Jessica Hughes, SAMS Missionary to Uganda
I see the Light of the World…
as a cancer patient in interesting and sometimes unconventional places. It would be very easy to focus on what Alistair Begg calls the “wintertime of the soul.” After all, there is the enormity of the cancer diagnosis, the seemingly unending doctors’ appointments and tests, so much time being driven places, and adjusting to what my body can no longer do. That could be a very cold and dark season.
And yet, it is not, thanks be to God! It would be cold and dark if I was alone. But I am most certainly not alone. Begg further notes that “[Jesus] enters into the darkness and emptiness of our experiences to bring His light, His joy, and His peace.” What a gift this is! I am not alone in the darkness and emptiness of my experience, even if it feels that way sometimes. I am very grateful that the Lord has provided wonderful people to surround me and uphold me, yet it is Jesus who’s my constant companion, bringing His light, His joy, and His peace.
In fact, I would argue that the knowledge and personal experience of Jesus being with me completely changes how I feel about my diagnosis. Am I excited about it? No, and I’m not sure that I will ever get there. But I am learning how sweet it is to walk with Jesus in this season. I am developing a deeper dependency on Him, and a more joyous fellowship.
My bishop recently exhorted me to carry the fragrance of Christ with me. Some days that is easy to do, and some days it is a challenge. And yet, it is a joy and a privilege to carry the fragrance of Christ, and to hopefully be a beacon of light in someone else’s wintertime of the soul.