Ralph and Darlene Burson was an elderly couple who lived next door to the Jacksons–Bill, Sherry, and four-year-old Jason.
A few days after Darlene died, little Jason wanted to go next door to see his friend Mr. Ralph, who was sitting on the back porch. His mother agreed.
When Jason walked up Ralph began to gently shed some tears. Upon seeing this Jason climbed up into his lap.
When he returned home Sherry asked, “Jason, what did you say to Mr. Burson?” Continue reading
Filed under compassion
“Anybody can look at a pretty girl and see a pretty girl. An artist can look at a pretty girl and see the old woman she will become. A better artist can look at an old woman and see the pretty girl that she used to be” wrote American author Robert A. Heinlein. Continue reading
Filed under compassion, Vision
Frank Graeff was a 19th and early 20th-century preacher and hymnist. Known for his positive attitude and cheery disposition, he was dubbed with the nickname “sunshine minister.”
However, his outward demeanor belied his inward struggles. As he was afflicted with various physical problems, at times severe, he began to doubt God’s presence during his pain. His conflict gave birth to the hymn, “Does Jesus Care” that begins with this probing lament. Continue reading
Filed under compassion
This morning I was reading Jesus’ parable of The Good Samaritan in Luke 10.
This parable has been analyzed, allegorized, and sermonized, but not often enough actualized in our lives.
Good Samaritan has become synonymous with a charitable person who helps others, especially strangers. However, this feel-good story involves some elements that are not so nice. Continue reading
Filed under Christian Living, compassion, Parables of Jesus
Several years ago, I heard a story that came out of the Special Olympics in Seattle. Nine contestants, all physically or mentally handicapped, assembled at the starting line to run the 100 yard dash.
The gun sounded. And off they went! Well, not exactly in a dash! But with a zest and enthusiasm to run the race. However, one little boy stumbled and fell. As he tumbled to the track, he began to cry. The other eight heard him. Stopped. And slowly returned. Continue reading
Filed under compassion, Word of the Week
“Sundays are usually the only time subway’s are peaceful. But this particular morning in the midst of a quiet time of reading and relaxing the peace scene was shattered when a father with two boisterous children burst in the car. They were loud, obnoxious, and totally out of control as they raced around the car even grabbing people’s newspapers”
If you were on the subway, what would you think? How would you feel toward the father? What would you say? Well, it happened to Stephen Covey author of The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People. In the book he describes his irritation. Continue reading
Filed under compassion, Word of the Week
Melvin Newland relates a touching story from the Special Olympics several years ago. The children were having a great time and competing with tremendous dedication and great enthusiasm. One event was the 220-yard dash. The contestants came to the starting line and at the signal took off as fast as they could.
One boy by the name of Andrew quickly took the lead. And soon was about 50 yards ahead of everybody else. As he approached the final turn he looked back and saw that his best friend had fallen and hurt himself on the track. Continue reading
Filed under Christian Living, compassion, Ministry
In Stories of Kindness, Beth Fryer writes, “Once, many years ago, my mom was diagnosed with breast cancer and was scheduled for a mastectomy. That morning I attended a college class in which the husband of a good friend was also a student. Most mornings we said hello to one another and that was about it – he would sit with his guy friends, and I usually sat alone. When he entered class that morning, Continue reading
Filed under Kindness
ThePreachersWord 