As we go through our daily lives and daily tasks, we sometimes don’t notice some of the simple things. At a certain time in age, we may develop a few ailments that cause a bit of difficulty in going through a routine day. Nevertheless, it can be muddled through until we get used to that ‘new’ routine or method. It may take a little longer to get out of bed, to rise from a chair or walk across the room, but we make the adjustments without possibly realizing the change for quite a while.

When Rev. Enoch Fuzz, pastor of Corinthian Missionary Baptist Church, was diagnosed with stage four lung cancer, he was met with a myriad of challenges to ordinary routine tasks. This journey quickly made him realize how simple things are taken for granted. Yet he is grateful for also knowing the blessing that comes with change and is careful not to take for granted those who consistently help.

He made this statement:

“When people are sick they need other people,” said Rev. Fuzz. “I’m blessed beyond measure to have my tremendous church members and my sisters who drive from Memphis twice a month to assist their brother. They do the chores that I’m not able to do because of the side effects of my illness—simple things like cleaning house, washing clothes and cooking. Then my church members who come three days a week to make the bed, supply clean linens and take out trash. All these are simple things but things I’m not able to perform because of shortness of breath, muscle spasms or swelling—simple things like going to the grocery store or making sure you take proper medicine. They even encourage and motivate me to try. I know first-hand the importance of support systems.

“We take simple tasks for granted like taking a shower or making up the bed, etc. But when you can’t breathe just putting on a pair of pants becomes impossible.”

While Rev. Fuzz continues to battle other ills in association with his cancer diagnosis, he remains diligent in trying to do all that he can in spite of the difficulties. He continues to pray and encourage the community through sharing his journey of ‘ups and downs’ and all the ‘in-betweens,’ along with the simple little things and the big things associated with his life and living with stage four lung cancer. Those big things are recognizing the endless blessings of care and love.

Keep praying for Rev. Fuzz in his health and healing. Pray, share and be encouraged by his postings, along with weekly readings of ‘Cancer: My Journey in Time.’