Christian Living
When Courage And Charity Are There
© 2007
by
Stephen A. Peterson
In helping others, we shall help ourselves, for whatever good we give out completes the circle and comes back to us.
--Flora Edwards
Visiting group homes for the developmentally disabled or homes for the elderly had always been difficult for Dawn Douglas. During Easter or in the days before Christmas, she would stop by for a few minutes to deliver flowers, gifts or cards. To stay for any time longer was more than she could tolerate. Dawn felt helpless to take away the pain or lessen the rejection she believed people in these living situations seem to feel when she did visit such facilities. Additionally, the prospect of one day suffering from a disability or having to be a nursing home resident terrified her though very young at this time.
Then Dawn’s best friend, Madonna Franks, who had been a vibrant and active woman, was involved in a head on car accident wherein the driver was found to be drunk and on drugs. Comatose, for just slightly more than six months, this young intelligent woman was suddenly transformed into a person who was found to be mentally retarded and unable to care for her most basic needs.
Dawn visited Madonna often, but she was never comfortable being with her once she came out of her coma. Madonna was too injured to talk with Dawn. Dawn worried that her visits weren’t helping Madonna. After staying away for nearly a month, Dawn discussed her problem with Helen McKittrick, a friend at her church.
“Sometimes you can’t do much for the person, you’re visiting because of their illness or the extent of the damage done in an accident,” Helen said, “But you can do wonders for the family or other people in the home. Some of them are strained for a kind word or a visit from a friendly face.
The next time Dawn visited Madonna, she was more relaxed. Madonna still did not seem to be aware of Dawn’s presence but her roommate was. As Dawn listened to this 40 something year old woman, though handicapped from an accident as well, she shared her joyful memories of family, friends and loved ones, the hurt and loneliness with Dawn. Within minutes, the hurt and loneliness vanished from her face, and Dawn’s eyes glistened with tears of gladness and relief. The woman seemed happy and pleased with Dawn’s visit.
When Dawn got up to leave, the woman squeezed her hand firmly and warmly then said, “Thank you for visiting with me and taking time to listen to my stories. It meant so much to me. I’ve felt for a while that no one out here really care for people like me. Are you a Christian?” she asked.
“Yes,” Dawn responded.
“None of my atheist friends have ever come. I had been an atheist much of my life but that has changed. Through you I’ve been able to find God. Thank you for helping me see,” the woman responded.
Dawn realized Helen’s words had helped her to look beyond her own fears, misgivings and find a way to be helpful to some else as well as spread the glory of God to another who just happened to be an unbeliever who might have been condemned were it not for Dawn’s courage and Helen encouragement.
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When we are sensitive to God's lead, He can do amazing things that we never even imagine! Thanks for this reminder. Lucy Cain
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