Rev. Richard Smith
| Psalm 139:14 I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. |
I saw some time ago on Facebook one of those poster insights which greatly humbled me and made me realize I’m not nearly as mature in my spiritual outlook as I sometimes think I am.
The poster shows a self-admitted Downs Syndrome adolescent holding a sign. The sign says…
I may not be perfect. But I’m happy.
I am God’s handiwork. I am blessed. I’m loved.
I am one of the 10% children born with Downs Syndrome.
And I love who I am.
The first thing which came to mind as I read and viewed this remarkable piece was thanksgiving for a set of parents who had instilled in their child how special he is as a child of God and as their son. Recognizing that one is a child of God starts with someone, hopefully parents, helping us know who we really are no matter the particular circumstances into which we’re born or in which we find ourselves. Few of us come to the realization of our stature as a child of God by ourselves alone. As I write this piece, I’m thinking of people along my life journey who have reinforced within me a sense of my inherent worth with and before God. Who are they in your life?
Then I remembered the many persons I’ve known over my life and ministry who had special circumstances which would have perhaps beaten many of us down, but which they faced with courage, faith and hope. I’m deeply humbled when I think of those I’ve known and watched who have handled the most trying times of life far better than I would have in such circumstances. These living witnesses should inspire us to know and believe what one can accomplish with God’s help and the support of others. Whose witness of perseverance and strength truly humbles you?
Finally, remembering these valiant spiritual witnesses nudges me to do all I can to help someone needing my caring and support. Every week you and I cross paths with persons who are struggling against the tide with often overwhelming challenges. In these encounters, God is giving us opportunity to be his vessels of hope and possibility. While we can’t always take on every great challenge, we can always at the very least stand with the hurting person and pledge to do what we can empathetically to lessen the hurt.
Being fearfully and wonderfully made doesn’t mean, of course, that God caused a particular set of circumstances in one’s life, but it does mean there is no circumstance beyond God’s ability to empower one to contentment and joy!
