Wednesday, July 16, 2008

Learning the Way of Christ

alli-kiss-1 I posted a review of Yancey's book Soul Survivor the other day. Yancey's writing has always ministered to me, and during the past year with what we've gone through with Allie, more than ever.

One of Yancey's mentors he writes about is Henri Nouwen. This is what Yancey writes on p. 295.

While living in Peru, Nouwen received news from Holland that his sister-in-law had given birth to a daughter with Down's syndrome. He wrote the family these words, unaware that in a few years they would seem a prophetic insight:

Laura is going to be important for all of us in the family. We have never had a "weak" person among us. We all are hardworking, ambitious, and successful people who seldom have had to experience powerlessness. Now Laura enters and tells us a totally new dependency. Laura, who always will be a child, will teach us the way of Christ as no one will ever be able to do. (From Gracias!)

The above quote is something the charming and beautiful Susan have come to grips with. In fact, we are grateful for this new perspective; one we never, ever would have had without the entrance of Allie into our lives.

This won't be the last time I write about this subject...

alli-kiss-2

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

It's a beautiful perspective, but not one we seek out. If we get it, we typically do so only after it has been thrust upon us. Embracing it is the only reasonable response, I think. God bless you guys!

Emily said...

Good post, love this perspective. We have been doing a study on Ezra, and through it, I have learned that God has always gone ahead of us to prepare our ways, and his hand is always at work behind the scene even though he may not be seen. Much love to you all...

Bryonm said...

thanks, emily...

vicki: definitely didn't want to seek this trial, but I've learned in a whole new way how to count it all joy because i get so much joy from this little girl :)

Mike West said...

His timing - His way. It has become such a cliche' in Christian circles you never know what it means until you're on the back side of a challenge. "Those" are the coolest lessons. Thank God you both see them.