Fight the Good Fight

Good Morning All,

At the end of last week I declared that it had been “the week that was…” and indeed it was and it kept getting better and better for me as the weekend unfolded; even though the snow became a distant memory only captured in the photos on my screen saver… :) But as we all know, in the midst of all that is wonderful, I was reminded that there is more to life than the here & now.

As most of you are aware, Kay Yow, the Coach of the NC State Women’s basketball team, died last Saturday morning. Within and beyond College Women’s Basketball, her reputation on and off the court was legendary. The professional and personal accomplishments throughout her life are numerous, but so much of what she was able to do was done so in the midst of surviving Breast Cancer for 22 years. As I reflect on that one thing alone, I realize how far we have come since 1987 in the fight against all cancers, but especially Breast Cancer. People are living longer and better because of the research that has been done. And Kay Yow and her notoriety has been very instrumental in raising funds most recently through “Hoops for Hope,” which has brought increased awareness to the disease.

But it is Kay Yow the person who encompasses all these efforts, who will be deeply missed and fondly remembered. Her spirit as she faced each day and coached her teams; her special attention to each of the young girls who attended her summer basketball camps; and most of all, her courage in the face of such adversity which was rooted and grounded in her deep and abiding faith in the God who renewed her, strengthened her and sustained her all throughout her life. Her battle with cancer was done publicly, which brings an added dimension to her example for all cancer survivors, giving us courage to keep on keepin’ on. She indeed according to Paul’s words, “…has fought the good fight and finished the race…” (IITimothy 4:7)

At the end of last week I also learned that a dear young friend, The Reverend Brooke Schneitman, died from complications from surgery to remove an aneurysm. Her recent health was compromised by similar issues, yet all she wanted was to graduate from seminary and to be ordained…fulfilling God’s call and claim on her life to serve the Church in some way. She graduated from Lexington Theological Seminary last May and was ordained at FCC, Black Mountain , NC , this past August. And those of us who supported her throughout this time often wondered with all the demands of ministry, how she would be able to muster the energy to serve the Church. But we also knew that she and her call to ministry were in God’s hands. Brooke’s strong faith, sense of humor and welcoming smile touched so many lives in her not so long life. She too has fought the good fight and has finished the race…And we are grateful.

Last Sunday during worship we also rejoiced greatly as we heard the good news for one among us, Denise Loughridge , who continues to fight the good fight. She has so courageously faced her own battle with colon cancer these past two years and at her recent check-up received the very best of news about her health. And we celebrate life with her. And at the same time, we continue to lift in prayer, Vicky Vanderford, who continues with her treatments for Breast Cancer…holding her in prayer and holding up so many examples of all those among us who know what it is like to bravely face compromising health issues.

All of us, each in our own way, go forth daily to slay the many dragons of destruction in our lives...not just related to our health…but anything and everything that, otherwise, if we allow it, has the power to destroy us in an instant…Yet we go forth with another Power who equips us with indescribable resources deep within us…each of us grateful to God for a faith that brings courage, patience, a sense of humor, and strength; all of which miraculously comes to us when we least expect it and need it the most.

Thanks be to God for the many ways in which God’s healing presence is made known to us each day of our life…
Blessings, Joanne