Ok, I have a confession. When I was younger (and still now) I loved the show Touched by an Angel. I know, I know its kinda lame. Seriously lame: bad acting and lame, sappy lines. But hey, its good, family friendly television with a wholesome message. What ever happened to that? I don't know. Hard to find unless you watch the Hallmark Channel. (thats where old reruns of Touched by an Angel run in case you want to know) Anywho, as a child I totally connected with this one, specific episode. I still remember the feeling I felt when I watched it the first time.
Quick recap of the story: There is this boy with a terminal illness (cystic fibrosis I believe), he is not getting any better and his doctors don't think he will live much longer. The whole story line of touched by an angel is that these three angels (Monica, Tess, and Andrew) come down and show God's compassion and love to the suffering people in the storyline. Its sweet. So in this particular episode the three angels help this boy, his best friend, and single mother deal with the fact that the little boy probably won't get better. (so sad) They help the little boy live his last days, prepare for heaven, etc.
The point of all this is that this story was an inspiration to me as a child. The fact that God's love was shown in such a dark situation really gave me hope as a child with a chronic illness. Yes, I know the story isn't necessarily true but there are little heroes all over the world much like the boy in this story. Little heroes that have more courage in the difficult trials of life than I could ever imagine having. Even though this particular story is fictional, the moral of the story is still there. God never leaves us. He provides the strength and courage we need to persevere. He also provides the love and compassion of others to help us along. He is so willing to help us through the dark moments if we just let him.
I really encourage you to watch the next two videos. They are two clips of my favorite parts from this episode I described. One has Wynonna Judd singing a song in the final scene of the show. The words to this song are so powerful. I posted them below. The next is another clip to kind of explain the episode and another song with encouraging lyrics. I know the acting is not so hot but just the message is so sweet. I pretty much cry everytime I see it (in a good way).
Well there is my embarrassing confession. Admit it, you like it too. You can't help but like Monica...with that accent and all. I think its Scottish? or British? who knows.
Lyrics
For as long as I shall live
I will testify to love
I'll be a witness in the silence
when words are not enough
With every breath I take
I will give thanks to God above
For as long as I shall live
I will testify love.
I want to testify love. To be a witness in the silences when words are not enough. That should be my life mission. To show love and compassion to every person. Always keep the little ones (and their families) of the world that fight a terminal illness in your prayers. They are my heroes. Happy Sunday!
