Download - The Perfect Wisdom Web

Be Not Afraid FoundationsThough meeting Martin Luther King was a formativeexperience, no one influenced my outlook on deathand dying as much as my parents. Papa suffered agreat deal in his lifetime. Several times he was gravelyill, almost to the point of death, but miraculously healways pulled through. Mama, who was four yearsolder, was vigorous, active, and hardly ever sick. Wechildren always assumed that Papa would die longbefore Mama. But God had other plans. In September1979 Mama was found to have cancer of the lymphnodes. Her health deteriorated rapidly, and soon she,who had spent her life serving others, was an invalidwho needed to be cared for – a fact she found hard toaccept. Yet in spite of her great suffering, she trusted inGod and submitted to what she felt was his will for her.She found peace of mind and faced the end withoutfear.On the day the doctors informed our family ofMama’s sickness, my parents wept, and we wept withthem. Then they looked at one another – I will neverforget the love in their eyes – and turning to us childrensaid, “Now every day, every moment, counts. We mustnot miss any chance to show our love to our brothersand sisters, to the children, to our guests.” Mama toldus to trust completely in God’s wisdom and leading. Itwas a heartbreaking but deeply moving moment.