Blessing in Disguise  

Thinking and thanking God, and appreciating His blessings
under adversity

[This is a tribute to our wonderful sister Nora who went back to God last month. This article was her speech at the 2006 Conference in Tucson, Arizona. Even though we had already printed it in our November 2006 issue, we publish it again in her honor, and as a reminder for all of us. May God bless her soul. We will all miss her. However we know that she is in a better place enjoying God’s provisions.]

In January 2006 I heard the dreaded words that no one wants to hear:  “You have cancer.”  Something I thought could never happen to me actually happened.  My immediate reaction was disbelief.  “How could this happen to me?” A 22 year old who just graduated from college.  But deep down I knew why this adversity had befallen me.  This was a test from God:  a very difficult test that would require a lot of patience and faith in God. We know from the Quran that any of our claims about submitting to God must be tested:

[3:142]  Do you expect to enter Paradise without GOD distinguishing those among you who strive, and

without distinguishing those who are steadfast?

[2:155]  We will surely test you through some fear, hunger, and loss of money, lives, and crops. Give good news to the steadfast.

[3:186]   You will certainly be tested, through your money and your lives, and you will hear from those who received the scripture, and from the idol worshipers, a lot of insult. If you steadfastly persevere and lead a righteous life, this will prove the strength of your faith.

To be honest with you, the oncoming hardships of the disease scared me at first.  But when fear and sadness overtake your thoughts, the only thing to do is turn to God.  All disturbing thoughts come from Satan, so I had to seek refuge in God from Satan.  Also, recognizing that everything would happen according to God’s plan gave me comfort.  Trusting in God helped relieve my fear and grief.

[2:112]  Indeed, those who submit themselves absolutely to GOD alone,

while leading a righteous life, will receive their recompense from their Lord; they have nothing to fear, nor will they grieve.

I have faced many obstacles during this test, including surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy.  The side effects have opened my eyes to everyday activities that so many of us take for granted.  Simply having the strength to sit up or walk around, or being able to chew, swallow, and enjoy food are just a few of those activities.  They made me appreciate all of the little things that God enables us to do.  It’s amazing that you don’t notice so many things while you’re healthy until you get sick. 

Since my illness, I notice when I can breathe normally, walk around, and have an appetite.  I thank God for the rare times when I am able to shop at the mall or ride a bike.  Thank God I was able to travel here to remind all of you that you should appreciate every aspect and every single moment of your life.  

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