http://mffordham.wordpress.com/2008/05/08/the-greatest-example-of-self-sacrifice/ Thoughts about living the Christian life in the real world. Thu, 22 Oct 2009 02:41:57 +0000 http://wordpress.com/ hourly 1 http://mffordham.wordpress.com/2008/05/08/the-greatest-example-of-self-sacrifice/#comment-43 mffordham Sat, 10 May 2008 02:45:12 +0000 http://mffordham.wordpress.com/?p=39#comment-43 Thank you for that very powerful word, Linda! You are so right and have put into words great examples for what I was trying to say when I wrote: "I can’t imagine what it must be like to live that selfless of a life. Yet we are called to live lives of self-sacrifice in our own unique settings in life in whatever small or large way that God’s lead us. It all begins with hearts surrendered to God then God will take care of the details." It is in our own unique settings and callings that God calls on us to have the attitude of Christ. The ways to do so are innumerable. You have given some great examples. Again, thank you for giving great examples that we can all relate to! Thank you for that very powerful word, Linda! You are so right and have put into words great examples for what I was trying to say when I wrote: “I can’t imagine what it must be like to live that selfless of a life. Yet we are called to live lives of self-sacrifice in our own unique settings in life in whatever small or large way that God’s lead us. It all begins with hearts surrendered to God then God will take care of the details.” It is in our own unique settings and callings that God calls on us to have the attitude of Christ. The ways to do so are innumerable. You have given some great examples. Again, thank you for giving great examples that we can all relate to!

]]> http://mffordham.wordpress.com/2008/05/08/the-greatest-example-of-self-sacrifice/#comment-42 Linda Wright Sat, 10 May 2008 01:14:54 +0000 http://mffordham.wordpress.com/?p=39#comment-42 You example of sacrificial living was inspirational. But I wish people would see that taking care of a sick loved one, or taking care of children so their mothers can work, serving donuts and coffee or making quilts are just as good as the example you gave. The key is the consistent striving to serve and give Christ the glory. Sister Antonia got up every day and served the prisoners. I know care takers who get up every morning and take care of a patient with Alzheimer’s or teachers who get up every day and make a difference in the lives of their students. I know people will use not living in a foreign country or not being called to a specific ministry as an excuse not to live a life of self-sacrifice. But there is great satisfaction is giving on a consistent basis. Also, stories like Sister Antonia bring notice to self-sacrificial living. But I would like to say, giving secretly is an incredible experience. It is inspiring to help people when they don’t know it. It is then, that God gets all the glory. I remember a time when Sean and I really needed money. We were praying and waiting upon the Lord. One day, when the time was exactly right (too close for my comfort!), an envelope with a cashier’s check for the amount we needed came in the mail. There was no return address and the postmark was in an area of FL that we had never heard. As much as I wanted to thank the person who sent the money, all I could do is praise God that He knows all our needs and can meet all of our needs. So, God received all the glory and thanks. I am sure that God returned the blessing to the anonymous giver in ways beyond our imagination. God Bless! You example of sacrificial living was inspirational. But I wish people would see that taking care of a sick loved one, or taking care of children so their mothers can work, serving donuts and coffee or making quilts are just as good as the example you gave. The key is the consistent striving to serve and give Christ the glory. Sister Antonia got up every day and served the prisoners. I know care takers who get up every morning and take care of a patient with Alzheimer’s or teachers who get up every day and make a difference in the lives of their students.
I know people will use not living in a foreign country or not being called to a specific ministry as an excuse not to live a life of self-sacrifice. But there is great satisfaction is giving on a consistent basis.
Also, stories like Sister Antonia bring notice to self-sacrificial living. But I would like to say, giving secretly is an incredible experience. It is inspiring to help people when they don’t know it. It is then, that God gets all the glory. I remember a time when Sean and I really needed money. We were praying and waiting upon the Lord. One day, when the time was exactly right (too close for my comfort!), an envelope with a cashier’s check for the amount we needed came in the mail. There was no return address and the postmark was in an area of FL that we had never heard. As much as I wanted to thank the person who sent the money, all I could do is praise God that He knows all our needs and can meet all of our needs. So, God received all the glory and thanks. I am sure that God returned the blessing to the anonymous giver in ways beyond our imagination. God Bless!

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