Liz Hupp Poem

             This week begins two more of our Family Retreats, one in Pennsylvania and another in North Carolina.  My husband, Ken, and I will be arriving today at the North Carolina retreat and I can't wait for the week to get started - I always, always go away so inspired, just meeting the people I connect with at a Family Retreat.  It's all about the power of example and the Bible talks about that in Titus chapter 2.  It says, "In everything, -- it doesn't say just some things or a few things, but in everything -- set others an example by doing what is good."  I know that seems like such a tall order -- in everything we're supposed to set an example?  Yep, there you have it.  We are to constantly be watchful of our example to others and always choose the right path knowing others are observing, the path that honors God, because our Christian example - the life of Christ, -- His reputation is at stake. 

            And I tell you, I meet more people at our retreats - folks in wheelchairs, using walkers - and they just are such a powerful example to me.  When people who face lesser conflicts see the way others handle their greater conflicts and do so with grace and dignity and an uncomplaining spirit, I tell you that has such great powerful impact, it speaks volumes. Yes, I learn how to handle my own wheelchair from watching the way others handle theirs.  I read a poem some time ago that really reflects this Titus chapter 2 way of looking at life and it goes...

I saw the woman in the chair; she was in church again today

Someone said they've sold their house and they'll soon be moving away.

Oh, no, I cried, they cannot go; they cannot move away

I didn't get to know her well, there's something I need to say:

Please tell me all your secrets, I want to sit at your feet

I need to know how you handle pain which everyday you greet.

How do you keep on smiling when each day your health grows worse?

How do you keep on trusting God when your life seems like a curse?

Every time I see you, your smile is from deep within

I know your fellowship with God is not scarred by the chair you're in.

You admit your health is failing and you know you're fading away,

So how can you remain so calm, when I would be turning away?

Can you tell me how you love the Lord when He seems to wield a sword?

For your life to me is a promise that though there may be pain,

God's always good and always kind; I can trust Him again and again. 

            Yes, I'm grateful for the power of example.  I am so glad there are Christians out there who are remembering that others are watching... and so they choose to do good, to do the kind and encouraging thing... they lean on God even in the face of the toughest of trials... they hold fast to grace which works patience and perseverance... because they remember that others are watching.  Others are learning from their example.  Oh, Lord Jesus help me do the same this week as others watch me at Family Retreat! 

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