Proverbs 31…a great Proverb to end with

Proverbs 31:8, “Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves; ensure justice for those being crushed.  Yes, speak up for the poor and helpless and see that they get justice.” (NLT)

A couple of weeks ago a friend of mine sent me a text message and reminded me about a time in high school where I had included a less-fortunate schoolmate with a learning disability into our group.  The friend who texted me told me he remembered me telling our new friend he was cool and how he had never forgotten that moment.  Back in those days “retarded” was a common term and making fun of those who were handicapped was acceptable behavior.  (For my younger blog readers…I am talking 30-40 years ago…yes I am an old man).  I think my behavior towards this kid shocked my friend, because he knew I loved to joke and poke fun at people.  But with the people who were challenged and behind in life; I always had a place for them in my heart.  I thanked my friend for the kind text message and texted him, “I think God was preparing me for my future life with my son Jordan.”

Although God tells us it is our responsibility as Christians to speak for those who cannot speak for themselves, and to ensure justice for those being crushed and to speak up for the poor and helpless; what he doesn’t tell us in this Proverb is the gifts we receive by taking care of the helpless.  I’ve had many great learning experiences in my life but I’ve learned the most and been blessed the most by caring for my son Jordan.  I’ve always struggled with selfishness and self-centered behavior and when caring for Jordan those behaviors cannot exist.  Jordan has become my ego deflator and for that I am blessed (EGO=easing God out).  I cannot count the number of times I’ve walked through the door of our house after a big victory at work and Jordan is standing there greeting me with a “deuce” in his diaper.

It is not “cliche” when I say, “Jordan is a blessing”…sometimes a “pain in the butt” blessing (tongue in cheek), but truly a blessing.  You haven’t “lived” until “normal” is combing two heads of hair, brushing two sets of teeth, showering two people, fixing food for two people, hydrating two people, being someone else’s eyes and ears, using your hands to protect another’s hands, preventing one from falling while you are walking and last but not least…wiping two butts.  After being “retired” for this past year with a goal of helping more with Jordan, I’ve figured out why my wife is so strong, selfless, humble, balanced and full of love.  She’s been living Proverbs 31:8 for the past 25 years, and living it with grace.

Jesus tells us in Matthew our treatment to the less fortunate is our treatment towards him.  Matthew 25:40, “…and I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me.”

If you are someone who battles with selfishness and a bigger than life ego and you really want to learn some things about life, get out of yourself and help those who can’t help themselves.  You will grow and be blessed in ways you never thought imaginable.  But more importantly you will actually be caring for God as he reminds us in Matthew.

…nice plan God!

This ends my daily Proverb writings for the time being.  I hope this has helped give you a desire to read the Proverb for the day on a daily basis.  King Solomon is considered the wisest man to ever live, but in spite of his wisdom, he fell to sin with the best of them, but he arose and through his faith in God became one of the most frequently read and respected writers in the Bible.

P.E.A.C.E.

jay@eaglelaunch.com

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