As soon as I saw this smile, my heart melted.
This little boy, Brian, was one of my best teachers this month. At almost three years old, he's been through so much in his life already. Born into this world with cerebral palsy, the doctor told his parents that he was a quadriplegic and would never live a normal life. When he came to El Shaddai, he was unable to move any body part except his eyes, because he was so stiff and overweight from being fed a diet of watered-down corn meal mixed with sugar.
But he was given a chance when he came to El Shaddai. One of the aunties saw potential in him and fell in love with his sweet spirit. She massaged him every day, and soon he was able to move his limbs and pick up his head. The director of El Shaddai saw potential in him and found a school in South Africa for kids with cerebral palsy. Brian won't be able to go there until he's six, so she began praying for people with the skills needed to pour into and help Brian. And God began providing people on all the Race teams who had the skills and knowledge to work with Brian.
By the time I met him, Brian can lift his head by himself, sit up with support, take steps with support, roll over by himself, and grasp things with his left hand. He has come so incredibly far in such a short time. But the most amazing thing about Brian is not what he's accomplished physically, but what he accomplishes through the gifts God has given him. God has blessed Brian with an extreme amount of joy. His dark brown eyes pull you in, and his smile just lights up the entire room. Brian may not be able to talk, but he is constantly proclaiming the glory of God. Even when he's working hard, experiencing discomfort, or looking on as his brother and friends run and play with abandon around him, he has a spirit of peace and deep-seated joy. He loves people so well, without ever saying a word.
God has blessed us all with incredible gifts. And they are as unique and varied as we are. Brian may seem to have gotten the short end of the stick, but God has given him unique gifts and a purpose that he's walking in, even at three years old. No matter what difficulties you face, no matter the situation, know that God equips you and guides you in handling it. And through it all, He will give you His joy. I'll leave you with the lyrics to one of my favorite hymns, and a picture of this bundle of joy I fell in love with this month.
When peace like a river attendeth my way
When sorrows like sea billows roll
Whatever my lot, thou hast taught me to say
It is well, it is well with my soul
Though satan should buffet, though trials should come
Let this blest assurance control
That Christ has regarded my helpless estate
And has shed His own blood for my soul
My sin, oh the bliss of this glorious thought!
My sin, not in part, but the whole
Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, oh my soul!
It is well with my soul
It is well, it is well with my soul
