Why, O God? Suffering and Disability in the Bible and Church

I recently began reading the newly-released book entitled Why, O God? Suffering and Disability in the Bible and Church (Crossway, 2011). Edited by Larry J. Waters and Roy B. Zuck, this collection of essays (written by people ranging from Joni Eareckson Tada and others living with disabilities, to seminary professors, ministry leaders, and medical professionals) promises to not only offer a biblical perspective on suffering and disability but also to put forward a vision entailing how those who experience such challenges are to minister and to be ministered to in and through the local church. So far, the book is delivering on its promise!

I've decided to periodically post a few meaningful quotes from Why, O God?. Here are three, written by Joni Eareckson Tada, which hit me between the eyes last night. Enjoy . . .

• People with disabilities are driven to the cross by the overwhelming conviction that they have no other place to go. (Page 18)

• Disability ministry is a means of showcasing redemption to everyone, helping them learn how to respond to their own afflictions as well as helping them understand God's motives in their suffering. (Page 20)

• [An anticipated conversation between Joni and Jesus upon her entrance into heaven] “Lord Jesus, do you see that wheelchair over there? Well, you were right. When you put me in it, it was a lot of trouble. But the weaker I was in that thing, the harder I lean on you. And the harder I lean on you, the stronger I discovered you to be. I do not think I would ever have known the glory of your grace were it not for the weakness of that wheelchair. So thank you, Lord Jesus, for that. Now, if you like, you can send that thing off to hell.” (Page 324)

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Don't forget to consider giving or spreading the word about helping me run a marathon for special needs families! Simply click HERE to learn more.

Help Me Run A Marathon For Special Needs Families

Being a dad who has been given the privilege of raising a son considered to have special needs, I have witnessed first-hand both the unique blessings and challenges among many families affected by disabilities.

While the needs are great, I know the grace of God to be far greater.

The Elisha Foundation is uniquely positioned to come alongside families affected by special needs, pointing them to the sovereignty and goodness of God found only in the Gospel. Valuing their efforts, I'd like to do what I can to support The Elisha Foundation in reaching into the special needs community with the good news of Jesus.

So here's the plan . . .

I'll work to run a marathon on October 16th (Columbus Marathon). You offer encouragement by giving to The Elisha Foundation in support of families affected by special needs.

You'll win by giving. The Elisha Foundation will win by being supported. Families will win by being encouraged and strengthened in Christ. I'll be doing good just to finish!

So would you consider giving or spreading the word? Simply click HERE to do either.

To learn more about The Elisha Foundation's strategy of partnering with gospel-centered churches to provide local respite care, host regional retreats, and serve the disabled internationally, please visit their website.

Thank you for considering this . . .

Timothy's Sister Goes To Camp

Timothy's big sister went off to camp . . . so Timothy and I are having an All-Man Weekend.

We've napped. Watched movies. Went fishing. OK, so truth be told, Timothy's mom (who went with us) was the only one to catch anything.

As my daughter left for camp, I wrote this letter to her and tossed it in her bag. I'm hoping she found it . . . and more importantly . . . I'm hoping she's having a GREAT time.

Dear Anna Ritchie,

Well, girlfriend . . . you’re at camp! Wahoo!!!! I am so excited for you, and I can’t wait to hear about all you did and all you discovered!

You are simply THE BEST daughter any dad could EVER, EVER have . . . and I can’t believe that out of all the dads in the world God could have chosen to be your dad . . . He chose ME! Wow!!! What a gift of grace you are.

As you start camp, the best thing I could say to you is this . . . trust God.

• If you get a little nervous . . . relax, God is with you! Trust Him.
• If someone needs a friend . . . let Him love others through you! Trust Him.
• When the shaving cream and slime starts to fly everywhere . . . have fun and get messy, knowing God enjoys seeing you laugh and carry on! Trust Him.
• When you are singing . . . sing loudly and freely, knowing He has created you to worship Him! Trust Him.
• When you are given opportunities to learn about who Jesus is and what He has done for you . . . open up your heart and mind to Him! Trust Him.

Anna Ritchie . . . you have a Father in heaven . . . and a father on earth who are both CRAZY about you! Rest in His love and mine . . . and have an exhausting, slimy, wet, loud, FUN time!

Your mom, brother, and I will be praying for you many times each and every day!

I love you,

Dad

P.S. – Mr. Knuckles can be there in 30 minutes if you need him.

P.S.S. – You don’t mind if I throw in an extra $5 do you?

“God’s power has given us everything we need to lead a godly life.” - 2 Peter 1:3

[For explanation, "Mr. Knuckles" is my five fingered friend who lives at the end of my right arm who is always willing to meet a boy who should come around! It's a running joke between me and my daughter -- at least she thinks it is a joke.]

Wa'ad & Fareeda

While Timothy and I were in Philadelphia for a recent round of appointments at Shriner's, we were able to meet a little girl named Fareeda. Our meeting late one night at the Ronald McDonald House was one I will not soon forget.

Fareeda (6 years old) arrived from Afghanistan with her father after Marines discovered her living in a remote village with a severe arm and hand deformity. With help from Global Medical Relief Fund, along with the amazing folks at Shriner's, Fareeda was able to receive reconstructive surgery from Timothy's hand surgeon, Dr. Scott Kozin.

As Fareeda's travelling escort said to me, "She needed the best hand surgeon in the world, and we were led to Dr. Kozin."

I offered reassurance, as they were led well. We think the world of the entire team at Shriner's.

Interestingly, there was a recent 60 Minutes story about another child who was treated by Shriner's along with other hospitals after unsuspectingly kicking a bomb contained in a soda bottle. The Global Medical Relief Fund made his treatment possible.

Take a moment to learn about Wa'ad and his recent journey . . . and pray for both Wa'ad and Fareeda.

Publish Post

All Boy

These photos just shout . . . "I'm a boy!"

A Few Photos

It's been a while since I have included any pictures of Timothy, so here are a bunch of random ones from the earlier this year, including:

• Timothy at Bristol Motor Speedway. His favorite car . . . the #18 with the big M&M's on the hood!
• Timothy checking out the new chicken coop. Yes, we now own chickens -- three to be exact. I've never even touched a chicken (that is, one that isn't fried and on a bun) before we bought them. Sally, Rose, and Nugget (I named that one -- I'm the realist in the family) have provided hours of entertainment! We're still waiting for them to provide us with eggs.
• Timothy playing soccer. So fun to watch kids play at this age, and Timothy was no exception. He scored on goal on the season and seemed to keep up as best he could, although his legs would tire easily.
• Timothy hitting the waves. Timothy is an absolute WILD MAN when it comes to the ocean. He'd get pounded by the surf and turn around for more.
• Timothy graduating. Waving to the crowd . . .

Interviews With John Knight On Disability

This is worth a look . . . John Piper Interviews John Knight on Disability