A few mornings ago, while Dave and I were on our run, I was thinking of our last trip to Haiti. I was thinking about the important doctors, surgeons, diplomats, politicians, soldiers, and entrepreneurs we met. Ironic, that in a third world country I was shoulder to shoulder with them as equals. A level playing field with no past, experience, education, reputation, or money, just a common purpose and an immediate need...anyway... then I was remembering the patients in the hospital.
First, I tried to list them all by name...nothing. I couldn't remember even one of their names! But just before I burst into a self-loathing tirade, my mind zoomed in on their faces. I was there, in the hospital, once again. I remember THEM! I remember the feel of their bony, calloused hands in mine. I remember their faces, the sounds of their voices, their injuries, the fear in their beautiful brown eyes, their laughter or groans, the questions they asked, the family members bringing food, sheets, and nightgowns. I remember their teasing my broken Creole, I remember the smell of their hair as I kissed them goodnight on the forehead...Oh, I remember them! They are forever etched upon my heart.
Then it strikes me. This is not me! Naturally, normally, I am not a sympathetic person. I don't empathize. I am not comforting, caring, maternal, soft, or sappy. Normally, naturally, I am indifferent, tough, driven, competitive, critical, analytical, and methodical.
And I start to cry.
I love moments like this. They are gifts. Priceless moments when the Lord Jesus Christ reminds me...
You are not normal anymore
You are not natural any longer
You are redeemed.......remade.......renewed......reborn........restored.........repaired........resurrected!
And as the crescendo subsides, the one sustaining note reverberating in my heart is...
This is how you know...
This is how they will know...
You are not natural normal any longer.
YOU are dead.
I am alive within you.
I am THE life...............you are the tent
I am THE superhero.....you are the skin
