What Do You Have to Offer?
By Vickie G. Paver
Today is one of those days I cannot get my cousin, who is now with the Lord, off my mind. She was a beautiful example of courage, encouragement and faith. Although she had Lou Gerigs disease, she continued to have a joyful and encouraging spirit.
Lou Gerigs disease gradually stole many things from her, the first being the ability to do her job at a local newspaper. Gradually it took her independence away and she had to be fed and bathed like a newborn. Shortly afterwards she died. The encouragement in this tragic loss is what the disease did NOT steal from her. The disease did not steal her courage, the ability to love or to praise God in the face of death. Another thing she held in her heart through all the suffering was her gift to encourage others.
What a fabulous gift from God, the gift of encouragement. Even now my feelings are mixed, wanting to cry and wanting to laugh at the same time as I think about her failing physically, but soaring spiritually! Out of her deepest sorrow came many words of wisdom, as she made cassette tapes for many people---encouraging them. Family members lovingly helped record what was on her heart. The tapes were then sent to several loved ones, and friends. I am deeply moved that she choose me to be one of the beneficiaries of those tapes.
In the tapes she told me how proud she was of my growth in Christ. She recounted all the talents and gifts she felt I had. She quoted scripture and promised to continue in prayer for my family until she went to be with God.
As I reminisce the tears roll, but also I rejoice in the fact that she is with God and He gave her the gift of encouragement. I have been so blessed by her encouragement. Whenever I feel limited physically or in my abilities and gifts I think about my cousin, who let God, use her, even though she was bedridden.
Now---something to ponder: What can you do to reach out to others? Do you allow certain limitations take over? With God nothing is too difficult if He has called you to it, but don’t wait for Him to call out a thunderous order from heaven above. Start today---and remember when God is the head of your life the possibilities are limitless.
God Bless You.
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