MARY’S MISSION
When We Do Not Understand “It” By Mary Arcement Alexander
E
than has cancer.” On February 25, 2020, my mom spoke those words to me as she called to break the news about my five-year-old nephew. Yes, you heard correctly, he is five. To say I was shocked is an understatement. At 49-years -old I struggle to understand cancer, so how does a five-year-old little boy? I can say with confidence Ethan has amazed us all! Although he still struggles, he has been the biggest trooper throughout it all. He may whine, he may cry for 45 minutes, but he gets up and he goes. As I write this, my heart aches for him. Today he faces yet another challenge, not from cancer directly, but rather indirectly from the treatment of his cancer. This particular news, oddly enough, became the inspiration for my article. The “it” I refer to can be anything: poverty, crime, pollution, COVID-19, not being able to attend Mass, or a five-year-old having cancer. We all eventually face the day when something happens to our family, or us, and we find ourselves in the ongoing struggle to understand it all. As a Catholic, I have often wondered, should I ask God why? Why are we in a global pandemic? Why did I not have children? Why are children starving in the world? Why can I not go to church? Then, as I wipe away my tears, I hear His still small voice saying, “I can’t tell you why Mary, but I can tell you I am here.” He is here, brothers and sisters. He is most definitely here. “It” is challenging. “It” is frustrating. “It” is overwhelming. But through it all, He does not forsake us. He never leaves us. We are the ones who choose to leave Him, especially during our times of struggle. We allow ourselves to be engaged in worldly conversations instead of conversations with God. What is He saying to you today? Have you heard His still small voice? Are you even listening for it? He speaks to me in many ways, but most recently through my Living Faith devotional, “The God Minute” podcast and, most importantly, His Holy Word. Interestingly enough, I am still amazed every single time He speaks. When it happens, I shake my head and say, “Thanks God! I needed to hear that today.” I then envision Him laughing while shaking His head. I now want to pose this question to you: Do we
even need to understand the “it?” Some of you will immediately say yes, others no and still others will ponder on the question indefinitely. No matter what you answer, I believe it is vital for all of us to not only pray to find the answers but also to do something. “You see that faith was active along with His works, and faith was completed by the works.” (James 2: 22.) You may be asking what to do as you struggle to understand your own “it.” Although no one action will magically make it all better, I believe a combination Alexander of implemented actions will guide you throughout your journey. In conjunction with your prayer life, I suggest the following: 1. Journal. Writing is the next best thing to talking. It allows you to work through your thought process while clearing the mind. 2. Volunteer. As soon as allowed, find an organization you can devote your time, gifts and talents to. When you shift your focus onto helping others, peace in your life will follow. 3. Exercise. It truly does not matter what you do, it only matters that you choose some form of movement for your body every day. When we exercise, we take care of our body, and when we take care of our body, we take care of our mind. When we take care of our mind, we allow more room for God to enter into it. This day, let us all turn our hearts and minds to God. Let us focus on what we have, who is in our lives and how God has been caring for us during this most unusual time. Let us give thanks and praise for the what, the who and the how. I most definitely do not understand the pandemic. I do not understand not being able to attend church. I do not understand Ethan’s cancer. I do, however, understand God is in control. And that, brothers and sisters, is all any of us need to understand. Mary Alexander is a Licensed Professional Counselor who has her own practice in Shreveport, LA. You can contact her at mkarcement@gmail.com
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