A Real Life Miracle

Y'all know I love miracles.
I have seen a miracle occur in MY life (my son, who was born 16 weeks early and is now a strapping soon-to-be 13 year old!).

I love, love LOVE true, inspirational, real-life miracle stories, and love to SHARE them with you, my loyal blogger buddies.

So, it's with great delight that I introduce you to Shaun, a 29 year old who lives here in Atlanta, who, with his wife, just planted Courageous Church, a church in downtown Atlanta a couple of months ago, and is himself a living, breathing MIRACLE.

Here's the story. Enjoy!

(For more on Shaun, check out his blog, or the link to his church.)

A Beautiful Little Story About Why God Allows Suffering In Our World

The Brave Little Soul
Written by John Alessi (and borrowed from Holli's blog)
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Not too long ago in Heaven there was a little soul who took wonder in observing the world.
She especially enjoyed the love she saw there and often expressed this joy with God.
One day, however, the little soul was sad, for on this day she saw suffering in the world.
She 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?" she 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 to 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 herself. With her wings fluttering, bouncing up and down, the little soul excitedly replied, "I am brave; let me go!! I would love 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 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 her suffering and God's strength, she 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. People sent notes of encouragement. People made and brought meals to the family of the suffering. Everyone prayed. Peace and love reigned. Lives changed forever. It was good. The world was a better place. The miracle had happened.

No Such Thing as a "Hopeless" Case

.... a friend sent this video clip to me.... it's about 8 minutes long and well worth your time. They are "before and after" stories... quite a few of them. Very powerful and very touching.

So, pause the tunes on the Playlist to the right, grab a tissue and take the next few minutes to watch. Some of the stories are very simple; some are incredibly humbling and will really move you.

And remember - there's no one who is a "hopeless case" and no one who is outside the realm of God's incredible love. Miracles still happen, every single day.

I love this. It's beautiful and so inspirational.