Have you heard of Temple Grandin? While in Graduate school, a respected professor lovingly shared Temple’s testimony in one of my classes… And friends, it impacted me immensely! Temple was often labeled by those around her as “different.” She was viewed by most through the lens of disability, versus her gifts and ability. She was often tolerated but not appreciated. As well as dismissed instead of engaged. And yet, despite all of the feedback given to her, she refused to define Autism as a burden,…but instead received it as a gift. One of her frequent encouragements to peers was to observe her as “different, but not less.” An important perspective that speaks so boldly of God’s wisdom and grace.
“I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.”
Psalm 139:14
By God’s Grace, Temple was given a teacher in high school, William Carlock, who truly appreciated her uniquenesses. He celebrated her joys and was an encouragement when she weeped. He was forgiving and tender-hearted, as well as corrected with gentleness and respect. His commitment was to the journey, and that humbleness grew them both. So very often, our busy lifestyles tend to promote a “glance” mindset of knowing someone, instead of “gazing.” We would rather take a synopsis of a person’s abilities versus digging-in, listening, and learning from them. Immediate gratification is generally valued over commitment, and test scores are often prioritized in lieu of God’s Word. It’s apparent that so many of us settle for the snapshot mentality, and miss the blessing of the portrait.
It is always possible to be thankful for what is given rather than to complain about what is not given. One or the other becomes a habit of life.
Elisabeth Elliot
Friends, Temple’s story reminds us that having a different perspective (than that of the world’s) is important. For this reason, we need to abandon our short-sighted spectacles and spend time in God’s Word. It’s there in the Bible where we are gifted God’s perspective. And when we spend time in community, we get to witness God’s Word at work. Every person we meet and every circumstance we encounter gets filtered through the lens of the Gospel. And Gals, we need the Gospel!… So let’s grab those Bibles, dig into community, and seek His perspective in all things! 👓♥️
Love, Mer
Additional Resources:
Here Elisabeth Elliot shares a different perspective which encourages all who listen to trust snd be thankful…no matter what our feelings may say…for God is good and always in control. Elisabeth Elliot’s “Will vs Feelings:” https://youtu.be/LITXT7NCZZE 🎙
A Biblical perspective regarding justice and reconciliation: https://www.centerforbiblicalunity.com/resources
A Biblical perspective regarding Afghanistan (prayer): https://mamabearapologetics.com/7-prayers-afgh/
“Suffering is not for nothing” by Elisabeth Elliot, video 1… “Gratitude:” https://youtu.be/2zcBO3EsZBY
Joel Kramer and Sean McDowell discuss Archeology and the Bible: https://youtu.be/A_k4noV95kk
“How do I get through this?” Katherine and Jay Wolf – suffering through the Biblical lens of God’s wisdom, love, and faithfulness: https://youtu.be/bEW5sbMcY3k
Perspective- An average 2021 Christian woman talks with a first century Christian woman: https://youtu.be/7Zrve6NMWxk
CS Lewis provided a Biblical perspective of love in his book, The Four Loves. Here are a few short Doodles/videos regarding our need for God’s Agape Love :
#Gospelglasses #HisPerspective #HisGrace #community
Hold Fast 