Turning Pain into Purpose
Suffering is not the end of your story
2024 has been a big year for our family. In July, I got to walk my only daughter, Sarah, down the aisle. She married her best friend, Nate. We gained a wonderful son. It was a beautiful wedding filled with joy and celebration — family and friends gathered together in one place to celebrate this beautiful couple. I gave the father-of-the-bride speech and had the father-daughter dance with Sarah. At one point toward the end of the night, I watched the celebration, seeing the joy on Sarah and Nate’s faces. I stopped and smiled, taking it all in. I felt God’s presence in the room and soaked in the beauty of that moment.
I realized that I would not have been present for this milestone day if a gifted brain surgeon, Dr. Daniel Shepherd1, had not saved my life on September 26, 2018. I didn’t know it then, but living my real life and purpose began on that most difficult day.
I’m reminded of Joseph’s story from the Bible. His brothers were jealous of him and sold him into slavery, where he remained for many years before he was elevated to Pharaoh’s second in command. Joseph forgave his brothers many years later, recognizing God's bigger vision for his life. He told his brothers,
“As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good”2
Brain surgery is the reason I’m writing this blog and why I’m so passionate about adding value to others and helping them awaken to their purpose.
As always, I want to make this about you and your story.
What would you do differently if you knew that you would die in a week, a month, or a year? Would you:
Put down your phone and be present with the people around you
Call that family member you’re estranged from and apologize
Spend intentional time with the people you love
Watch more sunsets and appreciate the beauty around you
We do not know what troubles tomorrow will bring. The time to act is now. Not when you feel like it. Even if these things are hard. Especially when they are hard.
Don’t put it off one more day. What habits will you start TODAY to start living the life you were meant to live?
If you got value from this post, could you forward it to a friend?
Tarek, the story of Joseph and that particular verse is one of my favorites. I speaks to me when I think of some of my own sufferings, and it builds my trust that all will be well. I think when you've faced death, such as yourself, and myself as well, you have a better understanding of what's important. I live my life now, in how I treat people, with the knowledge that there is the possibility it is the last time I will see them or they me. It guides me when I'm irritated, or even angry. I want to love well. The photo of you and your daughter is precious. It reminds me of one of my favorite photos...that of my son dancing with my granddaughter at her wedding. These are the most important moments of our lives. Knowing this, we don't take them for granted.
Powerful!!!