I was walking my dog earlier today, around lunch time, trying to beat the incoming storm coming through to take our faux-spring back to winter for a few days. For the first time in a while, all weather apps on my phone were agreeing with the timing of today’s front (yes, I do have several weather apps on my phone, what’s it to ya), so Newt and I walked earlier than usual.
I’m a man who appreciates routine most days, and especially have been since a couple brain surgeries, so we walked our usual Wednesday walk. Up to McLain Road, across the golf course, to the end of the road, turn around, turn right to go up and down and up again and down again on one of the steeper cul-de-sacs around us, then turn right again to head back home.
Before finding out I had a brain tumor, I was working part time at the golf course on the grounds crew, so I know the course well. I mowed at least part of most days I worked there, which in my book is one of the most relaxing, peaceful, mind-resetting jobs you could have. After leaving, I have kept up with the superintendent and some of the other guys who worked there. They have always been so kind to me, and some have turned into good friends.
After originally hearing the news that I had a brain tumor, my family created a Facebook group to share updates through the journey. Over the last four years, hundreds of people have followed along and stayed up to date on the latest happenings. People from literally all over the world have seen, no — been a part of, what God has done.
As we approached the course today, the superintendent and one of his friends were crossing the road right and front of us. Once Wes pulled his cart over to say hey, his friend immediately introduced himself to me, knowing me by name, knowing my entire story. I was taken aback. I had never seen or heard of this man in my life, and not only did he want to introduce himself to me, he wanted me to know he knows me.
So we talked. For longer than I thought we had time for given the rain coming. But that didn’t matter. Because he wanted to learn more about me. He wanted to learn more about my story. He wanted to ask questions.
And boy, was I humbled.
This man, a man I’ve never met, had followed along through it all. Had followed from when it was first announced that I had a brain tumor… and not only did he just know I had brain cancer, he knew the details. When he asked questions I would start bringing up certain times during the journey; he would say “Oh yes! I remember that post!” We talked about how God has time and time again showed up.
It was so encouraging to me. So refreshing to me. But then, he said something that about knocked me off my feet. The thing that ultimately humbled me in the best way.
He said “Nick, you have inspired me so much.”
And in that moment, God was telling me in the sweetest, gentlest, most loving way, It’s not about you.
And He’s right in the best way possible. It’s not about me.
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A late-middle aged man told a young adult that my story has inspired him. It’s deepened his faith. So much so that he has watched every second of the movie and retained it all.
Was the story hard? No doubt about that. It still is at times. But if it has been used to show God’s power, love, and mercy to others, it’s beyond worth it. Even people I’ve never met in my life. Even people I didn’t even know were following along.
I don’t remember many steps in the rest of our walk. My mind was running about a thousand miles an hour. So many thoughts crossed through, but I couldn’t get away from two:
It’s not about me.
Follow life stories like your life depends on it.
That’s what the man I met today has been doing. He has followed my story as if I was royalty, even without ever meeting me. He just heard about it from a connection he had. But he invested time and energy reading and hearing and praying through it all. He is a part of why I am where I am today.
Even without meeting each other until today, this man, literally, helped me survive cancer.
He spent the time to do that. He spent the time to all but memorize the details. He spent the time to pray for miracles, even for a person he’d never met. He spent the time being the Church to me without me even knowing it. All I knew is what God did for me, not what John did in the trenches. Isn’t that what the Church should be doing?!
I’m rambling as usual so let me close with a couple challenges:
- Don’t be ashamed to share the hard things you’re going through. The enemy doesn’t want us to share our hard times so that God’s people don’t know what to ask God to do. Share your hard things to allow people in beside you.
- Be thankful that your hard times aren’t about you, because, gah lee, wouldn’t it be harder that way?
- Follow life stories like your life depends on it. Commit to it. Stay on it. We’re here to support each other.
i didn’t earn it
i don’t deserve it
P.S. Want to join the Facebook group mentioned above to get updates? Here is the link to listen to me tell you how much I hate needles: https://www.facebook.com/groups/243208970188079/
