Cody

Meet my brother, Cody!

Over the past few years I have taken on a very special mission. During this time, my favorite two weeks out of the year, I become Cody's primary caretaker. Cody is seventeen and was never supposed to live a day. He can't walk or talk, but he can melt your heart. He is an exceptional communicator despite his physical and mental disabilities.

Cody loves the Word of God! Every morning I would go into his room and say, "Heeeey Buddy!" and his whole face would light up with the biggest smile. There is nothing better than his morning smile. We would listen to some jazz while I prepared and administered his first round of medications. I would then change his clothes, put him in the lift, and get him out of bed and into his chair. I always paused him in midair to give him a little back scratch which would make him laugh and smile.

Once he was situated in his chair, I would turn off the music and begin reading Scripture. We worked through Hebrews, 1 John, and some Psalms over the 2 weeks. Cody is always very quiet when I read Scripture; he becomes relaxed and a dreamy smile consumes his face. It is so sweet! But even more praiseworthy is when reading something specific about Jesus Christ; Cody's face would erupt into a huge smile and a joyful noise would burst forth...Oh, at these times I would just have to stop and make a joyful noise with him.

My sanctified imagination runs wild when I think about the relationship Christ and Cody must enjoy! Do you ever think back to the time when you were saved? I am overwhelmed at the loving-kindness and perfect care I received minute by minute as a newborn babe in Christ. No one could ever care for me so tenderly.

It is a wondrous thing to look at the care being given to the body of believers in my life. Whether it is someone from my own family, or a friend, or an acquaintance, perhaps a patient of mine, or maybe even a person I do not know personally at all; it is awesome to see God's care showcased. We are all trophies of grace. We are all different; different talents, gifts, backgrounds, stories, pasts, presents, and futures...yet Christ unites us!

Believer's are united in Christ! I think that is why we love to hear Christian testimonies. "Tell us how you came to know Christ!" "When were you saved?" "What is Christ doing in your life right now?" "How's your relationship with Christ?" "Where are you growing in the Lord?" I cherish hearing the testimonies of believers...it is encouraging and praiseworthy! Christ exalting testimonies make my heart burst with all kinds of emotions that I cannot even begin to write down!

Seeing Christ being made manifest in a life is a heart-bursting blessing, too. I look with eager anticipation at how much Christ I can see in those people who have been walking with the Lord for much longer than me. Oh, how my desire is that people would see more of Christ and less of me! I am so thankful that He continues to care for me...purifying me from the inside out!

And the way He uses others to accomplish His will! Is there a better blessing than to be used by God to share the Gospel or to minister to a brother or sister in need? Can I love my friends and family members anymore than when God uses them in my own life to encourage me, to love me, or to sanctify me?!

Cody has touched the lives of many people and I know that God continues to use him to bring glory unto Himself. I praise God for the care He gives Cody. I praise God that Cody will one day be perfect physically, mentally, and spiritually, just as all God's children will be! I cannot wait to hear the testimony of Christ in Cody's life from Cody...I just know it is going to blow me away!!!

Titus 3:4-7 (New International Version)
[W]hen the kindness and love of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us generously through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that, having been justified by his grace, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life.