Contrast in life, Disparity in death, Diverged in destiny.

Two Filipino men. Both.free.to.choose.

Ben. One grew up in Australia, enjoyed the comforts of first world life. Decided to live life his way. Married with kid, divorced, haphazardly raised kid, enjoyed the women, worked to enrich self and swing some more. At 60 diagnosed with cancer, given a month to live. Decide to go home to the Philippines for a last visit. When we met him at the hotel for his stopover before his return to the province, gone was the swagger and the swing. Life literally left him before he died. His image, of hauntingly inconsolable loss,. No words of hope could be issued from him. Only complaints. He drained the life and energy from all of us in attendance.

True enough, he died as the doctor predicted, in a month, not a day more. And a lost soul as his life choices determined. A few friends came to say goodbye.

Rog. The other one also started life swinging. But at 20 something took his faith and relationships with Christ seriously. Gave his life to the Lord as a single blessed person. Gave hope and inspiration to many in his youth. Stayed faithful to the call. At 30, diagnosed with cancer. After a long time of prayer he emerged and told us in his heart the Lord consoled him- it was to be a win win situation. If he lived longer, that means the Lord still intended to use him for the kingdom. If he died then he goes to where his heart has always longed, back in the arms of the father, free from pain and death.

Doctor gave him six months. In six months, doctor died. He spent another six years serving the Lord even more intensely. Despite those constantly draining bouts with chemo, he would spend every waking moment to comfort, console, or just be the funny friend all have known him to be. Those who visited him at the hospital were treated to the usual repertoire of jokes for which he was so sought after (in between throwing up bouts in the bathroom of course), with a matching punchline thrown from left of center field that always pierced the heart, and all came away with firmer hope and a much greater longing for God.

He died almost ten years later, having left a legacy of gratitude among the people he touched, Thousands attended his funeral.

So when life hits that inevitable curved ball, will you find yourself a Ben or a Rog? It will depend on your life’s theme song: Ben’s: Croon it Frankie– “I Did it My Way.” Rog’s: Let’s hit it sister—“I will follow him!’