[Spoken At Fundraiser]
My father called me last night to wish me the best today and to enjoy “my day.” Though I appreciate the sentiment, the words made me a little uncomfortable. I have viewed these past months as God’s who has chosen to bestow his grace upon me for which am, and continue to be, deeply grateful. However, it is not only for my benefit, but also for the benefit of all those God has chosen to touch my life and to witness what He is doing in my life and the lives of my family. You bear witness to this:
He has given me my first family, my mother and father, my brothers and sisters, who were my first glimpses into the love of God for me, a deeply flawed person.
He called me to service to my country through which He saves my life today by securing my medical needs as an Army veteran and may yet save my life.
Through His faithfulness, He has saved me from myself, securing my place in heaven through His grace that I should not fear death. He has imprinted his word upon me over the years which bring me comfort that I should not fear life. He has given me His Spirit that I should not fear to be alone in suffering, something my Christ did not get.
He has given me my wife and partner in this world. She was the first installment on which and through whom He gave me a life long dream, my second family. She is my crown in whom my children are inlaid jewels that undeservedly grace my head.
He has given me His Church and many communities, including this one, to make all the above possible and so much more: prayers, encouragement, shepherding, meals, money, groceries, the opening of homes for us to live, offers of help for our kids and pet while I undergo my transplant, and this fundraiser. You have adopted me and my family as friends, brothers, sisters, sons and daughters.
“My day?” Hardly. I am the least in this. This is God’s day and we get to witness it. Therefore, “Go for Joe” if it pleases you, but I’d rather have you “Go for God,” and God willing, so will I for years to come.
Praise to my Lord, Jesus Christ!
Love in Christ,
Joe Weigel
No comments:
Post a Comment