God is good.

6.       Life is full of changes.  Learn to adjust and be flexible.

7.       With Jesus, you can live a guilt-free life; one without regrets and condemnation.

What wise words from a wise young lady!  What a walking miracle! Most doctor's write stage four cancer patients off! What an awesome God!  He turned her situation completely around and this Friday, May 23^rd 2014, she will walk across the stage of Davidson Day School and graduate with honors. 

Maybe you’re in a situation that needs divine intervention.  Maybe you know someone who is struggling and fighting for their life.  Let me encourage you.  Kaylyn is not the only one in whom God can heal and deliver; it’s not exclusive to her and our family.  Jesus died and shed blood so you can be made whole.  You don’t have to struggle or be sick.  God has made provision for deliverance of all of the bad things that can happen in life through Jesus.

Kaylyn may have had questions and may still have questions for God, but one thing is for sure, she has been turned into a force to be reckoned with on this earth and I can’t wait to see what God has for her in her future. 

There is an answer to why.  If you want to know more about that check out my podcast and listen to the message, “The answer to why”. 

I pray that you have been blessed and encouraged by this word.  The word of God can NEVER return void, it MUST accomplish what it was set out to do.  You are GREAT in God's eyes.  See yourself as He sees you, whole.

His Image Manifested hosts a weekly prayer conference call entitled, "Jump Start" designed to give you a boost for your week. You may call in every Sunday at 6:00 PM EST at 530-881-1212, Pin#:545-495-056.  I hope to hear you on the call. If you have a specific prayer request, email me at joslyn@hisimagemanifested.org.

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In HIM,

Jos

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