The Parable of Jeremiah Steepek

The following story appeared on Facebook last week. I was deeply touched when I read it, and shared it, as did some of my friends. By the end of the day, the story had disappeared. Links to the original were broken. I consulted my good friend Google, and saw a lot of controversy over whether or not the story was true. Apparently, someone had discovered that the photograph attached to the story supposedly depicting Pastor Jeremiah Steepek was in fact a picture of a homeless man in London that was posted at flickr.com. 

People seemed upset that there might not have actually been a pastor named Jeremiah Steepek  and that the whole story was made up. Ironic, since the story discussed Christian principles in action, and Jesus most commonly taught his followers through parables (or made up stories that weren't true in order to illustrate Truth). 

I am re-posting the parable of Pastor Jeremiah Steepek, because I think it's worth reading and taking to heart. I hope it will touch your heart as it did mine.

For God So Loved...

adapted from "heart" by seyed mostafa zamani

God loved the world so much that he gave...  And he continues to give today.

I was thinking about God's gifts today, and about how he gives. "Not as the world giveth..."  When God speaks his word, it is "forever settled in heaven".

I'm Sorry

Free Dirty Forgotten Sad Child by Pink Sherbert Photography

I'm Sorry: The Lost Art of Apology

I was thinking about cousin Danny today. Danny isn't really a cousin, and his parents weren't really our aunt and uncle, but it was what we grew up calling them. Aunt Betty was actually the adopted daughter of my father's brother Bill. (I will confess I'm on shaky territory here, my sister, Pam is the family historian, but I think I have that right.)

Tina

2012: A Year of Thanksgiving and Praise

Day 11: Today I'm Thankful for Tina

Tina is my little sister. Today is her birthday. She's a little miracle. Everyone who knows her loves her -- that is somewhat of a miracle in itself.

Tina was born 48 years ago with Down Syndrome. Momma said that when Tina was born, the doctors said she probably wouldn't live to see her 1st birthday. I guess she showed them!

Today

"Your genuine action will explain itself, and will explain your other genuine actions. Your conformity explains nothing. The force of character is cumulative."
~Ralph Waldo Emerson, Self-Reliance


I'm participating in the #Trust30 Challenge. I have committed to write something based on a prompt supplied by "an original thinker"   for 30 days.

Day Two Assignment by Liz Danzico

If ‘the voyage of the best ship is a zigzag line of a hundred tacks,’ then it is more genuine to be present today than to recount yesterdays. How would you describe today using only one sentence? Tell today’s sentence to one other person. Repeat each day.

Today I'm given a fresh opportunity to experience the magic of living authentically and loving unconditionally.

#Trust30 Day Two