Will You Decide to Fight?

The word “cancer” has such power behind it. When the word is first mentioned the impact is tremendous. That’s mainly because of the reputation and history behind the word. It immediately brings to mind images of suffering, weakness, hair loss and disfigurement, among other things.

The sad part is, many times the mental images of what can happen cause more damage than what is going on physically. I’ve often heard the phrase “Where the mind goes the man follows.” To me that means once you start to imagine all of the things that can go wrong, you mentally start submitting yourself to it. Remember in the Bible when Job said, “What I feared has come upon me?” (Job 3:25) Cancer is a serious illness that can lead to death, but so many have fought against it and won.

Physically, I have not been faced with cancer, but I have another medical challenge that calls for the same attitude. Still, this disease has touched my life. My mother died from cancer at the age of 57. She was a very strong woman. Seeing her go through this struggle was very difficult, but I learned so much from her. She kept going until she couldn’t fight the physical weaknesses any longer.

I remember her saying that she would love to live for a long time, working and enjoying life, but this was something she didn’t seem to be able to win the battle against. Still, she felt that the years she had were very good years. She had a husband and six daughters who loved her very much.

My thoughts when writing the poem “I’ve Decided to Fight” were that when the doctor gives a diagnosis for cancer or another debilitating disease, you have to make up in your mind to stand and fight with all you‘ve got. Put your faith in God. You’re only alone if you choose to be. I know that seems easy for me to say, but God has brought me through so many situations in my life that He would certainly be there when I needed Him the most. I have no doubt of this.

The American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life is another way to say, “I’ve Decided to Fight.” Through them so much can be done to assist in research and treatment programs. That way someday the cancer “giant” will be slain. The poem is written on behalf of all of those, my mom included, who stood and fought a good fight. Not just against cancer, but whatever the foe. Some won the battle, some did not, but they never gave up.

I’ve Decided to Fight

I recognize you for what you are.
I know your claim to fame.
But, you can’t scare me, I’ve decided to fight,
Until Jesus calls my name.

I know there will be challenges.
I’m ready to see them through.
So don’t try to scare me, I’ve decided to fight.
I’ll do what I have to do.

Sometimes there may be physical pain
That my body must endure.
But, just beware, I’ve decided to fight,
I’ll win this one for sure.

Don’t try to remove the smile on my face
Or the gleam that’s in my eye.
I’m telling you now, I’ve decided to fight
So you should have just passed me by.

You certainly won’t be a little black cloud
Hovering close to my bedside.
Cause you don’t scare me, I’ve decided to fight.
I’ve got Jesus by my side.

You’ve aimed your deadly arrows at me
But, I’ve got my armor on.
So you can’t scare me, I’m ready to fight
Until from my life, you’re gone.

Contact Info:

Want to know more about Felecia Okpagu? Click below to sign-up for updates of Felecia's writings and special notices of her events. updates@feleciawrites.com or write her at P.O. Box 116420, Carrollton, TX 75011-6420

Thank you for visiting. Don't forget to stop by my new Poetry Gift Shop and browse my gift ideas for your next event of life. Please come again soon. --Felecia Okpagu