Today I saw this story of a man named Ed, who was diagnosed with ALS eleven years ago. As the disease progressed, he had to step down from his position as a pastor, and suddenly felt as if he had no purpose in life.
“I never thought that my speaking and writing and living would come to an end. Once I realized it’s getting close to the end, then you begin to realize how fragile life is. And you only do the things that are important. I think humans have this capacity to think they’ll live forever. You ain’t livin’ forever. So what can I do with the limited time I have to make a difference?“
I believe you’ll be inspired if you take a few minutes to watch this short video:
Tears immediately came to my eyes when Ed said, “I knew ultimately it [ALS] would take my voice, so I told God, ‘if you take my voice, it’s okay with me.’” My dad can no longer speak at all, and it has been harder on him than I could’ve even imagined; the inability to talk goes far beyond inconvenience.
Despite the terrible blow he’s received, Ed gives us another reminder to fully live this life. Just like John Evans did. I pray that my dad — and anyone suffering any sort of debilitating disease — will find this kind of peace and purpose. And I pray that those of us who are healthy never take our health and our abilities for granted, and that we will fully live this life, for as long as we have, whether that be days or decades.
I agree with Ed. I guess there is a reason why we humans can’t live forever; if we live forever, life will devalue. By knowing our time is limited, we are then forced to think of a way to leave a legacy and to find our purpose.
Bringing your passion and positive energy to everything and everyone you interact with makes an impact. I enjoy watching people turn everything into a positive light and make the best of any given situation.
Great post, Jamie!
My mum has been critically ill (something different each time) several times over the last decade. I had kid of thought of her as an unshakeable foundation prior to that, and it has taught us all not to take our good health and good fortune for granted.
Eddie – The Usual Mayhem recently posted..Just Get Outside
I’m sorry it’s been difficult to see your dad go through his illness – I’m glad you still have time with him. I’m praying for my mother right now- We both have RA, but hers is attempting to go after her organs – people often don’t understand that RA is not just arthritis -it’s more like lupus and very painful. My outlook is that – my life is not my own – it’s His, and I’m living joyfully every day. Thank you for sharing this- it’s an important message!
kelli- AdventurezInChildRearing recently posted..Our Homeschool Week
People, who see the positive side of things even when faced with hard trials, always inspire me. I consider myself healthy and lucky to have no illness yet I am one of those people who take this for granted and cause harm to my body instead. I am working on a change. Thank you for the motivation.