This Palm Sunday, March 24, my daughter Rochelle will celebrate her 52nd birthday. She was born with a myriad of problems and we were told to put her in an institution and forget about her and get on with our lives. How I had longed for this baby girl and never for a moment did I think she wasn’t a gift.
The advice of that pediatrician was harsh, in keeping with the times, but unthinkable. I would not leave her orphaned; I would not give her up. When I decided to follow Jesus I knew without a word of a doubt He would be at my side. I knew He would help and guide me. I had no idea what we would encounter, what barriers would be presented, what hurdles we would need to jump. But I believed that Jesus does not make junk and that all life has value and we would do whatever was needed to support her life.
Her birth for me was the triumphant entry into my life path of following Jesus. Rochelle began my Holy week and my commitment to caring for her in the best way I knew how. I knew that with the power of the Holy Spirit and the assistance of my beliefs we would succeed. For over 50 years we have been a team, breaking barriers and showing others what God can do if you are open. Her life has been very challenging, but she has been a leader, she has taught so many others countless lessons. She has been my greatest teacher in life. Often those considered by many in society as “bụi đời”, (less than dust is the translation) those who live undervalued by society give us the servant leaders our direction. My mother gave a poem to me many years ago that reads.
God hatH not promised skies ever blue
Flower-strewn pathways all our lives through
God hath not promised sun without rain,
Joy without sorrow, Peace without pain.
But he hath promised Strength for each day.
Rest after labour, Light for our way
Grace for all trials, Help from above
Unfailing sympathy and undying love.
Jesus tells us,
What does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul? Mark 8:36
Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. Matthew 16:24
-Grace King, CSJ Associate
Image: Tim Mossholder/Unsplash