Sunday, July 4, 2010

We will stand


This is my friend Rashanel (sorry, this is the only shot I could find, it's at the church's fall picnic). Rashanel has been going to church with me for quite sometime. She is a few years younger than me and lives around the block from the church. After the storm, one of our elder's, Charles, said that he knew Carrollton was really coming back when he saw Rashanel back in the pews. The one thing that always stands out to me is how much she LOVES Jesus. She is always showing love to others, and trying to do what it right. She helps teach Children's Church on Wednesday nights and never ever misses a Sunday morning service. She often brings younger cousins to church with her because their parents don't take them to church. In a word, Rashanel is amazing. Rashanel is also mentally handicapped. While many would consider her the "weakest" member who had the least to offer, Carrollton would simply not be the same without her. She is indispensable. What a great illustration of 1 Cor. 12.

This morning Rashanel asked to sit with me and I was honored. She doesn't always know the words to the songs (and I'm pretty sure she can't read) but she always hums along in her own way. This morning some of the young men leading worship led a song called "We will stand." The words of the song are as follows :

You're my brother, you're my sister
So take me by the hand
Together we work until He comes
There's no foe that can defeat us
When we're walking side by side
As long as there is love we will stand.


As we began to sing the song Rashanel reached over and insisted on holding my hand through the song. I am so blessed to have a sister like her to remind me what it means to love the Lord with all your heart. I pray that you have someone like her in your church family who blesses you as much as Rashanel blesses me. And it really is true you know, as long as there is love we will stand.

3 comments:

Katelyn said...

Shannon, I miss you. It's as simple as that. I am so glad that the Lord is providing for you in so many ways. I miss you so much and it sounds like you're doing well!

Katelyn said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Kirk said...

Rashanel and those who "appear" weaker helps me keep a better and more Christlike perspective on what we're really about. Thank you for your thoughts.