"All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us. " 2 Corinthians 1:3-4
It was chilly when a group of us arrived at the Sedalia Half Marathon registration at 8:00 a.m. Saturday morning. With a 9 a.m. start time, we gathered to stay warm, along with many other runners, in the lobby of the school hosting the event. As we talked of running and other things, I noticed a man in a wheelchair who really stood out in the midst of those clad in Asics and Under Armour gear ready to conquer the 13.1 miles of rolling hills the race offered. After completing the out and back course (with some very friendly volunteers), we had the blessing of meeting this gentleman, aka-the man in the wheelchair.
His name was Max Lewis, a onetime cross country runner for Sedalia Smith Cotton High who made a very fateful decision at the age of 19... he dove off a bridge into two feet of water rendering him paralyzed from the neck down and unable to ever run again. In an instant his life changed. What he did next is absolutely astounding. In his words, "I did not want that to be the last paragraph in my life story. I felt I had something to contribute." He earned a bachelor’s degree in health education, followed by a Master of Education in health and wellness and, in 2003, graduated from the University of Missouri School of Law, specializing in family law. He is now one of the community’s most visible advocates for fair and accessible housing, transportation and employment. But here's the best part... Lewis doesn’t charge any of his clients. As if that weren't enough, he speaks to other spinal cord injury patients who he describes as "discouraged and disparaged", something he certainly is not.
In the midst of Max's "troubles", he had the faith to look beyond the question of "why me?" to "what now?" In a 2011 interview, he revealed that he couldn't remember languishing in self-pity or being angry at God and said, “I have seen individuals in my same situation who have given up on life, it makes me sad that the gifts they have within themselves have not fully blossomed.”
I don't know about you but, after reading the story of Max Lewis, I was overcome with emotions. Sad for his accident, overjoyed at how God was working in his life and, how he was now comforting other people, but ashamed at the same time. Remorseful for the many times I thought my suffering was in vain and more than I could bear. Max's story reminded me that God can and will "comfort us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort others." And praise God if your troubles are easier to bear.
Heavenly Father, thank you for the perspective gained when we see how blessed we truly are. Not by the ease of our life or our lack of suffering but by the knowledge that You are always there. You are there in the "good times" and You will be there when things get hard. Help us to praise you and to find our purpose to glorify You through it all. It's in your precious name we pray, Jesus. Amen.
Happy Running!!!
www.team413.org
*All profits from the race go to help Max Lewis continue to provide his services for free. What a great reason to run again in 2016, God willing of course.
http://www.columbiatribune.com/news/local/lawyer-max-lewis-finds-inspiration-after-injury/article_7420fee3-2ca7-50b9-be1d-61686af19084.html
*All profits from the race go to help Max Lewis continue to provide his services for free. What a great reason to run again in 2016, God willing of course.
http://www.columbiatribune.com/news/local/lawyer-max-lewis-finds-inspiration-after-injury/article_7420fee3-2ca7-50b9-be1d-61686af19084.html
The hurt and the Healer - Mercy Me
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| The greatest group of friends you could ever ask for |
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| Max Lewis (with his best friend on his lap) thanking everyone for their support |
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| Sharing "the message" is our calling |
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