It is shameful even to mention what the disobedient do in secret. But everything exposed by the light

becomes visible—and everything that is illuminated becomes a light. This is why it is said: “Wake up,

sleeper, rise from the dead, and Christ will shine on you.” Be very careful, then, how you live—not as

unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. (Ephesians 5:12-16)

In March 2020 it felt like the entire world was sick. The COVID-19 pandemic was in full bloom all over

planet earth, and it felt like we had been transported into some dystopian science fiction movie.

To make matters exponentially worse, my sweet wife was diagnosed with brain cancer during the same

month that COVID-19 made its way to America. Surgery quickly followed her terrifying diagnosis to

remove as much of the life-threatening tumor as was possible. By God’s grace we enjoyed three years of

clean scans following the traumatic events of 2020. However, in January 2023 the cancer returned with

a vengeance. Carrie courageously submitted to a second surgery followed by two months of daily

chemotherapy and radiation treatments. If you looked up the definition of “courage” and “faith” in

Webster’s dictionary, you would find a picture of my wife.

In some ways, Carrie’s battle with cancer has forever altered how we live. She no longer works as the

“rockstar” Physician Assistant, running 2-3 outpatient orthopedic clinics and treating hundreds of

patients each week. We have regularly scheduled visits for follow-up scans and doctor visits for the

foreseeable future. Yet Carrie’s condition has only magnified the way in which we should ALL be living,

every day of our lives. Here’s what I mean…

Paul says, “Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every

opportunity, because the days are evil.” These divinely inspired words perfectly summarize the way in

which our family has approached life, following cancer. We are making the most of every precious

moment. The days are evil -- cancer, COVID, murder, sexual immorality (all the shameful things Paul

hesitates to mention) -- all are evil! And we simply don’t know how much time we have left to reflect

the light of Christ into this dark and broken world.

And if you want to find Carrie these days, go to our elementary kids’ area on Sunday mornings, where

you’ll find her loving on our kids and parents and making the most of every opportunity!



What would you do differently if you knew that you only had a limited time left to be a light for Jesus in

this dark and broken world?

By Jimmy Carter

Jimmy serves as the Ministries Pastor at Immanuel Baptist Church. He is married to Carrie, his treasured

wife of 24 years, and they have one beloved daughter named Christy Ann “C.A.” who is a Senior at LCA

and will attend UK and play golf for the Wildcats next Fall.