The Testimony of Bones.

When I was a teenager, I was in a car accident that resulted in breaking nearly every bone from my waist down. From my hips and pelvis to my pinky toes- I’d have an easier time naming the bones that didn’t break than I would listing the broken ones. I could go into gruesome detail…. But let’s just say my life was never the same again.

I went to high school in a wheel chair. I’ve been in physical therapy all my life. And I can't remember what it’s like to not be “managing pain” in the back of my mind 24/7/365. But those things don't even rate when I think about the ways my life has changed.

This was the first time I’d ever seen prayer warriors circle up for battle. While the church (where I visited with my best friend’s family) gathered in the hospital waiting room to pray for my prognosis- doctors were making a last minute decision to “try something else” before they amputated. My legs were saved. God showed me, not only His power to heal, but the power of connecting with the almighty. The biggest effect this “accident” had on my life was a GIFT. It taught me reliance on God and I’ve been in a constant “walk and talk” with Him ever since.

“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.” ~Romans 12:1

When I’m tired, in physical pain and struggling… I lean on this verse like a crutch. I remind myself that this body is an offering to the one I owe everything to. I try to physically engage in worship- I put my back into it! When I WALK with Him (literally and physically) He always leads me to serve others with all the physical strength He gives me. And when I TALK with Him, He always lends me the strength and endurance I need. I beleive that reliant, obedient offering pleases God. I believe that’s my true and proper worship. Here's how I pray that scripture:

Lord,

Show my eyes the wonder in your creation. From the intricate design of a beetles back and the configuration of the stars to the beauty you’ve hidden in the faces and souls of your people, Let me see you.

Allow my mouth to form words of mercy. Amplify my voice to speak up for the voiceless, and shout your love from the rooftops. Let my laughter echo through rooms and spread joy.

Tune my ears to the frequency of your spirit and to the cries for help around me. Help me hear you clearly whether you speak through the breeze or through a sermon.

Use my arms to uphold the weak and wrap around the lonely.

May I leave finger prints on the hearts of those who needed love, hand prints on the backs of those who needed encouragement and footprints on battlefields for those who needed justice.

Lord, keep me in your presence. Use this body up, wear it out, then bring me home! ~amen

“With every bone in my body I will praise him: “LORD, who can compare with you?...” ~Psalm 35:10

All of this was basically about me... but I want to leave you with this. If you are struggling, hurting, suffering ... offer that to God! He is a limitless source of comfort. And, honestly, I've never found a more effective pain reliver than relieving someone elses' pain! I use CarePortal.org to serve my neighbors in need (and build community and get my body in the game). If that's something you are interested in exploring- shoot me a message. Otherwise, dig in with God and ASK HIM for what you need.

"I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us." ~Romans 8:18