Memory Monday: Amazing Love

He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.
-Psalms 147:3

Growing up in my home was always an interesting experience. My parents were firm believers in 'if everyone does their part there will be no more hurting people.'  This roughly translated into having a houseful of people who society had given up on.  It sometimes presented some very funny situations;  It always proved the great healing power of love.

People would come into our home emotionally, physically and spiritually tied into knots. They would leave after a few months restored with a sound mind. These were people who society and doctors had thrown up their hands with and said, "No hope!" And yet, when these 'hopeless' cases came in contact with the awesome power of God's love, there emerged hope and as a result there was restoration.

It would take several hours to recount all the amazing stories of changed lives, but one in particular jumped into my mind this morning. His name was Colin. He was in his early twenties and his heart had been broken into a million splintered pieces. As a result, his body slowly folded up into a pretzel styled puzzle piece. He lost control of bodily functions and constantly smelled of urine. He came to our home in this condition. 

I was around 7 years old. Colin loved to hobble his way to wherever I was at the moment and sit next to me. He couldn't talk. He would just sit, all twisted up, next to me. I would chatter away to him about whatever I was doing at the moment. If he had an accident and the smell of urine became too intense, I would let my folks know. 

My mom and dad prayed over him daily. He was in our morning devotions. He ate with us. He sat in church with us. His voice came back to him. He prayed to forgive those who had broken his heart and we watched as the splinters slid back in place. One by one, each shattered piece aligned itself to the next and a new heart began to emerge. 

As the days turned into weeks, his body did a most extraordinary thing. His arms slowly twisted back into their original shape. His neck and shoulders straightened up. With each new day, his contorted fingers relaxed and spread out.  He no longer sat catatonic next to me, he would talk incessantly and tell me of his dreams for the future. When he stood up to leave my side, he stood straight and tall.

He came into our home crippled and broken. When he left our home, he walked out with a firm step and hope for the future. What amazing medication was used for this transformation? There was no other salve than the amazing love of God!