An Inspiring Example
Today during the Adult Sunday School class, we read the following from Real Encouragement for Real Life by Jeff Schreve:
“The sooner you believe and receive God’s great love for you, the better you will be. What happens to a person who truly believes and receives God’s great love?
That person feels a tremendous sense of acceptance and peace.
That person will be free to love the Lord back.
That person will be free to love other people.
That person will be able to face life with joy and a song in his or her heart.
That person will see difficult circumstances as an opportunity for Jesus to shine. “
Hearing this words made me think of Detective Steven McDonald. I didn’t know him personally but I am aware of his story. In July of 1986, Steven was 29 years old, two-year veteran of the NYPD when he was shot while on patrol in Central Park. His wife was three months pregnant. In the beginning the doctors weren’t sure if he would even survive but Steven did more than survive he lived for another 30 years spreading a message of forgiveness and hope. He died of a heart attack last Tuesday January 10, 2017. His funeral held in St Patrick’s Cathedral this past Friday was amazing. Thousands of people attended and heard the mayor of the city of New York speak of Steven’s love of God and his love for other people. Steven’s son Conor spoke of his father’s believe in Jesus Christ and his example of a life lived with purpose. As I watched the funeral I was struck by the choices that Steven made. I was awed by the way he choose to live his life. He didn’t choose to be a quadriplegic in a wheelchair on a ventilator. He had no choice in that part of the story but he chose to forgive the young man who shot him and to live out his faith. What an inspiring example for us. Praying for Steven’s family and friends. May our choices inspire others to seek faith.
“Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, 2 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 3 Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.”
Hebrews 12:1-3 NIV
http://longisland.news12.com/multimedia/steven-mcdonald-s-son-conor-delivers-eulogy-1.12952518
Another wonderful reminder of grace in grief. Thankful fir his witness and now his wonder as he beholds his Savior.
Wow, Ann, what a powerful story about forgiveness, and shining the light of Jesus in this dark world. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you.
A true testimony of grace
Yes, an example of 2 Corinthians 12:9. Humbling and inspiring for rest of us.
Grace extended where it is not deserved. Reminds me of what Jesus did for mankind. Great story! ((Hugs))
Amen.