His Hands Are Twisted And His Feet Are Useless. ...

His hands are twisted and his feet are useless. He can’t bathe or feed himself. He can’t brush his teeth, comb his hair, or put on his underwear. His shirts are held together by strips of Velcro. His speech drags like a worn-out audio cassette. Robert Reed has a severe case of cerebral palsy. The disease keeps him from driving a car, riding a bike, and going for a walk. But it didn’t keep him from graduating from high school or attending Abilene Christian University, where he got a degree in Latin. Having cerebral palsy didn’t keep him from teaching at a St. Louis junior college or from venturing overseas on 5 mission trips. Some time ago Robert spoke at a Christian crusade. Men carried him in his wheelchair to the platform. Someone laid his Bible in his lap. His stiff fingers opened up the pages and people wept in open admiration. Robert could of asked for sympathy or pity, but he did just the opposite. He held his bent hand in the air and prayed this prayer.. "My Father in heaven, thank You for Your grace. I have no complaints for You have given me everything I need for happiness!" His shirts may be held together by Velcro, but his life is held together by a joy filled freedom beyond compare!

From The Applause of Heaven - Max Lucado - Pgs. 6-7