STRYPER frontman Michael Sweet has opened up about his ongoing thyroid cancer battle, reflecting on how the diagnosis has shifted his outlook on life, faith, and priorities.
In a new interview with Christian Music Guys, Sweet was asked to share something God has been doing in his life recently that could encourage the podcast’s listeners and viewers. He responded (as transcribed by Blabbermouth): “Well, look, I tell you, I’ve been going through some health issues. I think most people know that. And I’m just kind of putting everything in God’s hands. And one thing that it’s taught me is how to do just that. And I found that until I was diagnosed — I have thyroid cancer, so they’re keeping an eye on everything, and I’m doing fine at the moment — but until I was diagnosed, I didn’t really think much about my mortality or the ever after, just being honest.
“But then the minute you’re faced with something like that, you do think about that,” he explained. “And it’s something we all better think about, because we’re all gonna face it. And what it did, in my mind, in my heart, is made me want to change my perspective and my priorities on life and try to put what’s important at the top of the list and what’s not important at the bottom of the list. That’s easier said than done, but if you can do that, you’re gonna be a lot better off by doing so. And I think that’s something that — my diagnosis has helped me somewhat to do that, and I’m very happy about that. And then just losing so many people, man.”
Sweet went on to reflect on how recent losses around him have reinforced his sense of perspective and humility.
“I don’t know about you guys, but it’s something I’ve really noticed the past year is how many people have gone,” he noted. “Just recently, Tommy DeCarlo. I was singing with Tommy in BOSTON. He’s gone. And if you had asked me a year ago if I would see that happening, I would say ‘no way’. But it’s reality. And not to sound morbid, but it’s coming for us all. And that’s why it’s important to stay humble and put God first. And let God lead your path and lead your way. And wake up every morning and say a simple prayer. Go to bed every night and say a simple prayer. Start and end your days with prayer. It doesn’t have to be anything long. Bring God into your day. Let him be a part of it. And if you do, you are gonna be a lot better off.”
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