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Reflections: Daily Devotions in Disability Ministry

Courage

August 25, 2010

Philippians 1:20
I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death.(NIV)

Paige is 17 years old and 6 foot 4 inches tall. She began passing up her teammates with her height when she was 12. Starting at age 5, Paige played all sports, basketball, baseball, soccer and volleyball. During her freshman year in high school, she decided to focus just on basketball.

At that point, she began “being out in public” on the basketball court as other parents and students from other schools watched Paige and her teammates play. Because she towered above the other players, Paige seemed to be the only “standout.” During those times, she was admired by many for her courage, but also mocked from people in the bleachers.

One day, when Paige was 14 years old, many of the parents from the other school were giving her a hard time because of her height. The referee ignored those comments and focused his attention on Paige. Before three minutes had passed, he had blown his whistle and called five fouls on her for what seemed to be no reason. Five fouls and five whistles later, Paige was off the court and on the bench for the rest of the game. The parents from the other school laughed, cheered and mocked her as she sat on the bench crying.

That night Paige learned one of life’s hardest lessons: People can be very cruel, especially when they see someone who does not fit their idea of what people should look like.

We can hide or we can stand tall with Jesus!

Jesus stood tall and firm in His love for all! It is the poor, the lame and the hurting whom Jesus took into His loving arms. Do not be afraid to leave your home…Jesus is with you. Do not be afraid of going into a new place…Jesus is with you. Do not worry about what others think about you, for our Lord and Savior will give you courage. Jesus knows your heart. He will protect you…standing beside you every day.

Dear Father in heaven, please help us to understand that it is You who stands beside us every day. Father, please help us to have more courage when people are not being nice. We know that we need to do our best to be like Jesus. We know that our courage comes through the sacrifice that Jesus made on the cross. In our Savior’s name we pray. Amen.

Pamela Martens, Ministry Consultant – CA
http://bethesdalutherancommunities.org/resources/spiritualResources/pmc.asp

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