OUR DAILY BREAD             Thurs., January 26, 1995
---------------

READ:  2 Samuel 9:1-13

                   SPECIAL PEOPLE

 "Be of one mind, having compassion for one another;
       love as brothers, be tenderhearted."

                   - 1 Peter 3:8

Hubert H. Humphrey, former senator, vice-president,
college professor, and family man, spoke proudly
and lovingly of his family in a television interview.
Then his eyes moistened as he recalled the birth of
a very special granddaughter with Down's syndrome.
"It happened several years ago," he said, "and do
you know, that little girl has brought more love into
our family circle than had existed before."

A few years later Humphrey died, and after the grave-
side service the family found it difficult to leave
the cemetery.  But it was this grandchild who lifted
their spirits.  "Grandpa is in heaven, not in this
casket," she said.  What a blessing that little girl
with a disability has been to the Humphrey family!

As king, David could have eliminated Saul's household
for Saul's attempts to kill him.  But he desired
instead to show favor to any living member of Saul's
family for Jonathan's sake.  When told about
Mephibosheth, who was "lame in his feet" (2 Sam. 9:3),
David showed him special kindness.  I believe his
physical condition, as well as his place in Saul's
household, brought out the best in David.

People with disabilities fulfill a unique place in
God's plan.  Let's learn from David's example.

                                -- Herbert Vander Lugt

           They will not realize right away
        The leading role they're asked to play,
          But with this child sent from above
         Comes stronger faith and richer love.

                                -- Massimilla

-------------------------------------
           THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
-------------------------------------

  People with a disability have a unique
     ability to teach us how to love.

THE BIBLE IN ONE YEAR:  Exodus 35-37

----------------------------------------------
Our Daily Bread, Copyright 1995, used by permission of
Radio Bible Class, Grand Rapids, Michigan 49555, USA.
Written permission must be obtained from RBC for any
further posting or distribution.  RBC provides a variety
of Bible resources, which are free of charge.  RBC is not
funded by any group or denomination, and support comes
voluntarily from its Members and Friends.  Write for more
information, or call 1-800-598-7221.
----------------------------------------------------------


-------------------------------------------------------
file: /pub/resources/text/Our.Daily.Bread: db950126.txt

.