When Stephen Hawking was diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS, or Lou Gehrig's disease) in 1963, he was only given about two years to live. Today, At 74 years old, Dr. Hawking is not only living, but continues his work of attempting to understand and explain the universe. How has this brilliant man continued to thrive, even after a bleak diagnosis at a young age and the deterioration of his physical abilities over time? How has he not given up on life?
In his own words, he explains a small piece of his motivation:
"Before my condition was diagnosed, I had been very bored with life," he said. "There had not seemed to be anything worth doing."Fueled by the possibility of an early death, Stephen poured himself into research and into reaching his goals. His diagnosis, it seems, actually led to him rising to higher grounds and becoming the acclaimed scientist he is today. He quickly discovered his purpose and had hope that he would be able to accomplish his goals.
In addition to research, discovery, and professional goals, there were two major events that helped keep Stephen from the despair that could have easily taken over. While spending time in the hospital before his original diagnosis, he shared a room with a leukemia patient. Witnessing the hardships faced by this roommate caused Stephen to reflect on his own situation and to view it as more tolerable. Additionally, at the time of diagnosis, Stephen was falling in love. The resulting marriage and family gave Stephen him a purpose beyond himself, personal reasons to press forward.
I thought of Stephen's story as I was reading this week when I came across a definition of faith:
Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. (Hebrews 11:1)With intelligence, Hawkings has sought to explain and understand the universe, but his hope is not based on faith in Christ. Although he--at one point-- supported the theory that the universe has a Creator, he now seeks to use science to disprove his own work. Hawking has faith and hope for things not seen, but does no center that faith on the true source of light and truth.
If only all the world could grasp the power of hope once you hold fast to faith in Christ! Belief in the Savior of the world is one that can anchor souls and make it possible to stay "sure and steadfast, always abounding in good works, being led to glorify God." (see Ether 12:4). Hawking's life is so close to this pattern! The simple fact that he has endured the challenges he has been given is nothing short of miraculous. Beyond simply existing, he amazingly continues to share his talents with others, seemingly with faith that someday he will be able to unlock mysteries of the universe. In his search to explain the great unknown, however, he seeks to prove that God was not involved. Even though he seems to be missing this most important piece, there must be a reason why Hawking has beaten the odds and defied the boundaries of his illness. His life truly has been filled with miracles.
As I learned more of Dr. Hawking's story in the last few weeks, I could not help but see parallels in my own story. I have also been given a death sentence of only a few years. However, I continue to fight and to hope for a miracle. Some days this hope seems lost, as the realist in me keeps waiting for cancer to return. When this dread of falling out of remission consumes me, I have to remind myself that God is a God of miracles, and miracles have not ceased. (see Mormon 9: 11-19, Moroni 7:29). Both large and small miracles can happen every day, and I will be more likely to recognize and reach for them through HOPE. And what shall I hope for?
...Ye shall have hope through the atonement of Christ and the power of his resurrection, to be raised unto life eternal, and this because of your faith in him according to the promise. Wherefore, if a man have faith he must needs have hope; for without faith there cannot be any hope. (Mor 7:41-42).
Both hope and faith have been essential in my battle with cancer. Hope provides energy to press on. Hope brings peace to the soul. I have been able to make the most of each day I have been given through hope. This quality, along with faith in prayer, in God's plan for me, and in the belief that He can use me to show that miracles have not ceased have given me purpose. I have already received the amazing miraculous gift of grace, and everyday I stay in remission is a bonus and a sign of His goodness and mercy.
What comes next after being blessed with miracles after the trials of my faith? There is one quality that seems to come hand in hand with hope and faith in the scriptures: charity. (see 1 Cor. 13:13, Moroni 10:20-21, D&C 4:5, 6:19, 18:19). Charity, the pure love of Christ, is the next step to becoming who God wants us to be. I have been given a little more time on this earth, but all the time in the world would be of little value if I did not spend it in loving and serving others. If I "have not charity, [I am] nothing." (see Moroni 7:44).
And charity suffereth long, and is kind, and envieth not, and is not puffed up, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil, and rejoiceth not in iniquity but rejoiceth in the truth, beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. (Moroni 7: 45)
Though hope, faith, and charity, I can continue to seek for miracles, and in the meantime, endure all things that come my way. Hawking's life story serves as an example of hope and a determination to never give up, despite challenges. I can take that inspiration further by putting faith and trust in God, who continues to be a God of miracles and can bless me to use my talents to bring His light into the lives of others.
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