What an exciting day it was when cable TV first became available in Bayfield. After years of living at the lake, where we got five channels-really four when it came to choices, as one was the local station out of Durango, and would show all the popular shows from all three major networks. On Friday eves we could watch Dallas twice, repeat Miami Vice, and know how the show ended. And we somehow got by, for free, before we were inundated with over 200 channels with nothing on. I am not sure how I feel about paying for something I don't care for, at least with broadcast TV, it was free into my living room. And in a time when the networks were at their peak, it was Happy Days, Laverne and Shirley, Dallas, The A-Team, and other such cultural giants of entertainment. But on ABC, they had a show called That's Incredible! A show where they interviewed people and their incredible gifts. Hosted by Fran Tarkenton-Hall of Fame quarterback, John Davidson of Hollywood Squares fame and he of the perfect hair, and also Cathy Lee Crosby, she of the perfect body, it brought incredible feats and talents by normal people into our homes on Monday nights for four years. Most were stupid like the man who could swallow his face, or catch a bullet in his teeth, but one stood out above all others. A story about a man born retarded-and the woman who raised him.
Grandma had found this baby when no one else wanted him. He was blind, and couldn't walk, so she would tie him to her apron strings, and pull him around until he learned to walk. As he grew, her love taught him many things, and one was to play the piano. He had trouble communicating, but when at the piano could play magnificently-despite no lessons. But what touched my heart was when she asked him to describe love, and he played and sang The Lord's Prayer. This seriously handicapped man, had the spirit of God in him, and as he played he truly was incredible. God had done something in his heart without benefit of human interference. And how blessed I am to think of this today. And a reminder that Jesus Christ changes hearts-not us, not TV, not the church, and not religion-it is God who uses all things and somehow despite our well meaning interference, uses them changes hearts.
I had not seen Sara, our friend's daughter for some years. She was born with a chromosomal disorder, and appears to have Downs Syndrome. At 16, she is forever a five year old, and when visiting at our house with us, said she wanted to go to church. She brought it up, we weren't even talking abut God. Her parents don't attend, but they let her go with us. And when Theresa asked her why she wanted to go, she said "Jesus." And when asked where Jesus was, she said " in my heart!" And all I could think of was God-and how incredible He is! And how precious the least of these are to Jesus...
But just as abruptly as she came into our lives, she moved back home from a group home. It looked hopeless for her to get to church, because now she lived over 25 miles from us-the other way. But as God always does, He provided a way, via Kelly, who she loves, and who was willing to take her to church, and then her dad would pick her up. Thus giving her parents the chance to see church through Sara's eyes, and Jesus in a whole new way. It is called love. Which doesn't include religion. But when we thinking God had abandoned Sara and going to church, He had a better plan, and Kelly had offered to help. After talking to Sara's dad, he said please have her call, it would be OK to take Sara to church with her. But before I called Kelly, God told me Sara needed an Annie Sullivan in her life, just like the lady who was special to Helen Keller. And a special grandma just like the blind and retarded man. And God was calling Kelly-she was that special one. For He had placed Sara on her heart. And God knew just what He was doing!
For Kelly's heart is totally in love with Sara, and her girls love her too. Sara is growing functionally after being around "normal" kids, playing ball, the rope swing, and doing all the things we were told she couldn't do. She is learning about Jesus, and tells everyone who ask, and some who don't, that Jesus lives in her heart. For where the devil meant to cut Sara off from God, God's plan included us, and Kelly. And all I can say is-"God's Incredible!" Love triumphs where the world fails.
Stuck with reruns on TV-try God. Wednesday nights have life to them at church! The worship is great. The fellowship awesome, and the teachings incredible. But the time of worship after is-well you have to be there! And right along now on Wednesday nights is Sara. A "least of these" people to the world, but so precious in God's sight. Who loves her so much, He brought Jesus into our lives, and blesses Kelly with her. Three people with nothing in common but Jesus. Who normally would not even meet, or run in the same circles. But God placed a special channel on our dials called love, and wants to share it with you. To God this is standard procedure, to us it's incredible! I hope that soon a Sara will bless your life, and send a Kelly along to help. A script that only could be written in heaven-and played out in the hearts of those who believe!
love with compassion,
Mike
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