Wednesday, December 18, 2013

By: Rachelle Hitt Bilbo

Refusing to Watch the Grass Grow

1 Corinthians 2:16 ...we have the mind of Christ.

Marty had it all going for him. He was a phenomenal college football player at Louisiana State University who had a beautiful wife and a new daughter. In addition, he was about to graduate from college as a chiropractor.

Sadly, during his senior year of college, he was pushed into a shallow pool by a couple of friends at a pool party --- resulting in a severe spinal cord injury. That day, his life, his wife's life, and his daughter's life were changed forever.

I first met Marty when I applied for a part-time job at the Lafourche Parish Sheriff's Office. He was then the Captain of Personnel. (Today, he is a Major). He extended a balled fist to me to shake. I was 16 at the time, and I was a little nervous about how to respond. So, I lightly and quickly grasped his hand.

Then, I sat down in his office, and we began to talk. He told me that I reminded him of his daughter who was a teenager as well. Shortly into that conversation, Marty's wheelchair began to disappear...at least in my sight.

Quickly after Marty's accident, he went back to college to obtain a teaching degree. Since he couldn't write, he focused on every word the professors said. He couldn't afford to be distracted.

Marty graduated at the top of his class and taught school until he was invited by the Sheriff of Lafourche Parish to become a high-level supervisor in his agency.

Marty (well, Mr. Marty as I call him) once told me, "I do not focus on my disabilities. I focus on my abilities. I can't just stay home and watch the grass grow..."

Marty and his wife Lynne have been married for more than 30 years. Neither one of them asked for this life, but they have thrived in the abilities the Lord has blessed them with. TOGETHER, they have been successful.

I challenge you to always focus on your abilities and to surround yourself with people who will love you through anything. We all have shortcomings, areas we struggle in, or have had unfortunate and unfair things happen to us at some level. 2 Corinthians 12:9 says, "My power is made perfect in weakness."

Even in our darkest, weakest hours, God desires to pour out His power on us. As stated in today's verse, we have the mind of Christ. Even when our bodies fail us, we are made strong and can do anything with the mind He has given us.

Dear Lord, Thank You that You have a plan for me. Even when my situation seems hopeless, thank You that You still have a great purpose for those who put their trust in You.

I thank You, my Jesus, for dying for me. I believe that You are Lord and that God raised You from the grave so that I can have eternal life.