‘Endureth All Things,’ as the Outcome May Surprise You

Charlton Harris avatar

by Charlton Harris |

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“Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.” – 1 Corinthians 13:7

I have lived by this Bible verse for a long time. I really embraced it when I was in high school.

For the most part, I was a good student, average by some measures, but I hung in there despite all the obstacles I faced. 

In my senior year, I was on the verge of failing math, which prompted the possibility that I wouldn’t walk with the rest of my class. I buckled down and really focused on doing my best to catch up. Even my mother noticed how hard I was working. 

Eventually, I came clean and told her what was going on. At first, she was mad at me, but I told her what kind of teacher I had and how a lot of kids were in the same situation.

As graduation day got closer, I wasn’t doing that much better. I really tried, and my mom saw that I was. Finally, it all came down to my mom going to the school for a meeting about my graduation. Then it hit me: I knew I was dead!

Let the games begin

After her meeting with the teacher, we had a “discussion” about the meeting and my efforts. Much to my surprise, she wasn’t mad at me. She saw for herself that the teacher took pleasure in failing students, especially seniors, knowing that the grade affected their graduation possibilities.

I could tell she was very disgusted with the teacher and the meeting. She told me to keep trying and applying myself. Don’t buckle to his threats, she said. Don’t allow him to determine my outcome or my future.

In the end, I failed math. I also graduated and walked with the rest of my class. Apparently, my other grades made the difference. I graduated with a big “F” on my final report card.

I realized that the more determined and focused I was, the better I could be. That was the beginning of not letting anything stand in my way of trying to do my best.

It comes full circle

Living with pulmonary sarcoidosis keeps me wanting and needing to go the extra mile to improve myself. My biggest battles so far have been the multiple spontaneous pneumothoraces I have suffered over the years. Every day is a new adventure.

Pulmonary rehab was the start I needed in reclaiming part of my life. Before rehab, I was afraid of doing what was natural for me. I always felt like something else was going to happen. It didn’t! Rehab helped me trust myself again.

The obstacle I faced in high school could’ve had a negative effect on the outcome of my life. If I hadn’t been proactive about the situation, I would’ve allowed someone else to determine my future. Instead, I faced the problem head-on, and I was determined to be successful. Although the outcome wasn’t everything I had wanted, it wasn’t a total loss.

I learned that no matter what obstacle you’re facing, you have to keep moving through it. The lesson is in the journey, not the outcome. You’ll be surprised at what you learn about yourself.

***

Note: Sarcoidosis News is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Sarcoidosis News or its parent company, BioNews, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to sarcoidosis.

Comments

Debra avatar

Debra

Good example of determination, Charlton. For me, it took having Pulmonary Sarcoidosis to make me more determined to get focused and do things. I try to not let obstacles caused by stress or even other people to get in the way of "my time". Every day counts. I try not to waste it by allowing myself to be held back.

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Charlton Harris avatar

Charlton Harris

Thanks, Debra. With my pulmonary sarcoidosis, I try to keep life moving. It gets hard sometimes but we have to keep living. Sometimes I welcome the obstacles just to see how determined I've become in this journey, and to trust myself on being able to deal with life's ups and downs.
Thank you for reading!💪🏾👍🏽🙏🏽

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Mark Landiak avatar

Mark Landiak

Charlton - Love your outlook and that big, cheesy smile of yours made me smile as well. If you're not already part of the FSR Patient Navigator program, you should look into it. Your story and positive energy could really help those who are newly diagnosed with Sarc...and anyone who needs a lift for that matter. All the best to you.

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Charlton Harris avatar

Charlton Harris

😂😂😂😂
Thanks for the compliment, Mark! I don't think I've heard of the FSR Patient Navigator Program, but I will definently ask my doctors about it! My hope is to inspire and uplift those with this condition. My cheesey smile keeps me going...and the ladies smiling!!😁😁😁👍🏽💪🏾
Thanks for reading!!

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John Roberts avatar

John Roberts

Hello Charlton,

We all have our battles; don't we. But your attitude about your journey through this battle is a lesson for us all. Keep on, Brother. You are an inspiration.Looking forward to hearing more from you. God Bless You.

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Charlton Harris avatar

Charlton Harris

Thanks, John.
It's my hope to be an inspiration to everyone who is suffering with "something"- we all are in some way. Thanks for reading and stay blessed my friend!💪🏾👍🏽

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