Joshua 1:9 "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go."
Many of you know that I write a weekly article for Odyssey. Since the day that I accepted the job, I knew God had a story for me brewing. This is long and not quite like anything else I've written. However, I hope you'll stick it out because I think the message is worth it.
On April 7, 2014, 15-year-old, country boy, football star Chase Bailey was diagnosed with osteosarcoma. This news shook individuals, families, the community and our town with reverberations that I believe have possibilities to change the world.
There isn't a way in this world that I can justify God's reasoning for giving him cancer, but it must be shared that Chase's valiant fight was not in vain. Our great God gave a teenager with a bright future cancer, in order to make a difference in this world.
Now, is that a hard pill to swallow or what?
I could never even begin to understand how it must feel to have your son, your brother, your best friend or yourself diagnosed with cancer. Honestly, I hope I never have to understand it in an empathetical context. Though, if I were ever to experience this, I hope I would handle it with faith, love and hope, just like Chase and his family did.
Raised in a small town in Southern Baptist Mississippi, I'm not a stranger to the power of prayer. Even so, I want you to understand that the Bailey family didn't just have stereotypical Christian faith. They went above and beyond that.
I can't say I knew Chase very well. As typical in a small town and small school, we talked occasionally and knew each other well enough to say hello and pass around a few jokes. Honestly, the most interaction held between Chase and I was when he was doing a little friendly picking on me.
He was a grade below me in high school. Pre-cancer diagnosis, Chase was on crutches for what everyone thought was a sports injury (Side/brag note: This boy could PLAY some football. He became a starter for the high school football team his freshman year AND he was on the MSU watch list. He also played a mean game of basketball and threw shot put in track). Almost every day, as I walked down the hallway focused on getting to class or my locker, Chase would slide his crutch into my pathway in an (usually successful) attempt to trip me. Oh, I'd glare. And he'd shoot me a goofy grin as we walked our separate ways.
Truly, most of my interaction with the Bailey family comes from two years of working after school at a local law office where Chase's mom, Mrs. Tracey, works. I started working at Hunt, Ross and Allen roughly four months after Chase began his journey with cancer.
I had been working for a few weeks at the HRA and I still hadn't met Mrs. Tracey since she was with Chase at St. Jude. All I knew about the woman was that she was Chase's mom and we had the same birthday, according to Facebook. It was the first football game of the 2014 season and one of my friends pointed out that Chase, his mom and his sister were in attendance. I decided I'd walk up to her and introduce myself. No sooner as I said my name and position as runner did she look me directly in the eye and say, "I know exactly who you are."
I will say, I was a little intimidated and nervous around her for a while. Little did I know in that moment how much of an impact she, her son and her family would make in my life.
Quite frankly, Chase's story and he and his family's journey are not my story to tell. Instead of me feebly attempting to relay the strength of their faith to you, you need to see it yourself. The following are direct quotes from social media from Chase's parents.
"Chase's world changed today. As did mine, Todd's, Josh's, Kalynn and TonyClay. As I lay here tonight and watch Chase sleep, I know I must be brave tomorrow and continue to have faith that the Lords Plan is perfect even as we prepare for the long journey ahead." — Tracey Bailey on April 7, 2014 (diagnosis day) in a CaringBridge post.
"2014 was a difficult year but it was filled with many blessings. Me and Tracey [sic] watched a community, and really a nation, come together in love and prayer for our son. The love and support we have received has been overwhelming and we appreciate everything and everyone God has put in our paths. We know everyone is praying without ceasing and I want everyone to know I am praying for all of you and your families. God Bless" — Todd Bailey (Chase's father) on January 4, 2014 Stand with Chase Bailey Facebook post.
"On August 18, all of our prayers were answered. They were not answered the way we wanted but God had a purpose for taking Chase from this earth but Chase's memory will live on forever in our hearts. God needed my boy and answered all of our prayers, but it is so hard to make it day-to-day, but with Gods Grace, we make it." — Todd Bailey (Chase's Father) on October 17, 2015 Stand with Chase Bailey Facebook post.
"Whatever God puts in your life, good or bad, don't waste it instead embrace it and live for the Lord." — Tracey Bailey (Chase's Mother) on August 12, 2016 in a CaringBridge post.
It absolutely takes my breath away to see how closely they go to the Lord with all of their thanksgivings and trust. Regardless of each setback, blessing or sickness they faced, a mighty battle with strength that only God could supply. They gave thanks in all circumstances. They didn't doubt the Lord. They only chose to believe in his purpose. It is important to know that Chase and his family were strong in faith and beautiful people before cancer. I've heard them say many times that they could not have made it without God at their forefront. Their rich faith and strength has served as a testimony strong enough to make a difference in this world. Once again it is not my job to tell their story or try to justify God's giving Chase cancer. I do think it is important share how much of an impact their journey has made. Here are some things I have seen made by The Chase Bailey Effect.
First off: awareness. Juvenile cancer is something that many would rather ignore than face because it is terrifying and ugly.
Osteosarcoma is a large word that most of us don't have a clue about the meaning. Since April 7, 2014, the Bailey family have put a face to this horrible disease. They gave it a meaning, they gave it a heart and they gave it the awareness that it so surely deserves. There are so many children in St. Jude, and everywhere else, that deserve research, prayers and so much more.
From Day One, and continued to today, the Bailey's have advocated and fundraised for the cause so close to their hearts. I know that they will never cease with their prayers and their hard work to find a cure. Their awareness has spread beyond them, too. Many people in our town have been moved to run marathons, half marathons and 5Ks in honor of TeamChase.
Manda True of Clarksdale, Mississippi was named top individual fundraiser for last year's St. Jude Rock 'n' Roll Nashville Marathon. There have been so many successful fundraising events held from dinners to auctions to runs. Everyone around here fights to fund research for a cause that touches us all.
Second: beautifying. If you've ever heard of the town of Clarksdale, Mississippi, I'm sure it was either a country joke or a negative reference to gang violence, racial disturbance or some other disaster.
For roughly 16 years of my life, I thought this town was a boring and angry place, and I could not wait to get out. However, in the midst of all this drama, it turns out our town has some beautiful, helpful, loving souls inside it. This was proven more over by the diagnosis of Chase Bailey. As soon as the news hit the town prayer vigils were scheduled, T-shirts and bracelets were made, fish fries and spaghetti suppers were organized and just about everyone was on their knees beseeching healing of Chase and strength to all around him. For 16 months and continued after, this has never stopped.
On the day Chase died, I saw a town stop in their tracks to grieve. This news-portrayed-broken town became more tightly knit together. We had prayer meetings, talk-about-it times and businesses even closed. Chase's celebration of life service was one of the most moving things I have ever seen. It absolutely was a celebration of his life, his courage and his testimony. An entire community gathered around like a family. The whole church was packed as over a thousand people came to pay their respects to Chase. It was probably the most impressive and the most joyful, faith-filled experience I have ever seen. Though we left with grief on our minds, our hearts were elated with joy to the Lord.
Third: thanksgiving. Chase truly lived to the command of "give thanks in all circumstances." I kept up with the journey the majority through CaringBridge. In almost every post, without fail, Mrs. Tracey would say something that she or Chase or Mr. Todd were thankful for. If hearing that a 15-year-old boy can be thankful for stable scans, good days and the fact that God has him on a remarkable journey doesn't make you fall to your knees and count your blessings one-by-one, then surely nothing will. If hearing parents give thanks for eternal life, their son's strength and God's plan doesn't make you want to give it all to God, then what will?
As I reread every CaringBridge post in the last few weeks, I felt something absolutely shift at my heart. These people were able to find joy in the Lord when happiness was but a fleeting thought.
Fourth: purpose. Mrs. Tracey shared with me a story that gives me chills every time I think about it. During a Make-A-Wish consultation with the family, Chase was told to pick three wishes. For each one, he replied that he wanted a boat. After the meeting, Chase turned to his mother and his sister and said, "I know you wanted me to wish away my cancer, but why would I wish away something God gave me for a reason?"
To Chase, wishing away cancer would be wishing away God's perfect plan. Chase also often used the phrase YOLO (You Only Live Once). Chase understood that his decisions were not his own. He understood that he was being guided by the Lord to assist in something greater than himself. Purpose. Defined by dictionary.com, purpose is "the reason for which something exists or is done,made, used, etc."
As a Christian, I know that I should not worry daily about where I need to be, where I'm going or what my future holds. But, really, that is hard. Sometimes in the deepest pits of my anxiety, I think about Chase Bailey's story. Chase in his battle was like a modern day Joshua. He faced the impossible and won only by God's command for strength and courage. His story has brought people to their knees and a bible into their hands. If Chase could believe with every day, with every chemo, with every set back, with every success that God was sending him in the right direction, then who am I to doubt?
Chase and his family have served to so many as a lesson on living fully and living as good and faithful servants. One of the most important lessons that can be learned from their journey is to go at life full force with every thing you have because God has you in the palm of his hand. If you cast your everything onto Him, you will always have a gracious hand to pick you up when you fall. Nowhere in the Bible does it say that he will never give you too much to handle. However, everywhere in the Bible it says you will never have to go it alone.
The other day, as I sat down with Mrs. Tracey, she told me that Chase wanted to "tell people about Jesus" when he was younger. Well, Chase, you did exactly that. You taught us what it is to be a servant of the Lord. You lived a story of faith and otherworldly strength. You changed a town, a school, and countless lives. I know your legacy has yet to end. #teamchaseforever will not let it.
If you'd like to read more about Chase's story here is the link to his CaringBridge:
https://www.caringbridge.org/visit/chasebailey/jou...
If you feel a calling to make a difference in cancer research here is a link to give in memoriam of Chase Bailey:
Photo by 
Photo by 
Photo by 
Photo by 
