“But the fruit of the Spirit …joy…” – Galatians 5:22 (NIV)
The second fruit of the Spirit which Paul lists is joy. When I think of a fruit that represents joy, I think of a pineapple. It stands tall, is sweet on the inside and wears a crown.
Admittedly, when I was diagnosed with grade 4 brain cancer, it was hard to find joy in my life. Soon thereafter, I met my good friend, Barb Calhoun. Barb has been an inspiration to me. Barb, who was only about 30 years old at the time we met, had for years been facing her own devastating health diagnosis. Barb has Usher Syndrome, which will ultimately not only take her vision, but her hearing too-leaving her completely deaf and blind.
Somehow, Barb has managed to live a full life with a husband and a very precocious daughter, and many friends. Barb’s life is not easy. She must use a white cane (a blind person’s mobility cane). She must rely on others for transportation. I have seen her vision decline over the past several years.
If you did not see Barb using her white cane and know about her diagnosis, you would never know about these significant struggles, because she is the most joyful person I know. When I was struggling to regain joy, she demonstrated joy to me by planning my birthday parties, going to movies, having girl’s evenings, and hosting a Friendsgiving.
I once asked Barb how she keeps her joy amid these struggles. Her response brought tears to my eyes:
After my diagnosis, for a few months, I was grieving a loss. Slowly, but surely, joy crept back into my heart. Today, two things keep me smiling and full of joy. First, I realized God never called me to be just Barb…who didn’t have Usher Syndrome. It was always in His careful plans for me to be Barb with Usher Syndrome. I can’t help but to smile and think, wow. He chose this specifically because He loves me. Second, just like what Fanny Crosby said, “what a gift it will be that one day Jesus will open my eyes to see him first.” What joy and comfort!
Indeed, I stand amazed that Barb has this perspective. It reminds me that joy is not dependent on our life circumstances. As Barb acknowledges-with Christ, we know there is a plan for our lives-with Christ, we know there is tremendous love-with Christ, we can look forward to being united with Him someday. When we have Christ-we can have joy because we know these things, which are everlasting and not temporary.
I am reminded of Psalm 16:11, "You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand." Barb is like a pineapple-she stands tall, is sweet inside, and wears a crown, all while exhibiting joy. I believe she would say that she is able to do this because she has Jesus in her life.
Discussion Questions:
1. During your battle with illness, has it been difficult for you to have joy?
2. Do you believe you can have joy through Christ, regardless of your circumstances?
3. When you think of my friend Barb, what stands out to you? What can you do to follow her example to have joy even in the face of life’s harsh realities?