Parkinson’s illness has harmed Michael J. Fox’s health. Regardless of what is going on, the star is always optimistic and pleasant. Here is his narrative of overcoming adversity.

He is best known for his roles as Marty McFly in the Back to the Future films and Alex P. Keaton in the TV program Family Ties. But no one could have predicted that his strongest quality would be his ability to face his own death with grace and joy.

Despite the loss of loved ones, fractured bones, and Parkinson’s illness, Michael J. Fox remains cheerful and helpful. Some may refer to him as the most optimistic person ever, but I refer to him as the most hopeful person ever.

Michael J. Fox believed his life would change, if not end after he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 1991. While fighting this condition that made him weak, Michael lost his mother and had other awful things happen to him. His existence would be like a modern-day Job, with nothing going well and everything being difficult.

He underwent spinal cord surgery to remove a tumor. He afterwards shattered several bones. Micheal seemed unfazed when he remarked, «I broke my cheek, then my hand, then my shoulder, had a replacement shoulder put in, broke my right arm, and then I broke my elbow.» I’m 61 years old, and I’m starting to feel it more.»

Having fun even when things are going wrong
Where did he obtain his stamina and positive attitude? It was given to him by his mother, who was the wife of a soldier. He noticed that she was powerful, and positive, and handled everything with ease. What a lovely gift his mother gave him, and what an excellent reminder for parents that what we do for our children and how much we love them may change the world.

Michael J. Fox has a raw hope in his eyes and a bounce in his stride as he moves forward from the last few difficult years. Michael J. Fox is thankful for the simple things, like not falling down, his wife, and his friends who have been there for him when he’s been unwell, despite the fact that he has Parkinson’s disease and his health isn’t terrific.

“It’s been hard, but I’m happy,” he said. I say that because I hope that, no matter what, people can find happiness on some level.

How’s your faith? Does yours spring back like Michael’s? God knows that it’s hard for us all to find and keep hope.

“And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm, and steadfast after you have suffered a little while,” says 1 Peter 5:10.