It’s a sobering day as we pray for the families of those murdered or injured yesterday as well as those heroes who responded in New York City. I saw the cell phone footage of the Special Needs school bus that was intentionally hit by the terrorist and gasped as my eyes filled with tears! The most vulnerable of treasures looking so confused, injured, oh my gracious. One of these precious ones was critically injured. As a special needs mom, I ask that you please pray with me. I can’t imagine.
Today is also All Saints Day. Have you heard of it? I have talked about All Saints Day before and it is truly one of Dw’s and my most looked forward to days of the entire year. All Saints Day is a day we remember, celebrate and honor those heroes who have gone before and left a legacy worth remembering.
People like:
Perpetua – 203 AD – a young nursing mom with an infant and one of the earliest martyrs for her faith in Jesus Christ.
Dietrich Bonhoeffer – Outspoken pastor and theologian who rescued Jews during the terrorist reign of Adolf Hitler. A doctor who witnessed Dietrich Bonhoeffer being hung for his faith wrote this: “The prisoners … were taken from their cells, and the verdicts of court martial read out to them. Through the half-open door in one room of the huts, I saw Pastor Bonhoeffer, before taking off his prison garb, kneeling on the floor praying fervently to his God. I was most deeply moved by the way this lovable man prayed, so devout and so certain that God heard his prayer. At the place of execution, he again said a prayer and then climbed the steps to the gallows, brave and composed. His death ensued in a few seconds. In the almost 50 years that I have worked as a doctor, I have hardly ever seen a man die so entirely submissive to the will of God.”
Dietrich Bonhoeffer
George Mueller – Selfless man who began orphanages in Bristol, England and cared for over 10,000 orphans. He is quite possibly the greatest man of faith that I have ever read about – can’t wait to meet him in heaven one day!
Harriet Tubman – Precious woman who gave away her life for those enslaved in the south…serving as an underground railroad conductor moving over 300 slaves from the south to the north. Thomas Garret said of Harriet, “I never met anyone of any color who is more able to hear the voice of God than Harriet Tubman.” Her story is riveting and she is a hero of heroes in our family.
Thomas Garrett – Courageous man who allowed over 2,700 slaves to spend a few nights hiding in the comfort of his home {many had never slept in a real bed before!} on the route of the Underground Railroad…2,700!! Can you believe that number? 2,700!! Incredible! Can you imagine how “convenient” that was? He’s a personal favorite of mine!! This Quaker man who cared more about his fellow mankind enslaved in the south, then the comfort of his home and life. Can’t wait to hug his neck one day in heaven!
Gladys Aylward – Brave young missionary who cared for orphans of Ch*na – her story is miraculous as she forged the way for little orphans at a time where ‘white’ people were thought of as terrifying to many in Ch*na…she later had to settle in Taiwan where she founded another orphanage.
Lillian Trasher – Ministered in Assiut, Egypt and founded the first orphanage ever in Egypt…growing up in Brunswick, Georgia – her story is a.m.a.z.i.n.g. She served more than 10,000 orphans in her lifetime.
Amy Carmichael – Missionary to India…serving 55 years without furlough…and whose quote I love: “One can give without loving, but one cannot love without giving.”
So many others that we love and honor for their steadfast love of God and compassion for the precious treasures they were called to minister to. They made a difference!! Their lives counted! They are true heroes and each left a legacy of love that echoes today.
With the world screaming “hero” to people who do not represent Christ, let us honor, celebrate and humbly remember the brave, courageous men and women who loved our great God and willingly gave their lives in service to Him.
Today I pray specifically that I will leave a lasting legacy of sacrificial love for my fellow mankind and a life full of compassion, loyalty, steadfastness and courage like that of Perpetua, Dietrich Bonhoeffer, Thomas Garrett, Harriet Tubman, Amy Carmichael, Gladys Aylward, George Mueller and the rest. Will you consider joining me in that prayer for yourself as well?
Also, if you have not heard or read about these heroes, most have been written about in the YWAM Christian Hero: Then and Now Series. The link to the books is in the right sidebar by clicking on the “The Reader’s Corner”. (If you use the The Reader’s Corner link, YWAM has a partnership with our ministry International Voice of the Orphan and a portion of your purchase is sent to IVO for our feeding program! How stinkin’ amazing is that??) I cannot recommend these books enough! Anyone reading any of these books will be challenged, encouraged, strengthened and will definitely never regret reading them (promise!). They also make awesome birthday and Christmas gifts as well!
Oh my gracious…these people desperately need our prayers!! I did not even know this had happened up until now. The church needs to stand up and to ACT for the precious special needs children, and I am so happy your family and many other Christians are!! <33
OH I forgot today was All Saints Day! These missionaries were amazing, weren't they? And your family should be ranked with those amazing people, I think. Y'all are pretty special. =)
-Ariel
I haven’t heard anything about that yet! How awful!!
We all love those books, they’re truly amazing. <3