For Those Who Can't, Stand
"...Cheer up! On your feet! He's calling you." --Mark 10:49 Hope you don't mind, but in keeping with our "LIVE LIFE" theme this week, I thought I'd pull a short paragraph from the book. And just wait till you see some of the comments we've received from it.
"I sat behind a man in church on Sunday, paralyzed from the neck down. It was interesting to me that when the choir director asked the congregation to stand and sing, you could feel the reluctance and see the slow-moving crowd rise to their feet. I thought to myself, I wonder how fast this sweet man would stand if he could. The next song we sang was 'Bless the Lord, oh my soul, and all that is within me, bless His Holy name.' You know what? This man's voice was the loudest one around me. Plainly said, when we were asked to stand, he already was. Folks, life is not about the body, so if you have health and ability, use it as a means of praise. And believer, if you're called to stand and sing -- and you can stand up and sing -- stand up and sing."
Here are just a few of the responses I've received:
Renee Foster: "We have a young boy in our church who has been wheelchair bound his whole life and yet, when we sing he raises his one hand by just bending it at the wrist from his wheelchair armrest. It's all he can do so he does it. Imagine what an example that is for us."
Tricia Weaver Cross: "Thank you so much...I have a 13 yr old daughter that is wheelchair bound with a brain injury. I know that if she could stand and sing she would, with hands raised in praise. One day...one day!"
Isabelle Kafarela: "My father is paralyzed. What he wouldn't give to have the use of his legs! We thank GOD every day for my father's spirit as he lives with pain daily! Lord, please give my father Niko Kafarela strength in spirit to live Your Purpose daily!"
Bud Krueger: "The next time I stand, guess who will be there in front of me...Jesus, God, Holy Ghost. Amen"
No words, right? Well, I have a few for us. "Bless the Lord, oh my soul, and all that is within me, bless His Holy name." And for those who can't, stand.
--Jimmy Peña
Your Turn: Will you train, walk, run or lift for those less fortunate today? In a week where I'm celebrating a portion of MY new life - physically - I'd love to hear YOUR thoughts. Whether about the entry, the comments, or your own testimony. Please let us know. And I have to share this image that was sent to me yesterday with the caption, "Little Miss Happy Happy Joy Joy (Tay) getting her chemo."...I received it while I was posting this entry. Her mom requested an extra small PrayFit shirt. We had no idea. Guys, I have no words.
