I sit here today, next to one who is clearly one of my biggest life encouragers. He sharpens me. He makes me better. I think one of life’s greatest errors and omissions is we limit the ways in which we can wisen; we limit how and through whom God can speak. God speaks to me through Josh an absolute ton.
As we come to the close of this year’s Guest Writer Series, enjoy the keen insight shared by my budding 22 year old. He’s a special man with special needs, no doubt to whom God has blessed with an uncommon, contagious wisdom…
AR: “Josh, where are we starting today? Do you want to first introduce yourself?”
JOSH: “Yes. Hello, everyone. My name is Josh. Some of you don’t know me. I really like to hang out, have a great time, eat pizza, nachos, and I have a thing for inspirational quotes.”
AR: “Excellent! We can’t wait to hear. First, tell us a little more about you.”
JOSH: “So when I was a baby, I had heart surgery. And from that moment, there was a mark on my chest. I call it my ‘brave mark.’ And that’s part of how God first started to change my life. I was sick and He healed me. To me, that’s amazing grace.”
AR: “How does that make you feel?”
JOSH: “It just shows that I have this special thing with God. Like someone to talk to, to open up to, and tell him what’s really going on in my head.”
AR: “So, let’s talk about what’s in your head. You said that you have ‘a thing’ for inspirational quotes. Why don’t you share with us some of your favorites?”
JOSH: “I always say ‘Boss up,’ because it means to go for it and work hard. When you feel really tired and your body is telling you ‘no,’ you gotta get up anyway, no matter how many times it’s a no. If you boss up, you realize you can do it.”
AR: “That’s great. I know we joke about it sometimes — and you do that a lot with Uncle Mike, too, which is funny. But I love it! What’s next for us?”
JOSH: “It’s important to honor other people.”
AR: “What do you mean by honor?”
JOSH: “It means you speak of them with mad respect. You are always kind. You treat other people like they’re in your family.”
AR: “Is there anyone specific you want to honor here today?”
JOSH: “A shout out to my grandpa, Bob.”
AR: “Why him?”
JOSH: “Because we always had a special relationship. He would tease me because he loved me, even letting me sit on his lap when I was older, teasing me about how much I weigh. We were good like that.”
AR: “That’s great. So give us one more inspirational quote or encouragement.”
JOSH: “Never stop believing in yourself.”
AR: “Tell us more.”
JOSH: “It’s kind of like saying never lose faith. In God and in yourself. God will always be for you.”
AR: “What does it mean that God is ‘for’ you?”
JOSH: “He’s writing your story. And it’s not done.”
AR: “Knowing that about yourself — brave mark and all after all these years — how does that make you feel?”
JOSH: “Amazed.”
AR: “Love it, Josh. Thanks.”
JOSH: “Always.”