Some people have objected to the use of the word "Handicapped" in our name. It's not "politically correct" is what we are told. Political correctness
is not what we are after here and we've held this name for many years before it became objectionable. We are working to help each of you become
en-abled, rather than dis-abled. What difference does a word make? A rose by any other name...?
Here is what Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary has to say about the origin and meaning of the word Handicap:
Etymology: obsolete English handicap, a
game in which forfeit money was held in a cap, from hand in cap
1 a : a race or contest in which an artificial advantage is given or
disadvantage imposed on a contestant to equalize chances of winning b : an
advantage given or disadvantage imposed usually in the form of points,
strokes, weight to be carried, or distance from the target or goal
2 a : a disadvantage that makes achievement unusually difficult b sometimes
offensive : a physical disability
Somehow over the course of time "handicapped" has come to mean something ugly, and almost dirty. Only when it refers to people, however.
Did you know that when a racing horse is a consistent winner he is made to carry extra weights in each race in order to give the other horses
a chance to win. This is called "handicapping". This life is a race. How you run it is what counts. Some people have to carry heavier burdens than
others. I figure God allowed it to happen because He knew they were winners and that it wouldn't stop them from running this race and giving their
utmost in doing it! Are you a winner in spite of your burdens?
To become a "Real Winner", to achieve "Real Healing", you need a Great Physician and "True Rehabilitation"!
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True Rehabilitation
"Who is a God like you, who pardons sin and forgives the transgression of
the remnant of his inheritance? You do not stay angry forever but delight
to show mercy." - Micah 7:18
In 1973, the U.S. Congress passed the Rehabilitation Act. Congress found
that millions of Americans had one or more physical or mental disability
and the number of Americans with such disabilities was increasing. They
also found that individuals with disabilities constituted one of the most
disadvantaged groups in society and that disability is a natural part of
the human experience.
The Act was designed to rehabilitate broken lives, giving people
purposeful meaning to life again. The Act's goal is to return respect for
individual dignity, personal responsibility, self-determination, and
pursuit of meaningful careers by individuals with disabilities. The Act
has numerous programs such as technology training, alcohol counseling and
low interest loan programs for the disabled. The Act also calls for public
information and education concerning medical, psychiatric, psychological,
and social disabilities.
Though the Rehabilitation Act is widespread and far-reaching, it can not
take away the brokenness that sin has brought to every life. Laws cannot
restore shattered human hearts. Only Jesus Christ can heal and restore
lives. True rehabilitation to God is accepting Christ's death on the cross
for the payment of sins. Following the Lord is the only true way for
rehabilitation.
The story of the Bible is the restoration of man to God. It isn't found in
the law, it if found in the person of Christ. Are you seeking forgiveness
in Christ? Today in prayer, thank Christ that He came to forgive us of our
sins and to restore us to fellowship with God.
"I will not glory because I am
righteous, but because I am redeemed; not
because I am clear of sin, but because my sins are forgiven." - Ambrose of
Milan
God's Word: "In those days, at that time," declares the Lord, "search will
be made for Israel's guilt, but there will be none, and for the sins of
Judah, but none will be found, for I will forgive the remnant I spare." -
Jeremiah 50:20
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In June 1969, Bob Wieland was a medic in Viet
Nam. When a fellow soldier
fell wounded, Bob raced to his aid, only to step on a booby-trapped mortar
round. The explosion sent his torso in one direction and his legs in
another. In one horrifying moment, he went from a 6-foot, 205-pound
athlete to a 2-foot, 10-inch, 87-pound casualty.
He now jokes that "It almost ruined my day."
Through the long weeks of recuperation, Bob
realized that the Lord had a
purpose for his life. He found that purpose as both an athlete and a
motivational speaker. As a weightlifter, he has a personal best of 507
pounds. He has also become a distance runner, walking on his hands. He has
finished several marathons and, in 1982, crossed America to Washington
D.C. See Pictures of Bob
HERE!
"It's always important to rely on God's
strength," he said. "His strength
is made perfect in weakness. God wants us to rely on him, rather than
ourselves."
As a motivational speaker, he challenges his
audience saying, "Maybe
there's some obstacles in your life tonight. The Bible tells us to cast
all your cares upon the Lord. I look to the Lord to guide and direct my
every step."
View
a clip of Bob HERE!
The Lord is faithful and will guide our every step. But we must be strong
and rely on Him. Is there something causing you to fear? Today in prayer,
thank Christ that He is with you and He will strengthen you. Then cast all
your anxieties upon Him because He cares for you.
"So let it be in God's own might We gird us for the coming fight,
And strong in Him whose cause is ours
In conflict with unholy powers,
We grasp the weapons He has given,
The Light and Truth, and Love of Heaven." - John Greenleaf Whittier
God's Word: "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be
terrified; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you
wherever you go." - Joshua 1:9
By Peter Kennedy, Copyright 1999, Devotional E-Mail
DEVOTIONS IN THE MINOR PROPHETS
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