‘Down and out’ is a phrase usually associated with being at a low point, being sad and sometimes having feelings of depression. Rev. Enoch Fuzz, pastor of Corinthian Missionary Baptist Church, is still deeply involved in his bout with stage four lung cancer. At the beginning of his journey Rev. Fuzz did not know what to expect. He quickly learned that this illness has many layers that only a patient would know. According to his doctors, he is progressively getting better with each year. However, he is often dealing with new and different ailments that are tied to the initial diagnosis. This past weekend, Fuzz spent Saturday night at the hospital with his oxygen level at a significantly low rate. Yet it was his preference to go home rather than to be admitted. He has oxygen at home, and that worked out fine with close monitoring. Consider it a typical week for Rev Fuzz. He simply said: “Wow.” This entire situation is one that could easily move a person into a mindset of being ‘down and out.’ Yet Rev. Fuzz is  ‘down’ with proper rest, which will keep him on a healing path and ‘out’ doing the necessary things that keep him in his community and ministry.

Rev. Fuzz is not a super human. His journey is challenging at times, but his display of being ‘down and out’ is contrary to any negative thoughts of that phrase. When his energy is down, he is rejuvenated by not only the oxygen often required after being out on a community mission, but by the constant prayer that happens on his behalf. He is adamant about praying for others just as he asks for prayers for himself.

Keep praying and know that what the devil means for harm, God can make good. Therefore, being ‘down and out’ doesn’t have to be a negative state of mind. If it is in your life, make some changes in your thoughts. Rev. Fuzz always says: “There’s somebody doing worse than me.”

Keep watching his posts on Meta and be encouraged by reading weekly ‘Cancer: My Journey in Time.’