by Major Abe Tamayo
I am one visit past the midway point in my cancer treatment. Fifteen of 28 visits—13 to go. Tomorrow I will receive my first hormone injection. I am well on the road to recovery. I’m even hopeful the hormones surging through my body will transform my appearance into a young Tom Selleck, but then no one would recognize me.
Following my treatment today I returned to the patient-changing area where a man sat reading a magazine. I entered the changing booth, exchanging the gown for my uniform. As I exited, the man looked up and said, “I thought I recognized you!” He’d seen me in the local news, realizing I am the Salvation Army major in town.
We talked of times past, vintage cars and the days of our youth. He shared his cancer diagnosis, seemingly at ease with his plight. In his 70s, he said, “At this age I worry little about such things.”
I listened intently as his stated perspective gave way to genuine concern.
“You’re a minister, right?” he asked.
“I am.”
“I know there is a God,” he continued, “but am not sure that I am good enough for Him.”
“You don’t have to be good enough,” I said, explaining that forgiveness and restoration do not result from our efforts, only by our surrender. I told him there has been and only ever will be One who is “good enough.”
I shared we’ve all failed before our birth; the sinful nature of humanity resulted from the foolish acts of our first parents. Their disobedience is the reason we were there; illness, death and discord all stem from the failure of man to obey his Creator. God is the author of life, not death. He wants all people, before and after us, to live in peace with Him.
“Peace?” he asked quietly. “Aren’t you worried at all about your cancer?”
I answered honestly, “I have no fear of dying. How I die may concern me, but no worries.” “How are you so sure?”
My answer was simple, straightforward: “Jesus.”
We talked some more, prayed together and parted ways.
Since beginning this cancer journey, I’ve often been asked how I remain calm, in control and optimistic. Well, consider the alternative of living in fear, despair and hopelessness.
I choose to live as a warrior, not a worrier, as a victor, not a victim, trusting Him, who created me, to heal me in this life or the next.
We are glad to share this inspiring reflection by Major Tamayo, who we’re happy to report completed radiation and injection treatments earlier this year, is doing well and continuing to serve the community in Fargo, N.D