Christians with life-threatening illnesses show how to face mortality by 'walking with God'

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What will you do if you learn that you only have a few more years to live? Will you live a life of luxury? Do things you've always wanted to do? Or spend time making sure that you will leave a comfortable life for your family?

Award-winning Christian author and writer Leilani Haywood shared in a touching feature article how two of her friends battling life-threatening diseases have chosen to "walk with God," encouraging her to face her mortality.

One of her close acquaintances named Harold, a Christian, was earlier informed by his doctor that he only has at least five years to live due to cancer.

"I felt like I had lost my breath. Then it became really clear what was important in life," Harold shared in an article on Charisma News.

The author asked her friend what his priorities were after he learned of his limited time on Earth, expecting that he would most likely say the security of his family, particularly his four kids living in Kansas City.

Harold, however, gave a surprising yet inspiring response: "My walk with God."

The Christian father, who has been active behind the scenes in the popular revival called the "Smithton Outpouring," said this became his priority because he "needed" to live with God.

Another one of the Christian writer's friends, Lucy, is already being given "palliative care," or a medical term used for care given to give patients with untreatable diseases as much comfort as possible.

Despite her medical condition, Lucy remained upbeat, positive and seemingly peaceful with life. She shared that she is depending solely on God to live, with the help of her family and friends who tirelessly continue to pray for her.

Seeing the strength exhibited by her friends, Haywood began to value life even more, and thought the challenges she is facing are nothing compared to those of her friends.

"I haven't been in that place of facing my mortality. I'm healthy and have some struggles that aren't giants like a life-threatening illness. My giants are fighting for inclusion for a special-needs daughter and my finances," Haywood said in her article.

"Yet that very day my mortality erupted like a monster inside when I received a bill that I didn't think I could pay. I threw a coffee cup across the room overwhelmed by the frustration of trying to do everything right and yet that was not enough. I instantly felt ashamed that I caved into fear. I figured out my budget, which revealed that the bill was covered," she further shared.