Lifted Up | Previous Challenge Entry

how it works

TITLE: Lifted Up | Previous Challenge Entry
By Barbara Culler
08/08/23
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Propelling her sporty wheelchair up the L-shaped ramp, the teenager stopped atop the center stage. Two family members assisted her in transitioning to a standing device. When securely strapped in, her feet grounded with clunky orthopedic shoes, she faced the audience, smiling a toothy grin.

Giggling nervously, Elena thanked everyone for coming to the program that evening. With audience shouts of encouragement, she began her sermonette. Speaking clearly, yet with a stop-and-go cadence, she nailed the point of her message with profound words.

“You know how those four friends helped the paralyzed man get through the roof to see Jesus?”

Everyone nodded.

Arms at her side, Elena shakily gripped the thigh-high handles of the device and continued.

“Well, you all are the friends helping people like me get to Jesus.”

Thunderous applause, cheers, and proclamations of praising the Lord erupted throughout the auditorium. Raising her arms, she pointed upward, giving glory back to God.

Goose bumps spread across my arms as my hand sprung to my chest. My heart danced double time as I reverently vocalized:Oh wow.

Passionately serving alongside other volunteers at the week-long Christian camp for families with disabilities, that evening’s emotional talent show was the highlight of my week. Elena’s analogy of the often-heard story of the paralyzed man came from her personal experience.

The diagnosis of Cerebral palsy does not stop this active seventeen-year-old. She closely walks with Jesus, willingly sharing her testimony with whoever listens. She uses her platform at camp to showcase her God-given gift. She gave us a greater understanding of how important our role was in helping our disabled friends meet the Lord.

After closing her speech, the young lady stood beaming from the audience’s enthusiastic show of appreciation. Family members re-entered the stage, assisting her in transferring back into her wheelchair. Returning to her place in the front row, Elena smiled widely as those around her slapped high-fives.

God-moments like this make my heart swell with joy. Genuinely thrilled with their accomplishments, we as volunteers don’t figuratively let our disabled friends down to see Jesus; we lift them up by showcasing His love through our actions in caring for them. Elena, and others like her, always bless those of us who are there to minister to them.

As the old hymn proclaims: Love Lifted Me, but here at family camp, love lifts through the shroud of disability. Elena, and her single mother, would wholeheartedly agree.

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