Monday, September 30, 2013

Do you know what today is?


One of our family’s favorite movies is the animated feature, Up. It is filled with moments of humorous adventure and has many beautiful pictures of love and friendship sprinkled throughout. In fact, the final scene is one of the most powerful and moving clips I’ve watched. However, you need to know some of the backstory to fully appreciate it.

Russell is a young boy scout that inadvertently became a tagalong on Carl Fredricksen’s journey to remote South America. Though they are seemingly forced into comradery by their challenging circumstances, this unlikely duo builds a very special chemistry. As the film winds down, Russell (whose dad is out of the picture) has earned a prestigious badge and it appears will go through this special pinning ceremony all alone. Enter Mr. Fredricksen…


For a moment it looks as though Russell might be the only boy to go without a representative, before Mr. Fredricksen suddenly shows up and with the simple words, “I'm here for him,” saves the day. In the clip, Carl speaks for Russell. He stands by him and with him in a statement symbolic of so much more. It is as if Mr. Fredricksen is saying, “No, he’s not alone. He is mine. I claim him. Russell is spoken for.”

Wouldn’t it be something to have that kind of impact - to be that kind of support for someone else? I mean, how awesome would it be if we could show love to the ones that stand alone - to speak up for those who can’t speak for themselves? Good news is that we can be that! We can participate in an impactful role in our world and we can get started today. Today is #SPEAKUP Day!

#SPEAKUP Day is an opportunity to bring awareness to people with Special Needs and Orphans around the world by giving them an opportunity to experience a day where the focus is on how AMAZING they are. There are various ways to get involved and take part in this special day but first hear the backstory. 

On September 30th of last year, Jay, a young man who was suffering from epilepsy, autism, and various other ailments, passed away. Jay lived on the My Life Speaks campus in Neply, Haiti for only 6 months. However, during that brief time, his life helped change the culture of that village. He went from being “that” child with issues to simply being a child in which the community came to know and love. His life reminds us all of how amazing changes can happen from the most unusual sources. Today, My Life Speaks wants to use the gift of his life as a springboard for change – for both children with Special Needs and Orphans around the globe.

My wife and I were blessed to spend some time with Jay the month before he passed. He truly had a sweet heart and an amazing story. The above picture is one of him being ornery and trying to hide from one of his friends. Our church has partnered with My Life Speaks in the past and we currently have two teams lined-up to return to Neply in November and May. You may not be able to make one of those trips but you can participate in good right where you live. Please click on the following link to learn more about this wonderful opportunity and consider how you and your family might speak up... http://www.mylifespeaks.com/speak-up-day/


I cannot watch a movie like Up or read about #SPEAKUP Day without thinking of how Jesus has loved us in this way. He is our Advocate! He stands by us, speaks for us, and says, “No, this one will not go alone for He is mine! I am with her. She belongs to me!” What a privilege it is join in Christ’s mission to reach the world through loving like Him. Though Jay has gone to be with His Father in glory, his life still speaks. May we answer the call of the Father and use our opportunity to speak up today.



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