BIG GUY, BIG HEART

Philippians 4:10-19
10 I rejoice greatly in the Lord that at last you have renewed your concern for me. Indeed, you have been concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. 11 I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. 12 I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. 13 I can do everything through Him who gives me strength. 14 Yet it was good of you to share in my troubles. . . . 17 Not that I am looking for a gift, but I am looking for what may be credited to your account. 18 I have received full payment and even more; I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. 19 And my God will meet all your needs according to His glorious riches in Christ Jesus.


One day shortly after our 17-year-old daughter Melissa's memorial service last June, I was looking through the list of people who signed the register at Mell's funeral. As I scanned the long list, I received encouragement from each new name. But one name jumped off the page like no other: Floyd Wilson.

I didn't go to church with Floyd. I didn't work with Floyd. He's not my neighbor, my doctor, or one of my kids' schoolteachers. He's a guy I play lunchtime basketball with. Just twice a week. Just an hour or so each time. A former Division I basketball player, he joins the over-the-hill hoopsters for exercise and an occasional flashback to the day when we could really play. A big power forward who loves hoops.

He heard about Melissa's accident, and he took time out of his day as an executive for a chain of grocery stores to honor her with his presence. A few months later, when I felt up to playing ball again, I thanked him. He replied that it was the least he could do. Then, with true compassion, he told me that our family had continued to be in his family's prayers.

I cannot explain how comforting that was. We've had hundreds and hundreds of people express their love and do many kind things for us since Melissa's accident. But for some reason, the loving condolences and promise of prayer from this big guy touched me deeply. All he knows about me is my jump shot, yet he cares.

Floyd is a great example of what we should all be as followers of Christ. We should take action when others are in need. A kind word. A call. A visit. An e-mail. Whatever it is, we need to seize every opportunity to show we care. It's the kind of action the Philippian people took to lift Paul's spirit, and it can help others today.

We can't all be a big power forward like Floyd, but we can all have a big heart for others. In the name of the Savior, do something special for someone else today. --Dave Branon

DESTINATION POINTS

* Are Christians more or less compassionate than non-Christians?
* Can I think of a couple of people who are hurting for one reason or another? Can I do something to help them right now? How can I give them my heart?
* What's something helpful someone has done for me? Have I, as Paul did, told them thanks?

LINKS:
How Can I Live With My Loss?
http://www.discoveryseries.org/cb921/

bottom line: Show God's love in unexpected ways.

soul journey