I have known pain. Heart-wrenching pain. The face I see behind my eyelids. Heart-wrenching pain. May 28th 2019 I was involved in an accident 2 days after my wedding that claimed the life of my wife and my brother 2 weeks later. When 2 hearts are fused together, beating as one, pulling one away from the other leaves deep-seated injuries. They were the 2 closest people to me. Suddenly, it seems like I’m all alone in what was to be the best year of my life yet. But despite everything, there is a certain beauty I see. This beauty translates into a hand that gently keeps my heart alive – The Beauty in Pain.
The beauty in Pain is this: “The Lord is upright, he is my Rock, and there is no wickedness in him” Ps 92:15. “God is light, pure light; there’s not a trace of darkness in him” 1 Jn 1:5. “I know what I am doing. I have it all planned out – plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for” Jer 29:11
There’s a battle going on. Not very obvious with our 5 senses but very real! The battle for the soul. In the last couple of days, I have played a lot of chess with my brothers-in-law, to keep the mind from worrying…and to shut out the pain, albeit temporarily. Some lessons from the game: if you don’t see the full picture, it’s easy to be defeated. Also, if you are not very strategic in moving your pieces, a defeat is also lurking. I have come to understand that God is the most strategic chess player of all time in the battle of the soul. A little Biblical insight…
Jacob had 12 sons but loved the one more than the others – Joseph. That fact, and the fact that Joseph was a blabber mouth in his earlier years earned him the hatred of his brothers. He was to be killed if not for his eldest brother, and was sold into slavery in Egypt. While in Egypt, he was falsely accused and thrown in prison. God’s hand was on him and he eventually rose to be the second-in-command in Egypt. By God-given wisdom, he stored up food in Egypt in preparation for a 7-year long famine. This was the sole-reason Jacob and the rest of his sons survived the famine.
There’s a lot of lessons to be gleaned from the life of Joseph, but nah ah. That wasn’t the point of it all. That was just a chess move. Fast forward to the Gospels many years later, the key player in the game was born. Jesus Christ – The Lion of the tribe of Judah. If Joseph hadn’t gone to Egypt, whatever bitterness and pain he had been through, his brother, Judah, would have died in the famine. The generation of the Master Piece would have been cut off. And I would have been mourning like a pagan now. The Most Strategic-Player of all time came out of Joseph’s perceived misfortune!
The pain is palpable. But as long as God’s interest in reconciling man to himself is still same as mine, there’s an excitement to see what he’s up to. It has been repeated back to me a couple of times what I said during the Service of Songs in tribute to my loved ones: Last month my life was perfect. Today, my life is still perfect! This was not referring to a numbness from the pain. Oh, definitely not. This was referring to the beauty in the pain.
Again, my death has been postponed. By all human logic, I shouldn’t be typing this. I am a miracle in the mystery. Not yet certain of the specific assignment I am to do for him but all I know is this – the most strategic chess player of all time is at it again! Hallelujah!
Kanayo Ikeh 
Amen! I am encouraged reading this. Beauty for ashes. God’s definitely got a grand plan for you and nothing can stop it. As I’ve always said to you, even though I don’t know how, I am certain that “everything will be alright”.
I pray that God will grant the gentle souls of the departed perfect rest and comfort the hearts of the grieving families.
May the good Lord be with you, my friend.
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So encouraging and inspiring. God at the centre of it all,its my prayer you will continue to enjoy peace from above.
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Amen
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Amen. I might not have the right words to say,sure God have a perfect plan and I know you are indeed a miracle. Keep been positive and say it ,you will come out stronger. May the Holy spirit continually comfort you and the entire family,Amen.
And hello,I don’t wanna miss you so soon. Lots of love
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Amen! Thanks dear
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Amen! Thanks bro
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Beautiful Kanyi….What an encouragement. You’re a testimony of Gods grace.
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Glory!!! I’m so blessed reading this Kikeh! So blessed to see how God is working with you and through you and healing you.
I rejoice in the confident hope that everything will work out for God’s best! God keep you always! I’m proud of you!
THANK YOU JESUS!!!
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This brings me immense comfort to see that you haven’t lost faith in Christ. Rather, your faith and resolve have been strengthened. It even strengthens me too, because i doubt I’d have this resolve if all that happened to me. Well done K. God bless, keep and continue to strengthen you dear.
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I’m encouraged… ” your life was perfect, your life is perfect and your life will continue to be perfect”… You are a living miracle and testimony.
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Kc, You inspire souls with these words. Yes!!! ‘There’s Beauty in the pain’. I pray More GRACE be established in your heart Kc. More Grace!!!!! Rest in peace lovely souls.
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Kc, You inspire souls with these word. I pray for more GRACE be establish in your heart. ‘The Beauty In Pain’… You will be fine okay? More Grace!!! Rest in peace lovely souls.
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🙏🏻🙏🏻💪🏻💪🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
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A Very heartwarming and well thought out write up, truly encouraging and I thank the Lord for your life, May His grand plan for you be revealed to you soon in Jesus name.
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If you could see the beauty in pain, who am I not to? May God give you the strength to do the work he kept you alive for. God bless you, Kaycee!
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Your faith & trust in God keeps me going even when I’m weak & I know I’m weak. Thanks!!!!!
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I am comforted in your renewed faith and trust in God. I deeply sympathize with you over your lost.
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Our God is indeed a redeemer and he lives. He knows our abilities, tests our faithfulness and would not give us challenges we would not overcome. I thank God for your life, the healing and the beautiful works he has started in you. You deserve the best and your renewal will certainly come. He is indeed a faithful God and he’s glory dwells in you and your life is indeed perfect. Praying for you always, Remain Blessed Kay.
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I’m encouraged reading this piece KC, One thing I know about the game of chess is that, if you get to see the opponent’s move in advance and counter that move before it is made, you have not only succeeded in destabilizing the opponent but victory is sure. That’s how God works, He is just perfect in His moves. May He continue to Grant you to the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss. Be Strong Brother!!!
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You’re such a strong, courageous, brave and intelligent man. The way you grief is indeed inspiring, wow such optimism. I’m in total awe of your strength but then I remember who you’ve decided the turn to, the best person you could ever cast all your burdens on because he cares for you. God is indeed the perfect place to find solace in whatever situation you find yourself in life. His ways are not our ways and his thoughts are not our thoughts, please, keep up the good spirit and ALWAYS keep running to him no matter what comes your way. You’re an inspiration and this your beautiful piece has taught us all a valuable lesson that is to see beauty in pain, to be optimistic at all times, to be hopeful for the best. God will see you through it all Kay.
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