I’m excited that Hungry for God: Hearing God’s Voice in the Ordinary and Everyday is releasing this month. Several friends read the manuscript in its early stages including, Chris Heuertz. He’s part of an organization called Word Made Flesh, which works among the poorest of the poor around the world.
Because of his work, Chris has an understanding of what it means to be Jesus among the poor that I do not.
One day Chris challenged me when he said, “Margaret, do you realize that in your writing, you call people lepers?” I immediately thought of the story of Jesus healing the ten lepers in Luke 17. Only one returns to give thanks.
Chris went on to explain that the World Health Organization, among many others, are trying to eradicate the word “leper” from the English language, because it over-identifies someone with how they suffer, as well as the negative social implications that the disease carries. Instead of using the phrase, “lepers”, Chris challenged me to use the phrase, “Men or women with leprosy.” In other words, the disease is not the sum of the person.
A minor but meaningful change.
After the conversation with Chris, I began going back to the Scripture and realizing that whenever Jesus encounters someone with a disease, he never sees the disease as much as he sees the person. In my own relationships, I began to realize how often I’d allow a disease or diagnosis of someone I know to become the main focal point. I end up seeing the disease or dis-ease more than the person. Because of my relationship with Chris, an awareness came into my heart that I wouldn’t have had otherwise. And I’m grateful.
Are there any words you’re using more or refusing to use out of love for others?
*Photo courtesy of here
My Sister in Christ,
My group just gave our testimonies last night at church from your “Scouting the Divine” conference at Falls Creek in SE Oklahoma the day after the devastating tornado that hit our hometown of Tushka, OK.
I gave my talk on “sheep” from my notes. Not because it was more poignant than the “bee-keepers” or the “pruning of the grapevine” (my daughter Mischelle used this)…it was just that we had so much to say in a limited time. I am known to talk too much, pray too long, etc. in my church. As a widow I am alone a great deal and I talk to God ALL the time openly. And that’s how I pray. Anyone who has an ear, let him hear HOW GREAT is OUR GOD!! The Lord’s working with me on simply planting a seed, not the entire orchard.Ha! Jesus excites me you see, and I want others to know that He can do the same for them!
Anyway, back to the subject matter (wink)…a word that I am trying to remove from my vocabulary: d-u-m-b, that’s right dumb! Not a good choice in words, often used out of proper context, can misrepresent a person who may or may not be in use of their full mental capacity, or simply applied to people like me, who is known to do dumb things, but isn’t that something we are all quilty of from time to time?
Can’t wait to read your new book! God bless you and thank you for Falls Creek and all you gave in His name.
Barbra,
That’s a great word to try to eliminate–dumb :). Many blessings to you!
Three of my five sons have Aspergers’ Syndrome, and I have often been urged to write a book about life in the Autism Lane. While such a book could indeed have merit, I do not want our lives to be so focused on the autism that we forget the kids! Each of my guys is a beautiful, unique young man, created perfectly by our perfect God. Autism just happens to be a part of their DNA. That said, God told me several years ago that I don’t have to fix them; they aren’t broken. Who they are in Christ is the only real measure that matters! Thank you, Margaret, for listening to your friend,Chris, and thereby reaching so many others!
Mimi,
I love that….”Autism just happens to be a part of their DNA.” So many things, well, they’re just in the DNA, and not meant to be the focus. Huge hug!
I’m rethinking the use of “homeless” and “bum.”
Erin,
Those are good ones…
Wow! What an important distinction!