REFLECTIONS from Jerry Bailey...

I mentioned in class this morning that Jerry could write an inspirational book after his ordeal these last months with cancer and his positive attitude throughout it. This prompted him to share the following:

If I may be so bold as to offer some revelations I have gleaned during my journey with cancer. For many years I have often questioned myself as to what was the real "joys" in my life. Knowing that we are all of the same generation and probably grew up much the same, I'm sure most of our responses would be similar. Our "joy" is in our families and their happiness and safety, in our accomplishments in life, in seeing our teams excel and have many victories, sometimes in a great or special meal, in the accomplishments of our kids and grandkids, in our friends who help hold you up when you are down, in our Sunday school class and our church, and going back a few years when we could not just watch a ball game but play in the game and wish this "joy" would never end. These are all great and wonderful "joys" in our lives, but as you might notice they are all self-fulfilling and only temporary. Age takes care of a lot of the "joys" we once loved and they have become faded memories. As I have grown older I have often said that I really look forward to a good meal because at my age that is one of the few "joys" I have left. Now I was being a little humorous, but a little serious to, and of course very selfish and shallow. In John 15:11 Jesus said "These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full." I know that we all know that the foundation of "joy" in our lives is the power of the Holy Spirit in our life, but somehow over time, even though we are faithful, we tend to lose focus of the meaning of "joy" and redefine it as "what makes us happy." Paul taught us in Galatians 5:22-23, that "the fruit of the Spirit is love, "joy", peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law." As you can see none of these are about what's good for "us", but what indeed will fulfill our lives and give true glory to God the Father in Heaven. Also, as we try to apply these fruits of the Spirit in our lives we never have to be concerned about sin, because there is no law against these fruits, only true "joy". We all have a journey of life and some will go through trials that others may never have to endure, but its our life, its our path that God has ordained us to travel, and we must stay focused and remember that its not about "us", it's about God and His Kingdom and what we can do on our journey to allow God to be glorified and in return He will allow our "joy" to be full. We have all heard the old saying that "what don't break you will make you." The way James 1:2-3 puts it is "My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience (endurance)." I know I have shared that not being able to eat is awful and driving me nuts, but it really doesn't bother me anymore. God has allowed me to step back and see the big picture (of life) and while it is good to be able to enjoy a good meal, it is nothing to compare with the true "joy" He has given us in knowing love of family and friends, in being able to touch a heart and embrace the spirit of someone in need and realizing maybe you have helped to make a difference in their lives. My dear friends I cannot praise God enough for your caring and love as you have exemplified the "fruits of the Spirit" to me and Glynda. Forgive me for taking up so much of your valuable time. I will close with a great verse from 1Peter 4:12-13, "Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you; but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ's sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy." Please let us all remember that whatever the path our journey of life may take us, stay focused on the glory of God and the "joy" of life will be yours. God Bless you all, Jerry

Thank you Jerry for sharing these words with us. We will all continue to keep you and Glynda in our daily prayers. We are thankful God sent you to be a part of us !