I was going to do my "Ripped from the Headlines" message this week on the Hebrews 11 verse that says "let us run with perseverance the race that is set before us," and focus on the Refugee Olympics team that has been fielded for the Summer Games from inspiring athletes who have escaped terror in their homelands and still are managing to present as world class athletes. And hopefully that story has a place in this series somewhere, but I was so struck this morning by this story in the New York Times about a heart transplant recipient that walked his donor's daughter down the aisle for her wedding.
Oh my gosh. The range of emotions that must have been on display in that ceremony. The living heart of a man who died is still beating and present at his daughter's wedding, one of the most heart-tugging day's of a father's life. It's just such a great story.
Turn again, O God of hosts; look down from heaven, and see; have regard for this vine,
the stock that your right hand planted.
They have burned it with fire, they have cut it down; may they perish at the rebuke of your countenance.
But let your hand be upon the one at your right hand, the one whom you made strong for yourself.
Then we will never turn back from you; give us life, and we will call on your name.
Restore us, O LORD God of hosts; let your face shine, that we may be saved.
God has placed his hand upon those who have regard for the vine of life. God has granted life. The family made the decision to donate organs. A man who was near death was saved. I firmly believe that God can only act in the world through our actions. God depends upon God's children to enact healing and wholeness and peace and love.
What stories of healing can you share? Email me at peverhart@niwotumc.org or comment by clicking the link below.
No comments:
Post a Comment