Therefore do not worry, saying “What will we eat?” or “What will we drink?” or “What will we wear?” For it is the Gentiles who strive for all these things; and indeed your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. (Mt 6:32)

I became Becky’s pastor just a few months before it was discovered that she had cancer. I spent many months visiting her at home and always felt I got a greater blessing than she did from our time together. She was one of those people who almost literally glow with the joy of Christ.

Before I left, I would always offer to read Scripture and pray. Without fail, Becky would ask me to read the concluding portion of Matthew 6 with its challenge not to worry about anything, for God takes care even of the birds of the air and the lilies of the field. Sometimes, when she was having a good day, Becky would sit beside me smiling as I read. Other times—just after a round of chemotherapy or when she was otherwise in great pain—she would lie on the couch and moan a prayer as I read. She was determined to believe this Scripture passage in spite of the pain. She did, even to the end.

Because of Becky’s faith, Matthew 6:25ff will always be holy ground for me. On my better days, when I worry about my daughter’s dentist appointment or the mortgage payment that is coming due, I think of Becky and wonder what in the world I have the right to worry about. She knew that your priorities and your perspective on the uncertainties of life make all the difference. It is a lesson she learned from Jesus, and I learned from her.