Why Me?

Have you ever asked that question -even to yourself? I believe that we all have! Sometimes we ask the question because we have been chosen for an amazing task or award and we can't believe our good fortune. But much of the time we ask the question because we don't like the circumstances, or we might be fearful of the outcome, or of how we will even reach a positive outcome. It's okay to ask the question, but not to remain immersed in thought about it. Why? Well, if we bask in the "honor", we get puffed up and that can lead to pride or arrogance... or even the appearance of it. -This behavior turns people away . And if we wallow in the "poor me's", we become fearful, sorrowful, anxious. -That turns people away as well. Either way, we become alone and our purpose is thwarted. A good model is the story of Joseph in the Old Testament. He basked in stories of the dreams that God gave him early in his youth and it caused his brothers to despise him and leave him for dead. God's hand of protection was upon him and caused him to eventually become the right hand man to Pharoah. Ultimately God used Joseph in powerful ways and reunited him with his family. -Read the story for yourself in the book of Genesis, chapters 37-50.

So, you might say, "that was eons ago, if even true"; "the Bible isn't relevant to today"; and/or "what does that have to do with me?"

Well, we all have stories. Let me begin to tell you mine:

I was born in the dark ages of time... 1956 to be exact. I am the firstborn to my parents, and they were young, in their early twenties, at the time of my birth. Like all parents, they were anticipating a healthy, perfect child. Imagine their surprise when I was revealed to them and they could see that I was formed without my forearm and hand. I imagine that they asked the questions:

"Why me?" (as in How will I raise this child? What will people say or do to her?");

"Why her?" (What will happen to her? What will her life be like? Will she have friends? Will anyone ever love her?)

What matters is what they did... For starters, they modeled Love and Acceptance. They had more children, all of whom are  among my best friends. They taught me to face each person and each day with eye contact and a smile (translation: facing the truth and seeking the best!). They instilled in me that God made me this way. He formed me in His image; He formed me with a purpose .

It's amazing how we can plod through our days, knowing that there is a reason and an ordained outcome, but not always knowing what it is. If we believe in God and  are pursuing His purpose, we can refer to this in faith and with a vision for tomorrow. Check out Hebrews 11... one of my favorites:

"Now FAITH is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen."

My parents had a vision of what they hoped for, even though they could not really 'see' the route to achieve it or even the define the details of the final outcome.

So fast-forward; what became of the girl with one arm? Well, she grew up, graduated from college, became an occupational therapist, started a family and lived happily ever-after. Really??? Ha, life is never that simple!

The route has been fraught with traversing some low-lying valleys of disappointment and difficulty, climbing a few challenging mountains and navigating  few roadblocks and 'wrong turns'.but the road has been marked with beautiful views, bountiful and blessed with pinnacles of joy!

Why me? I answer with another question: Why not me?(!)