Monday, July 28, 2008

The Brave Little Soul

This past weekend at Canine Assistants Graduation, Spencer was given a card from some friends who attended the ceremony. Inside the card was this story by John Alessi.

Not too long ago in Heaven there was a little soul who took wonder in observing the world. He especially enjoyed the love he saw there and often expressed this joy with God. One day however the little soul was sad, for on this day he saw suffering in the world. He approached God and sadly asked, “Why do bad things happen; why is there suffering in the world?”

God paused for a moment and replied, "Little soul, do not be sad, for the suffering you see, unlocks the love in people’s hearts.” The little soul was confused. “What do you mean,” he asked.” God replied, “Have you not noticed the goodness and love that is the offspring of that suffering? Look at how people come together, drop their differences and show their love and compassion for those who suffer. All their other motivations disappear and they become motivated by love alone.”

The little soul began to understand and listened attentively as God continued, “The suffering soul unlocks the love in people’s hearts much like the sun and the rain unlock the flower within the seed. I created everyone with endless love in their heart, but unfortunately most people keep it locked up and hardly share it with anyone. They are afraid to let their love shine freely, because they are afraid of being hurt. But a suffering soul unlocks that love. I tell you this - it is the greatest miracle of all. Many souls have bravely chosen to go into the world and suffer - to unlock this love – to create this miracle - for the good of all humanity."

Just then the little soul got a wonderful idea and could hardly contain himself. With his wings fluttering, bouncing up and down, the little soul excitedly replied, "I am brave; let me go! I would like to go into the world and suffer so that I can unlock the goodness and love in people’s hearts! I want to create that miracle!"

God smiled and said, "You are a brave soul I know, and thus I will grant your request. But even though you are very brave you will not be able to do this alone. I have known since the beginning of time that you would ask for this and so I have carefully selected many souls to care for you on your journey. Those souls will help you create your miracle; however they will also share in your suffering. Two of these souls are most special and will care for you, help you and suffer along with you, far beyond the others. They have already chosen a name for you.”

God and the brave little soul shared a smile, and then embraced. In parting, God said, “Do not forget little soul that I will be with you always. Although you have agreed to bear the pain, you will do so through my strength. And if the time should come when you feel that you have suffered enough, just say the word, think the thought, and you will be healed.”

Thus at that moment the brave little soul was born into the world, and through his suffering and God’s strength, he unlocked the goodness and love in people’s hearts. For so many people dropped their differences and came together to show their love. Priorities became properly aligned. People gave from their hearts. Those that were always too busy found time. Many began new spiritual journeys – some regained lost faith – many came back to God. Parents hugged their children tighter. Friends and family grew closer. Old friends got together and new friendships were made. Distant family reunited, and every family spent more time together. Everyone prayed. Peace and love reigned. Lives changed forever. It was good. The world was a better place. The miracle had happened. God was pleased.

Needless to say, I was moved to tears. Spencer is my brave little soul.

13 comments:

Cheri said...

The tears are flowin'!

Sybil Reisch said...

This must be what our son, Jeff, heard from the Lord before he began his Down syndrome journey with us! There were so many people that were influenced by Jeff's life. I wrote "Journey With Jeff; Inspiration for Caregivers of People with Special Needs" so that all people involved would never feel they were alone! (See Amazon.com, and my blog spot-- www.journeywithjeff.blogspot.com)

Celly B said...

What a touching story!

Thanks for leaving me the tip about posting Youtube videos. I'll try it soon.

Mary Lou said...

This was beautiful. I am blessed to know that there are dogs that can help people with disabilities that are not detected by humans as quickly as they are by the dogs. God is such a great God to give the dogs this ability. What a blessing.

Carol said...

I am speechless. (for once) That was beautiful. You know that suffering is what brought us together, too. Suffering and a Honey Baked Ham.

Kimberly said...

Oh, Amy. That is so beautiful. God's ways truly are higher than ours and His thoughts higher than our thoughts. Thank you for sharing this!

Still praying for you guys!
Love,
K

Melissa said...

That story hits home for me in so many ways. Thanks for sharing.

Peggy said...

INDEED HE IS! Thanks Spencer! Bless you Amy!!! This is so touching and inspiring! I have a feeling with out this brave little soul however that
you never had your love and goodness
locked inside you but Spencer just allows you to share this with many on his behalf and theirs as an advocate.
You are also an Advocate for OUR FATHER'S LOVE and shine as you share those blessings! Be blessed as you continue blessing others!(HUGS)

God's girl said...

That is so precious.
Blessings,
Angela

Michelle said...

Beautiful! Thank you for sharing.

Mindy said...

Oh man where are the kleenex??? I love that story.

2nd Cup of Coffee said...

I just know that when we meet Jesus he will be willing to share the answer to so many of our "why's" and "how's." I have oftened wondered about the scenario of this piece.

Unknown said...

The story of "The Brave Little Soul" was read at my little friend's funeral last week. His name was Carson Richardson and was only 7 and lost his long hard battle to cancer on Feb 27, 2010. Thank you so much for posting this story and I needed to read it again to remind me of Carson's purpose on earth.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ExbrHgPPooA
http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/richardson/mystory
No more sorrow, no more pain for Carson.
In Him,
Honey Thornberry
Allen, TX