Mike Whipple 1960-2000

Ten years ago yesterday, my brother Mike died of lymphoma at the age of 39.  He, like all of my family, was a minister.  His ministry was media – television and video production – and he served at one of the few churches who have this kind of role on staff.  He fought his disease for a year and half from diagnosis – including undergoing a bone marrow transplant.  One of the few Sundays he was able to make it to church, he spoke to the congregation and said that he had always tried to do what our mom had taught us – to “bloom where you are planted.”  He said that in his ministry and his life he always sought to do his very best and to seek to thrive wherever it was that God put him. As a father, husband, brother, son, friend – he was a bloomer, a thriver – one who’s gentle, easy presence made a palpable difference everywhere he went.   His greatest challenge, though, was to try to do the same as he fought his illness.  But, somehow, he did.  He fought hard – but he also accepted the new environments he found himself in as places to bloom.  He was kind and encouraging to nurses and doctors, he supported and cheered on fellow patients.  He trusted in God’s presence with him – even as he questioned the whys of it all.   And as he struggled with disease and began to grow weary in the fight, he never gave up.  His last words to me on the phone the day before he died were, “I’m not giving up.  I don’t think it is time for that yet.  I love you!”

Blooming where we are planted – easy to do when we like where we are planted – not so easy if we don’t.  I am inspired by my brother – and by others like him – who are able to find ways to bloom in the midst of adversity – in the midst of pain and difficulty – in the midst of questions.   And in the midst of daily chaos and routine as well.  One bloom inspires another it seems.  The sweet fragrance from one can lift the spirits of those around and change their attitudes, make their days.

 The Bible speaks of the fruits of the Spirit – love,joy, peace, patience…perhaps the fruits of blooming where you are planted. 

And maybe “where you are planted” isn’t a place – or a job – or a circumstance at all…

Thank you, Mike, for blooming – the fragrance of your life sweetens mine still.  And thanks for the lesson. 

You were planted in Christ.  Great place to bloom.