Foster and special-needs kids rise above their pain every summer at Skiin’ With The Galilean (SWTG).
The Christian water sports camp shines a light on beauty for everyone involved.
The beauty of hope.
Hope is in the . . .
- love of God reflected through volunteers
- water and sun dancing off inner tubes
- ZUP boards and smiling faces
Like a Lego kit, SWTG offers broken kids valuable pieces to rebuild their lives.
Three pieces that fix broken lives work well for all of us.
1. Live every day for your dream
As a volunteer boat captain, I was waiting for my group when an 11-year-old boy walked up and said, “Mr. Steve, do you remember me from last year?”
I look down, “I’m so sorry, I’m terrible with names.”
“Collin,” he said.
Then he handed me an inflatable cactus, which he was holding behind his back.
“This is for you, Mr. Steve.”
I was speechless.
An orphaned boy remembers my name and gives me a plant that thrives in desserts, endures droughts, and survives scarcity.
Wow, I’m thinking this kid is teaching me.
Why do cacti flourish in lifeless conditions?
Because they make the most out of less.
The ancient plant has made a living adapting to scarcity.
So is my buddy Collin.
In a sense, we’re all orphans dealing with our pain.
And yet we still search for hope, not just because of the brevity of life, but because of its incompleteness.
We want to find completion.
I think Collin is saying, “I want to live despite my orphanage.”
After he gives me this inflatable plant, he smiles and says, “Where’s the fishing group? I’m going fishing, and I want to catch a big bass.”
Hold onto your dream like my friend Collin.
Hold on every day, even in the desert.
You’ll get through it.
2. Seven words rise above pain
Another young boy who found beauty amid ashes is in the Bible.
The scene is a large crowd filled with wonder and amazement at Jesus.
A father, desperate for his sick son, calls out to Jesus.
“Take pity on us and help us.”
- His son often fell while struggling with seizures.
- He was burned badly and couldn’t speak.
“How long has he been like this?” asked Jesus.
“From childhood,” he answered. “But, if you can do anything . . .”
“If you can?” said Jesus.
“Everything is possible for one who believes.” Mark 9:23
These are the only seven words you ever have to know. Remember who said them.
Belief in God and his unlimited power will take you anywhere, even in the worst crisis.
Jesus emphasized this throughout his ministry.
“With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.” Matthew 19:26
SWTG volunteers look into the eyes of those suffering the loss of limbs or families and tell them good things happen if they hold onto faith.
3. Small victories lead to significant victories
My friend, Nick Vujicic, began life with one of the worst hands anyone can be dealt. No hands.
Nick was born with no hands, no arms, and no legs.
These struggles led to despair, which led to attempted suicide.
But Nick survived and didn’t give up because he put his faith in Jesus and pursued a deep spiritual life.
He believed God had a plan for no arms and no legs.
Yes, he was afraid he’d never . . .
- be loved
- care for himself
- have a family
Yet, he began speaking to groups at school and church about the impact of small victories.
He clung to the words, “Everything is possible for one who believes.”
And then, at 19, he spoke to schoolmates about how to overcome any disability.
Soon, he spoke at other schools and churches.
He chalked up his accounting degree at 21.
Today, his company, Life Without Limits, reaches a worldwide audience.
Nick has written, led, and achieved . . .
- 8 books in 52 languages
- rallies to millions in 52 countries
- a happy marriage with 4 children
His favorite rules are . . .
- If you can’t get a miracle, become one.
- Imagine, every day, what is possible.
- Wishing for change changes nothing.
- Good choices change everything.
What are your maxims for turning pain into beauty?
Pain…. So much of it…. A friend is dying… How to turn that into something beautiful?… And other pain… How to do the same? Thanks for this question, Steve
The last words my father told me when he was dying were directed toward endurance. “Steve, you are the youngest and you’ve got to hold it together.” He said that because the foundation of his endurance was God. I think of Hebrews 11:27, “He persevered because he saw Him who is invisible.” This is “the God who gives life to the dead and calls things that are not as though they were.” Romans 4:17 All of our lives, we set the stage for our exit from this world. Thank you for sharing Jeff. I am praying for ongoing strength and faith for you and your friend.
Steve, thank you for sharing the stories of Jack, Collin and Nick (and his four rules). This is a beautiful posting and one that I will print and keep. As your wife, I am privy to daily loving encouragement and cherish you for that, just one in a bucketful of other reasons. Judy
What a special comment from the most important person in my life!