GospelFit THANKSgiving Diet Challenge Day 21 ~ Thanks, Praise & Faith for the Journey
Day 21 – Ephesians 1:15-17 (NIV) 15 For this reason, ever since I heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all God’s people, 16 I have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers. 17 I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better.
There are some people on television that I feel as if I know even though there is no real connection. Robin Roberts is one such person. Considering that I’ve met Robin Roberts several times, I often feel that I know her more than I actually do. The first time our paths crossed was at a sports’ conference in NY city. It was early in my career and I was looking for advice and the ESPN anchor readily offered help. In fact, she provided her contact information for me to follow up and she was receptive when I called. In 2005, we passed each other in the halls of ESPN as I began my stint there and she was transitioning to Good Morning American full-time. That year, she took the seat as co-anchor.
As a reporter of the news, Roberts role is typically not to be a part of the story. However, she told the personal side of Hurricane Katrina when she told the story of her hometown of Pass Christian, Mississippi. Two years later, Roberts found herself sharing in more when she the personal story of her health. In July 2007, she shared with the world that her battle with breast cancer. By September of the same year, she was back on TV announcing that she was healthier than ever. Nearly 5 years later Roberts reported that she had MDS or myelodysplastic syndrome which occurred as a result of her breast cancer treatment. Adding to the what Roberts had to face, her mother died one day before her latest treatment was to begin.
The wonderful thing about this story is that Robin Roberts is doing well and singing praises all along the way. She left the hospital on October 11, 2012, and there was a short video of her that demonstrated that she was full of gratitude and thanksgiving in this moment that is still filled with challenge…and praise! She is a witness and a blessing even as she attacks her challenges. She shares her thanks, praise and witness in all that she does. Even her social media connection reflect her faith as she showed in the following tweet:
@RobinRoberts : There’s no place like home. After 30 days in the hospital I’m home. Praise God from whom all blessings flow. Thank YOU and bless YOU. XO
The video shows her as she celebrates going home.
Her praise reminded me that I should praise even more. The challenge that is behind me should be celebrated and I should move boldly forward to take on the fight ahead of me. God has given me my full armor and will never leave me nor forsake me. I thank God that she shares her struggle with the world.
Clearly, Roberts has a fight ahead of her. In the good moments as well as the more difficult ones, she has developed an attitude of praise and thanksgiving. It is not a journey that she takes alone. Besides her faith, she has family, friends and professionals who have care, concern and love. Her health journey mirrors the life journey for all of us. She tells us that it is not a straight path, rather than one that winds and curves along the way. Today, Robin Roberts is counting the days of her new life with praise and thanksgiving. I celebrate her and pray for her continued strength. (In the video below, she is interviewed by her sister Sally-Ann Roberts who is also a journalist. Watch and be uplifted. Follow Robin’s journey at http://gma.yahoo.com/robin/; @RobinRoberts))
This last day of the 21 Day Thanksgiving Challenge has already blessed me. I pray that you it has blessed you as well and connected you to others offering praise and thanksgiving for each day in your life. Please continue to share that gratitude and know that you can do this challenge beginning any day.
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