Source: community.albinism.org
I watched a documentary on the TV show "20/20" last night about a brave young Tanzanian woman who not only has had to survive the judgement of her community because of something she can't help, but suffered the consequences of a satanic ritual observed by the people.. Read about Mariamu here
This story made me cry. Not only to learn about the suffering that goes on daily in Africa, but also to see this Christian woman, who is such an inspiration of courage and strength!! I feel a sting of guilt, as I think about the many times I have complained about the little, petty things in my life that were a bother to me. Mariamu suffered the pain of losing both her arms, and her ability to feed or clothe herself, her toddler son, or even hug him. She literally depended on her mother to take care of her. But, instead of complaining, she lived each day praising God and waiting for Him to use her. Her strength and courage led her to come to the U.S., receive new arms, and help to change the laws of her country. She continues to use her challenges to help others, even today!!
Our Lord desires that we be strong and courageous in following Him. In the book of Joshua, God encouraged the Israelites to be "strong and courageous, because (He) will lead (His) people" and to "be careful to obey the law.....meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it." Why does he want us to do this? Because, "then you will be prosperous and successful."(Joshua 1:8)
I'm doubtful that Mariamu felt prosperous when she first lost her arms. But if asked today, she most likely will have a different response. Often success or prosperity doesn't come till much later in life, and then it may be something much different than financial or monetary. I remember at the end of the show, she said that what she was the most happy about was that once again she could put her arms around her son when he went to hug her. To her, that was success!!!
I am once again reminded that I have SO much to be grateful for!!!!
I continue to sing His praises through the Joy Dare!
3 gifts from the past – that help you trust the future.
500. Reading in the O.T. how God supplied the needs of the Israelites while they wondered in the desert.
501. When the Lord protected me from past near accidents.
502. Trusting God to hear my prayers...answering according to His will.
A gift dull, a gift shimmering, a gift cleaned.
A gift dull, a gift shimmering, a gift cleaned.
503. Dull – winter landscape before spring comes.
504. Shimmering – A favorite lip gloss
505. Cleaned - my car
3 gifts at 3 p.m.
506. Going to the park to enjoy the warm weather (70 degrees)
507. A peaceful moment by the lake.
508. Ripples of water around a dead tree.
3 gifts green
509. Moss covering the ground!!!(Spring is coming!!)
510. Frog from my pond(somewhat green)
3 gifts wore
512. A bracelet that was a gift from my husband513. A new top
514. New socks
3 gifts hard to give thanks for
515. Serious illness
516. A wayward child
517. Seeing when children in the world are suffering greatly.
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