John. Thanks for sharing this. It's good and a great way to point out a truth.



----- Original Message -----
From: john s  <[log in to unmask]>
To: [log in to unmask]
Date: Wednesday, May 18, 2016 4:45 am
Subject: Fwd: Elizabeth and Me

>
>
> Short one from Joni.
> 
> text of forwarded message follows:
> 
> From: Hand In Hand <[log in to unmask]>
> 
> Although you and I may not agree on every single jot and tittle of this life, thank you for permitting me to be exactly who God has created me to be within the body of Christ!  (Even if it's being a pain in your butt sometimes. LOL!!)
> 
> "If the foot should say, 'Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body,' it would not for that reason cease to be part of the body."
> 1 Corinthians 12:15
> 
> When I was in Germany a few years ago to speak at a church, I was linked up with a blind woman named Elizabeth who served as my interpreter. For five sessions we were at the microphone, me with my wheelchair and Elizabeth with her white cane.
> 
> During a break, someone placed on my lap a magazine printed in English. It looked like good reading, but I couldn't hold it or turn the pages. Elizabeth asked me a few questions about the cover, and so I said, "Look, how about if you hold it up and turn the pages. That way I can read it aloud so we can both enjoy it." We did just that.
> 
> After a few minutes, Elizabeth and I attracted the attention of her pastor who, upon watching us, decided to use us as an illustration for his sermon on 1 Corinthians 12. In short, we all have need of each other. Imagine, just imagine, a church in which each member used his or her strength to make up for another's weakness. Eyes see, ears hear, hands hold, and feet move the body forward. When everyone fulfills his function, the whole body benefits. When someone's not doing his thing, everybody suffers.
> 
> My blind friend in Germany would agree: In the church body, there's no such thing as a nobody. What strengths do you bring to the body? Are you using them for the Lord? If not, give your pastor a call and offer to do your part.
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> Father God, sometimes it's hard to step forward and volunteer to help out. Strengthen my resolve to contribute to the church body the abilities You have given me even if they don't seem spectacular but quite ordinary. They are still the gifts You have given me, and I want to give them back as an offering to You.
> 
> Blessings,
> Joni and Friends
> text of forwarded message ends:
> 
> John