A Very Intriguing Person

Last week I met Bernadette Todd for the first time. She is a very intriguing lady who travels all over the US and the world speaking about Jesus Christ and sharing her testimony. She is a wife and homemaker who challenges thousands each year at schools, churches and conferences with her personal story of hope. Besides her speaking ministry, she also mentors women, teaches Bible study in her home and leads the young married couples' department alongside her husband.

In 2004, Bernadette was featured on the front page of the Florida Baptist Witness as one of Florida's godly women making a difference. In 2006, the weekly paper also commended her for her mission work. What's so special about this lady? Well, in her own words, "my mouth is the only part of my body that works well." You see, Bernadette was afflicted with Muscular Dystrophy from the age of 5 and was not expected to live past the age of 8. Muscular Dystrophy is a progressive illness that wastes away the muscles. However, God had other plans for Bernadette and today she is 43 years old, in a wheelchair and using the only part of her body that still works to bring glory to God.

She makes me feel so inadequate. Me, with my strong arms and legs and a body that works. The Bible says, "I can do everything through him who gives me strength" Philippians 4:13. We may be strong physically, but compared to Bernadette we are weak if we are not doing what the Lord has called us to do. Let us ask God for strength and guidance to use what He has given us to bring Him glory. Paul said, "We have different gifts, according to the grace given us. If a man's gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach;  if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully" (Romans 12: 6-8).

Let us resolve today to do all that we can for God while there is still time and while we are still physically or mentally capable. If you are not able to do anything, maybe you can give and if you can't give you can pray. God needs you.

Bernadette and husband, Jeff

Help!

Last week my colleagues learned that I would be taking family leave in order to help my daughter who will be having a baby by C section. They reacted immediately by offering to cover for me while I was gone. Their kindness really blew me away. They knew that in these harsh economic times the board was not going to hire anyone to fill my place, and that I would have to make up for lost time when I returned. I thanked them and thanked God for placing me with such a kind and helpful bunch of people.

In his letters to the churches, the apostle Paul praised the efforts of those who helped him in mininstry. Romans 16 is a testament of the help he received from men and women. Beginning with Phebe and moving on to Priscilla and Aquila, a husband-and-wife team, and many others, Paul expressed his deepest gratitude to them.

Jesus also preached many sermons about the place of service and helpfulness in the life of the believer. On the mount of Olives He said, "... Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as you have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, you have done it unto me" (Matthew 25: 40). So when we help others, we are not only helping them, but we are helping God Himself.

Let us seek out opportunities to help others the way my coworkers did. Not only will they thank you, but your Heavenly Father will take note and reward you for your good deed. God bless.