Yesterday (Sunday) afternoon, Mr. Workman and I were attending a church Christmas dinner at a buffet style restaurant. The kids were excited and Vanessa used her walker from the parking lot to the back meeting room which was a LONG walk. We were all excited for her. Our whole church group clapped, whistled and cheered as she walked into the banquet room. Each of them have prayed and shared in the journey with us with all our kids so they know what a big step has occurred for Vanessa. Christmas cards and well wishes were exchanged along with enjoying a great meal with great conversation and laughter. It was a great day!
Then we gathered our crew and were making our way to the front doors. It was indeed like a parade! Daddy with Nate and his oxygen, Corrine with the twins in their stroller, David with Matt & Hannah, Grace with Jon, and finally me with Vanessa all traveling together in a line to the front door. Then an older gentleman stopped me and told me that he went to an amazing church and he offered me a business card for the church. I recognized the church. I explained to the man that I was glad he had a great church and we have a great church too, in fact we had just finished a wonderful meal with our church family. He looked disappointed, and walked away.
Then this gentleman somehow cut around the tables and stopped Mr. Workman. He began with the same introduction and Mr. Workman gave him the same response that I had. The gentleman responded shaking the business card, "Listen I had cancer, this pastor prayed and the cancer is gone...something to think about with the crew you have." Mr. Workman took the card, smiled and walked on....BUT there IT was AGAIN!
It is so frustrating and hurtful that apparently some people believe we would be better, happier people if everyone could, walk, talk, see, hear and be "normal". Even more frustrating is the failure of this man of faith to recognize the healing that we have already enjoyed. We have experienced many miracles in our family and Daddy was carrying one HUGE miracle...Nate! Furthermore, these miracles were performed by God, not by our pastor. Sure our pastor and church anointed with oil and prayed, but God did the work.
As a mom, these "faith healers" are even more hurtful to me than when they just try to "heal" me. Like any mom, I think my kids are about perfect and for anyone to suggest that they would be better another way is a BIG insult. I know one thing for sure and that is that the Lord has given my kids (or will give them) everything they need to complete His plan for their life...I don't want them waiting on some pastor to try to give them something that God in His Divine plan knew was not needed. Illness needs healing, like Nate's heart and lungs. Conditions like Downs Syndrome and cerebral palsy are a part of who the person is...just like hair or eye color. To pray for healing would be like praying for eye color to change (or bigger boobs like the cartoon). Many times people have prayed for my limbs to be "restored", and then they have told me that it didn't happen due to my lack of faith. When I told them that I just prayed that they would grow another arm and it didn't happen so they may have faith issues too, then these same people say I'm mocking them and God. In an attempt to avoid appearing to mock God, I now just pray that God will give them manners and teach them gently about faith.
I will praise thee; for I am fearfully [and] wonderfully made: marvellous [are] thy works; and [that] my soul knoweth right well. --Psalms 139:14
Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord: And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him. --James 5:14,15
But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.--Philippians 4:19
Thank you!! It needed to be said.....
ReplyDelete