I believe your story might be your greatest gift.
We all live in stories. God reveals Himself through stories. Your particular story incorporates a unique combination of experiences and relationships. It’s a gift, and the highest use for any gift is to enjoy it and share it in service to others.
Hope: Stories Worth Telling (Part 2) Read More »
Be joyful always; pray continually; give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
Ever had one of those days?
Well, I’ve already had one today, and it’s only 9:30 am.
Nothing catastrophic; my spinal cord injury decided to remind me of its ability to disrupt plans and make even the simplest tasks rather unpleasant. But I got past the nastiness, everything’s okay, and hopefully the injury’s done with finding ways to assert itself.—though it IS only 9:30.
How To Respond To “One Of Those Days” Read More »
Do you ever wonder if God truly wants you to be well?
Please click on the link below.
Does God Want to Heal Me? Read More »
Love will find a way. Indifference will find an excuse.
“I’d really like to get together, but I’m awfully busy right now.”
I don’t doubt that my friend is really busy. But guess what—we’re ALL busy. The message I heard was, “Having lunch with you isn’t as important as the other things I’m choosing to do.”
Is that unfairly harsh? Perhaps, but it got me thinking about the difference between reasons and excuses. I’d like to do a series of three articles about this topic, pointing toward Friday’s thoughts that may ruffle a few feathers.
I’d Really Like To….. (Excuses Part 1) Read More »
A poor shoemaker in his dreary little shop in a great city, one day noticed that there was one little place in his dark room, from which he could get a view of green fields, blue skies and faraway hills. He wisely set up his bench at that point, so that at any moment he could lift his eyes from his dull work–and have a glimpse of the great, beautiful world outside.
Sickness is Discouraging But….. Read More »
Curiosity has its own reason for existing. Albert Einstein.
I’ve been thinking a bit (an unusual and dangerous development) about the notion of overcoming adversity. As a paraplegic, I’m often asked questions like: How did you deal with it? How did you get past it? What helped you move forward?
When I recall twenty-one years of adjusting to life in a wheelchair, first impressions include frustration, anger, and isolation. Each challenge seems to elicit a sense of impossibility and hopelessness, and my initial reaction is capitulation. It’s as though I’m programmed to greet difficult circumstances with: I’ll never be able to …
Moving from Passive Victim to Active Seeker Read More »
What do you think when you see this little blue guy?
I asked some middle school kids that question. Hands went up, signaling a number of insightful comments. The sign reminded some of friends or family members. A few said they wondered about the people who needed those parking spaces. One appreciated that we care enough to provide this simple aid for folks in need.
After they seemed about finished, one boy who might have been a stand-in for Dennis the Menace raised his hand.
“Technically, the little guy’s white. The background is blue.”
We all chuckled as he protested that he was just being observant.
What Perception Do You Cling To? Read More »
Whenever I talk to a group, I usually begin with some version of that question. Yesterday I visited a group of middle school students. Their answers reinforced my conviction that I always learn more from kids than they learn from me.
Kids are less inhibited than adults, which is mostly a good thing. So when I asked ”Why do you think I’m here?” it didn’t take long for someone to suggest it might be because I’m in a wheelchair. I was pleased that nobody suggested lack of hair as a reason.
What’s the hardest thing you’ve had to do?
Have you ever wished you could gracefully get out of a situation? That’s how I felt when I arrived at my last speaking engagement.
The small church invited me to their men’s group, the sort of experience I usually anticipate and enjoy. I love the opportunity to connect and share in an intimate setting.
But that night I wanted to escape. The elevator was broken; ten imposing steps stood between me and the meeting room.
What’s the Hardest Thing You’ve Had to Do? Read More »
