Dear Readers,
As we find ourselves in the final week of exploring the vibrant hue of orange, I take this opportunity to share my reflections—a journey colored by resilience, transformation, and an unwavering connection to the divine love that permeates our existence. This week marks my fourth Wednesday here in Beijing, a city where every corner breathes life and every interaction offers a lesson. As my healing journey unfolds, I have come to associate orange with hope, healing, and the profound wisdom embedded in our experiences, even in the face of cancer.
In my mind, orange symbolizes the warmth of healing, invoking the comforting embrace of the sun that illuminates the darkest corners. As I reflect on my time in the hospital, the color becomes more than just a visual motif; it transforms into a metaphor for my inner journey—a journey that resonates deeply with the essence of healing and the mysteries of God’s love.
The connection between color and healing has long been acknowledged, but my personal experience reveals how orange—often associated with enthusiasm and encouragement—has served as a constant reminder of the vibrant life that exists even amidst adversity. The Bible teaches us that God is the creator of light, and in the book of Genesis, He declared, “Let there be light,” illuminating a path of understanding and profound peace (Genesis 1:3).
As I stand on the precipice of healing, I see orange as a manifestation of God’s grace. Each shade represents a blend of strength and gentleness, illuminating the often hidden beauty in our struggles. In my journey through chemotherapy, I began to appreciate the power of acceptance, allowing me to embrace each moment and listen intently to the wisdom it offers. This acceptance has become a lens through which I view my circumstances—not as sufferings to be endured, but as essential lessons meant to guide me to a deeper understanding of love, both human and divine.
Reflecting on my time in Beijing, I realize how important being present has become. The first day I arrived, a sense of serenity washed over me, grounding my spirit as I confronted the realities of my diagnosis. Each treatment has been weighted with significance, and rather than retreating into panic or despair, I have chosen to remain engaged, intimately aware of the unfolding narrative in my life. Even upon receiving the diagnosis of metastasis in both lungs, I felt the gentle whispers of divine assurance, reminding me that I am not alone. “Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7).
Orange, in its most vibrant form, symbolizes the essence of life itself—juicy, bold, and unapologetically real. It has reminded me that while the prognosis may seem daunting, the beauty of each moment lies in its transience. By embracing this philosophy, I discovered that I am not merely on a journey of suffering; rather, I am learning the profound truths woven into the fabric of existence.
Each week at the hospital, I have undergone treatments designed to combat cancer’s assault on my body. Last Tuesday heralded yet another milestone—intravenous chemotherapy—an intense yet necessary intervention that acted as both a weapon against the cancerous cells and a catalyst for my inner transformation. With every infusion, I have felt a surge of orange energy, reminding me of the lotus that blooms most beautifully in muddy waters. This has reinforced my understanding that healing transcends the physical; it is deeply spiritual.
Lent, a season reflective of sacrifice and renewal, has provided a framework for my experience. As my body undergoes its transformative process, I realize that healing also invites a deeper exploration of faith. It calls for an unveiling of the profound mysteries that God holds for each of us. As I navigate through uncertainty, I find solace in proclaiming, “I can do all things through him who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13). In the midst of treatment, I cultivated a steadfast serenity, a calmness I now regard as one of life’s most precious treasures.
Never did I anticipate that I would find myself in week four of my treatment journey, yet here I stand—a testament to resilience. Each day offers its own challenges, yet within them lies an opportunity for peace and understanding. I am in awe of the grace I have received: the ability to embrace calmness amidst chaos, to witness life’s extraordinary beauty from a place of surrender, and to recognize the orange glow of hope, even when shadows loom large.
Through this journey, I have discovered that the act of healing is an invitation from God—a call to introspection that reveals the complexities of our existence. It urges us to confront our fears and transform suffering into learning. In the world of illness, I once thought I was destined to bear my pain alone; however, with each passing day, I have learned that divine love is an ever-present comfort, manifesting through community, care, and the brilliant shades of orange that envelop me.
As I pen these thoughts, I invite each of you, dear readers, to contemplate the vibrancy that life offers, especially during challenging times. Perhaps you might find your own hue—maybe it’s orange for you too, or perhaps it is something altogether different. What is essential is that we embrace the colours of our journeys, allowing them to teach us about love, resilience, and the mysterious ways God unfolds His plans for our lives.
Let us remember the promises contained within Scripture; “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future” (Jeremiah 29:11). In seeking to embody calmness and acceptance, I invite you to walk this extraordinary path with me—one that emphasizes learning over suffering and discovery over despair.
In closing, may we all find our own orange—our own colors of hope, healing, and love—radiating through our existence. As the journey continues, let us remain open to the lessons that await us, nestled within the ever-evolving tapestry of life.
With love and vibrant hope, Esther.
The views expressed here are those of the writer and do not necessarily represent the views of Sarawak Tribune. The writer can be reached at lawleepoh@gmail.com.
