Dear Brittany and Maggie,

Thank you both for prompting discussion of and reflection about life's most important matters! At the center of this discussion is "worldview." Worldview matters because worldviews shape life, death, relationships, and histories of people, cultures, nations, and the world.

I too am in the company of the sufferers of cancer. I am currently in pre-conditioning for a stem cell transplant at UCLA after a rapid recurrence of Hodgkin's Lymphoma. Let me please share two thoughts pertinent to our current sufferings and to the relevance of worldview to this discussion.

First, we really have no earthly "rights." Our U.S. Constitution may strive to bestow them or we may claim to have them; but in reality we have none. Oh, we may have "abilities," but abilities are far different than rights. And, just because we have an ability does not make the ability "a right" or the outcome of that exercised ability morally right for us or for others. Rights can only be bestowed, not seized. And, without a Sovereign to bestow, we only self-declare our rights. Our Sovereign Lord doesn't bestow earthly rights. Rather, He bestows blessings and saving and peace-giving grace, the right to be called the children of God (John 1:12), and, ultimately, eternal life through Jesus, our Savior (Revelation 22:14).

Second, Acts 20:24 has become a theme verse for me throughout this journey. "I consider my life worth nothing to me, if only I may finish the race and complete the task the Lord Jesus has given me--the task of testifying to the Gospel of God's grace." This verse does not give me rights; but it gives me something far more precious -- purpose and the joy of meeting Jesus at the finish line having run the race for Him and others.

I made a short video while lying in bed in the hospital (we all know about those times ... may as well "make the most of every opportunity"). It speaks to these matters.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uvKvai8rx0Y&feature=youtu.be&app=desktop

Brittany, please, please, please trust the Lord during this time. He will be more than sufficient for every trial and suffering we face, and He will provide grace upon grace (and JOY) for you and for your family as He guides, strengthens, and brings us to our earthly finish line which is really no finish line, but a surprising new beginning for us - and for those who follow.

Bill Bartlett, LC-MS pastor and retired founding executive director of Crean Lutheran High School, Pacific Southwest District