Daily Devotion - Tuesday, December 21

Remembering the Marginalized

“You who live in the shelter of the Most High,
who abide in the shadow of the Almighty,
say to the Lord, ‘My refuge and my fortress;
my God, in whom I trust.’” --Psalm 91:1

If you haven’t heard of Matthew J. T. Stepanek, you need to be introduced. He is a courageous young man. Mattie died about 5 years ago. I want to share a small gift with you, some words this young poet left for us to treasure. First, a few things about this wonderful young man:

• He had a rare form of muscular dystrophy and learned much from his handicap.
• He was wise beyond his years and probably would have preferred being called “handicapable”.
• Starting at age 3 he began composing poetic pieces that touch the heart.
• If you are still looking for Christmas presents, you might want to purchase one of the books. You will not be disappointed.
• Mattie obviously struggled with some difficult things in his life and emerged as a person who embraced today’s key verse. Here is an excerpt from his introduction to his book, Hope through Heartsongs.

“It would be easy for each of us to stay shocked, angry, hurt, or sad
with all the difficult things we face in life.
And even though it is difficult and sometimes
almost overwhelming to examine feelings related to
loss and loneliness and alarming turmoil,
it is the only way we can grow, individually and together.
We cannot let sad or traumatic events, or even acts of terror,
be the death of hope.
In spite of each struggle, we can and will find hope
if we choose to do so.”

Have a blessed day and remember the marginalized during this season.

A prayer: God of this world, help us to see that the hopes and fears of all the years are met as we encounter your presence within. Amen.

--Ben Keckler
12.21.10