Lech Lecha – Go forth. In Genesis 12:1-17:27, God tells
Abraham “Lech Lecha…go forth to the land that I will show you….” He instructs
Abraham to leave everyone and everything he has come to know and to trust that
he will be taken care of – that God will be with him.
Four years ago today, Steven
Gainsboro was diagnosed with a glioblastoma multiforme IV. I had never heard of
this before (well, I actually had in my late 20’s when my beloved Uncle Eddie
was diagnosed with the same disease) and Steven and I needed time to digest all
the information we were receiving. We could do one of two things, stand
immobilized by this news or go forth to a land unknown to us both. We chose to
go forth for where else could we go? We also knew that, like Abraham, God, as
well as many of our family members and friends, would be with us providing comfort, guidance
and support. There was much to learn over those first few days as we put one
foot in front of the other. Our most valuable lessons were that life comes at
you fast, each day is a gift that must be unwrapped and treasured, and to keep
going!
Life is funny, isn’t it (not
always in a ha, ha kind of way)? We believe we are on one path when suddenly
the path veers off to the left or right taking us to places unimaginable. Sometimes that place does not fulfill the hopes we had dreamed but
there are lessons to be learned while there. God is with me now as I go forth
as a widow raising two children by myself (I do not refer to myself as a single
parent but as an only parent). Some moments are certainly more difficult than others and there isn't a moment that goes by when I do not miss my Steven. Some days are filled with tears while others are, more often than not,
filled with laughter and joy. Each day no matter the emotions seeping out are always
filled with gratitude, always! I am going forth through unchartered waters
which is sometimes scary and exciting at the same time. My new path has brought
me new friends while maintaining those relationships cultivated before Steven’s
passing, a brief romantic relationship, various jobs, unemployment (by choice),
volunteer opportunities which continue to ignite my passion to help others, as
well as recently applying to UNCC to obtain a bachelor’s degree in social work
(my desire to be a therapist began during my high school years – no surprise to
some –and I am excited to know that it may finally be realized). Lech Lecha –
go forth. The road is not always easy but change is inevitable and vital to our
personal growth. I am moving forward which is not to be confused with moving
on. I hope you, too, when presented with life’s challenges will go forth to a
land that will be shown to you. You may find that it is not the direction you
anticipated traveling but the destination may very well be exactly where you
are supposed to be. Trust that you are not journeying alone.
