True Sacrifice

Pastor Johnny Willis

For the work of Christ [Epaphroditus] came close to death, not regarding his life. - Philippians 2:30

Teenagers amaze me. So many of them love life with grand passion and face it with unrelenting optimism. Sometimes they demonstrate the Christian life in ways adults can only hope to emulate.

Such is the case with Micky, a teen who loves soccer, basketball, friends, family, and Jesus. In 1997, her mother was diagnosed with cancer. Mickey was just 15 years old, but she began helping to care for her mom.

During the next few years, Micky often fed her mom, dressed her, and helped her do anything she couldn't do for herself. "It was so hard to learn," she said. "Can you imagine, a mother and daughter literally changing roles? I truly learned to be a humble servant."

Sometimes, while her friends were out having fun, Micky was helping her dad take care of her mom. She continued to do so until the summer of 2002, when Mickey and her family said goodbye to Mom for the last time. As Mickey puts it, "God took her home and made her perfect."

Micky York reminds me of Epaphroditus, who sacrificially cared for Paul's needs (Philippians 2:25-30). What examples of caring, love, and compassion! Not all of us, of course, could set aside our lives to give as they did. But their sacrifice can teach us all about the value of servanthood.

God Bless!!!

Pastor Johnny Willis