The Young and Influential

“Don’t let anyone think less of you because you are young. Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you live, in your love, your faith, and your purity.”

1 Timothy 4:12 NLT

If you read my most recent post last week, you’ll remember that my emotions were running high in anticipation of my daughter’s upcoming college graduation on Sunday. This would be true for any parent, but as I said last week, due to Hillary’s battle against CDH, each milestone achieved is magnified a hundred times over. Well, she did it! And by the number of cords draped around her neck in addition to the medallion, she did it quite well. I was about to pop on Sunday! There were many who didn’t think she’d last at Thiel because she was quite apprehensive about the whole college experience in general. After all, she had a pretty good thing going at home! Following a rocky beginning, she immersed herself into both academic and student life at Thiel. She not only survived her 4 years there, she thrived. And I might add, she didn’t feel well for three of those four years. We will be forever grateful that Hillary found the right fit for her when she chose Thiel College.

I was so amped up after the big day that, even though exhausted, I had great difficulty sleeping Sunday night. Eventually I gave up trying and got up and started pouring through the pictures I had taken. It was when I cropped the one above that I was completely overcome with emotion. This picture represents the two young people who have had the most profound impact on my life. I have my arm wrapped around my precious miracle named Hillary Jayne and if you look closely you’ll see I have “Alec” pinned to my heart where he remains whether I am wearing the pin or not. For those who never had the pleasure of knowing Alec, he was my beloved nephew who was much like a second son to me. We shared a deep passion for sports among other things. He was diagnosed with osteosarcoma at Age 14 and fought back with everything he had for two years before God called him home on July 28, 2007. He demonstrated an extraordinary amount of courage and faith for one so young and touched so many with his faithful witness throughout his battle.

The Hillegass family has experienced two very different outcomes with these two precious children. I don’t understand why and I don’t believe that I will on this side of heaven. In the middle of my high on Sunday, my heart ached deeply for Alec’s parents because I was acutely aware of the milestones they would never have the opportunity to witness with him. Yet they were there cheering on Hillary.

When we don’t understand, we have to cling to His promises. There are so many that we can lean into during times of uncertainty. Perhaps my favorite is Romans 8:28—

“And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.”

So, though we may not understand, we can trust that He will bring good from even the worst of circumstances. There were lives far beyond family members that were impacted by Alec and his faithful witness as he bravely fought back against cancer. He certainly made the most of his dash. I believe Jesus used Alec and his story to change lives for eternity. There is no age limit to which God can use us for His purposes!

In closing, I’d like to return to Hillary for a moment. Obviously, God isn’t done with her yet. If you are reading this, He’s not done with you yet either. There’s still work to be done, lives to be changed, etc. Ask Him what plans He’s got for you today and listen for what that assignment might be. I thought I was going to continue preparations for a new semester today, but God handed me some writing material this morning and here I sit. Be flexible for you never know when those divine interruptions may occur!

I was asked to write a letter to Hillary to be placed in her sorority scrapbook to put a cap on her senior year at Thiel. Well, that was quite a daunting task. Much like my failed first blog attempt last week, I didn’t know where to start or where to end. Eventually, the way I ended it applies to each and every one of us. We each have a unique story based on our life experiences. I have no idea why she’s been through everything that she has, but I do know this—-every single part of her story came with a purpose. I told her that her story has not been wasted. Neither was Alec’s. God uses the circumstances of our lives to mold us and shape us and make us look more like Jesus. Of course, it goes more smoothly if we cooperate! What has God been up to in your life? What is YOUR story? You know, stories were meant to be told. Who needs to hear yours?