I’m writing this post as I sit in the midst of another one of our weekly Dessert Nights™ - every Sunday all of our friends get together and enjoy each other’s company, desserts included on occasion. As I look around, I am struck with a sense of gratitude for each and every one of the people present. I have learned that I come to know Christ through the people around me - they teach me something new about Him with every interaction.
As they joke about future podcast ideas and Kadin’s adventures as a teenager, I am reminded of a poem I wrote back in October 2022, inspired by the story of the paralytic and his four friends. FUN FACT: James W McConkie III gave a talk about the very same subject a few weeks later in general conference! Here’s the link - he explains it all a lot better than I ever could.
https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/general-conference/2022/10/26mcconkie?lang=eng
But yeah. Here’s this week’s poem. Enjoy.
A sick man.Â
Four desperate friends.Â
A crowded house.ÂOutside - Chaos. Bodies pressing in. Ears straining to hear even a snippet of the Master's wisdom.Â
Inside - Healing. Peace. Hope.
How can we get him in? There is no way.ÂA fiery debate ensues among the Four, attempting to find any solution, any way to save their beloved friend.Â
A spark of an idea pops and begins to glow - the only way in is down, through the roof.It's backbreaking work, getting him up the stairs.Â
Sweat stings their eyes,Â
Muscles scream at the strain they have endured all day.
And yet, they continue on, his Four faithful friends, because they know what's inside.Â
Healing. Peace. Hope.Â
As they lower him down, praying with all their might for Jesus of Nazareth to do something, anything, Christ, the Redeemer of the World, sees their faith.He sees their sweat-streaked faces
He sees their trembling musclesÂ
He sees their eyes, filled with worry and love for their friend,ÂAnd He smiles.Â
Six simple words,
"Son, thy sins be forgiven thee"And their friend is whole again.
They glorify God and run home to celebrate, four turned five, his now unused bed bouncing between themWhat do I learn from this?Â
Let me respond with a question.ÂWhat am I willing to do for my friends, because of my faith in the Master Healer?Â
And another:Â
If I was sick of palsy, would my friends be willing to let me down through the roof?
I pray that we all search for the Four and that we strive to be one of the Four ourselves.Â
Bring your friend to Christ.Â
Let Him heal them.
Then, as miraculous as it may seem, I promise you will find yourself healed as well.Â
Love you all dearly, my sweet ladies and gents.
Have a great week. Don’t procrastinate your homework.
Live laugh love.
Angie