Only Two Things Matter: A Perspective from Someone Who Faced the End of Life

Search

The SBC of Virginia Women’s Ministry connects with women all over Virginia and Washington, DC. These women have inspired and encouraged many others. One of those extraordinary women is Lexi Judy. Here is her story.

MY LIFE GROWING UP

Growing up, I genuinely had the best childhood. Many kids hope for a childhood like mine. I was born into a Christian family with parents who diligently sought the Lord and instilled a deep love for Him into their children. A huge piece of that was their choice to homeschool us, which ended up being a blessing beyond what any one of us could have predicted, as my life took a significant turn at the age of 16.

Up until that point, I hadn’t experienced any trauma. My home was safe, my family loving and supportive, and my life comfortable. I was a typical teenager, hanging out with friends, focusing on my study of music, actively playing sports. I can remember praying that God would use my life to change the world around me. What I would never have dreamed was that I would impact the world because I was diagnosed with cancer.

A SUDDEN TURN IN MY LIFE

A few months before my diagnosis, I was required to write a paper for school on my testimony. I struggled because I didn’t have a “180-degree moment” where my life completely changed. I had been familiar with Jesus my whole life and, because of that, I didn’t have a laundry list of sins as dramatic as drug addiction, etc. Not to have a testimony is, in fact, to have one, as it still displays the grace of Jesus—just in a different way. My testimony was the subject of my paper.

HOW GOD USED MY CANCER

Shortly after that, cancer gave me a platform and an ability to relate to people who are deeply suffering in a way I couldn’t have if I hadn’t suffered myself. There is a difference between sympathy and empathy, and your greatest pain will launch you into some of your most significant ministry work. Beyond this new capacity to minister to people, I had an entirely new perspective on life. I found myself on my deathbed at 16, and in my first moment of diagnosis before asking the doctor what the outcome would be, I had no idea how much longer I had to live. Everything shifted for me at that moment. Only two things matter in this life: your relationship with God and your relationship with people. Everything else goes away at the end of it all. I can’t explain the immense blessing it is to have the ability to move forward in life having the perspective of someone who was facing the end.

WHAT DOES GOD HAVE FOR MY FUTURE?

Something I am learning is that this Christian walk is a moment-by-moment choice to seek Jesus and follow Him. It’s just as much about the little steps as the big ones. Following Him is a lot like following someone on a road trip. You know your ultimate destination, but you don’t necessarily know the exact roads you’ll take to get there. You just trust the person enough to let him/her lead the way.

Right now, God has me serving on staff at my local crisis pregnancy center. I am so passionate about the value of every human life and particularly about instilling that value into youth so that they understand God created them on purpose with a plan in mind for their lives. I mentor teenage girls, teach 10th grade girls at Liberty at Harbour View, and do a lot of writing and public speaking. I’m going to school for ministry, and I love teaching the Word any opportunity I get. However, I never ever want to do something that the Lord has not called me to do and the Holy Spirit hasn’t anointed. I’ve always dreamed more than anything of being a wife and a mom, so we’ll see what the Lord has in store there. I am in a sweet season of life, and it has brought me so many opportunities and such joy! My motto is, “Dying to live fully, fully dying to live.” I can’t wait to see His plan unfold as He lives through me!

RESOURCE: Check out our new SBCV women’s leadership blog at sbcv.org/wmblog. Be encouraged, equipped, and engaged!