Hello ,

In the aftermath of the bombing of the federal building in Oklahoma City, author and speaker Joni Eareckson Tada was invited to be part of a Christian counseling team that helped victims. Joni is a quadriplegic. She writes:

Upon arrival, I had to go to the American Red Cross center to be cleared and credentialed. And I will never forget wheeling into that low, flat, red brick building. There were people setting up chairs and tables, stacking forms, and putting out doughnuts and coffee. And across the large room was a tall, officious-looking woman in a white lab coat.

When she saw me wheel through the door, she quickly turned around with her clipboard, put down her glasses, and said, "Oh my, are we glad to see you here!"

That sparked my curiosity, and I said, "Why?"

She responded, "When people walk up to you in your wheelchair and see you handle your personal crisis with that smile of yours, it speaks volumes to them. It assures them that they can handle their crisis too. We need people like you in here. Please, help us go out and find more individuals like you who can assist us."

"And He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness." Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me."  2 Corinthians 12:9

I have my moments when I don't feel very strong...how about you?  In fact, I've had my moments when I have wondered why God would ever THINK to use someone like me who is SO incredibly weak.  The verse above reminds me that it is HIS strength that works in me THROUGH my weakness.  More of HIM, less of ME!

Have a great day and God bless!

Pastor Mike / The Open Word 

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