“Like good stewards of the manifold grace of God, serve one another with whatever gift each of you has received.” -1 Peter 4:10
Life often brings significant struggles. Sometimes, we experience great trials that were never part of our dreams or plans. When these painful moments arrive in our lives, they can make it appear our future, our dreams, will never become a reality. I am sure that is what Becca Salmins’ parents feared as they learned their 6-year-old daughter had cancer.
Becca was not feeling well and would soon be diagnosed with acute lymphoblastic leukemia. This scary diagnosis began a 2 ½ year battle to defeat cancer. It was a long and challenging battle for Becca and her family. Becca endured 26 months of intense chemotherapy and additional treatments before she was eventually cancer-free.
As Becca underwent her medical treatments, she began to realize that her situation was something that other children were going through as well. 1 in 285 children in the United States will be diagnosed with cancer. Becca wanted to do something to make a difference, to change their future for the better.
Becca asked her dad, who is himself a cancer survivor if he would help her raise money to fight childhood cancer. Like any good dad, he agreed. Becca and her dad launched Knots & Arrows. This small company sells bracelets, key chains, and other items with a positive message. They donate 10% of all purchases to a cancer family in need while supporting childhood cancer research. Their growing business is now selling around the world.
There is great joy in Becca’s family; she not only survived cancer but also learned to bless others, even while she was hurting. Becca is an example to each of us. Life is rarely perfect. We all face struggles, some as serious as Becca’s, but even during our pain, we can be a blessing. Becca is working hard to let other children know they are not alone in their illness. Cancer was not in Becca’s plans, yet she had a dream emerge from her trial that continues to help so many children.
Like Becca, we can do good regardless of our situation. Trials and struggles are part of all our lives, but those are exactly the moments God seems to use to help us see how we can bless others.
Rev. Keith King, Pastor of Worship
