BE MIGHTY

Michael and I put together this little write up about William to include with a t-shirt when we give one out.  Many of his friends have them, but we also hand them out sometimes to people we meet - usually when we're wearing the shirts and they want to know the meaning behind them.  I did not think to include the write up with all of the shirts because his friends already know his story.  But, just in case anyone wants to read it, here it is.  (*If you want to give a shirt to someone and want a hard copy to give out, just let me know!)

William was a cheerful, loving boy who changed our lives for 8 ½ years.  Though we did not know it at his birth, William had a rare genetic disorder, which caused his body to attack itself with illness.  At 7 months old, he caught RSV and pneumonia.  With that illness, his hearing was lost completely.  He continued to struggle with respiratory illness, needing a hospital on average of every 3 months.  At age 2 ½, he lost his eyesight.  William never walked independently, and at age 6, the nerves in his legs died, eventually moving him into a wheelchair.

Through all of his trials, he was ever joyful.  He loved life.  He loved people.  He loved attention and was grateful for his friends.  He was an appreciative, giving child who brought so much joy to those around him.  He never complained about his lot, but he looked forward to being strong.  He loved strong things…his horse, Hulk, dinosaurs.  One of his favorite shirts was his “BE MIGHTY” shirt.  He knew one day he would be strong and do mighty things.  And he is.

William passed into the arms of Jesus in October 2015.  He is missed mightily.  He changed our family in a mighty way, teaching us patience and joy in trials.  Teaching us to love in all circumstances.  Teaching us to look for the good in others.  Teaching us to happily serve others. 

It was William’s love for The Right Path and his friends there that caused us to reopen the ministry after Leslie retired and we remember his joyful service as we operate The Right Path and continue the ministry there.  A fund was created in William’s honor so that all who participate in equine therapy can do so free of charge.  It is our desire to carry on his legacy by living mightily.  William loved Jesus and longed to be with Him.  Whenever he made yet another trip to the hospital he would ask hopefully, “Momma, will I go see Jesus today?”  But he was also always ready to do the work God had for him here, looking for what he could do for others.  Though he was not physically strong, he was strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. 

How will you BE MIGHTY for the Lord today?  Will you give an infectious smile that joyfully welcomes anyone into your presence?  Will you lend a helping hand to someone in need?  Will you patiently endure the trial that God has given you?  Will you quietly trust that God is in control?  You don’t have to walk a step in your own strength to be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might, for His strength to be made manifest in your weakness.  May we all follow William’s example and BE MIGHTY!