In my job, I have the privilege of listening to students process what they believe about the world we live in and the theological concepts that make up the framework of Christianity. This week’s lessons were mostly about the life and work of Jesus Christ. We established the historicity of his life, death, and resurrection and talked about how people have to choose whether or not to believe the facts (Josh McDowell or Lee Strobel style) and then a subsequent decision related to the effect on daily life is necessary. We focused more on this second decision in a class discussion yesterday. So if Jesus saved us from our sins and is coming back, how does that change my life today?
There was a moment when my first class period of juniors finished the discussion and were working on a reading assignment in small groups when one group asked me a question related to the significance of this topic. “Can you imagine what it would be like if students and staff at this school lived their daily lives as an encounter with the risen Jesus?” I responded. I watched a student’s eyes grow wide, “That would be incredible.” She got it. This Jesus thing is supposed to radically change us. I should look different – more like Jesus – the more I live in light of this resurrected Savior.
The second class period took a different turn as one of the students had written on an assignment her concern about Jesus being our protector but Christians still got physically hurt all the time. I brought this up after we spent some time talking about Jesus’ relevance today. Knowing all the students well enough, I told them we could use my accident as an example. “I’m paralyzed. Did Jesus protect me?” A couple students piped up quickly pointing out that it could have been worse: “You could have died,” or “You could have been paralyzed from the neck down.” Several students were uncomfortable with that and one articulated that you can always find a way for it to be worse until the person is dead so what good does that line of reasoning do? Another kid brought up the distinction between physical and spiritual protection. I was so excited to listen to one student describe how I was not protected physically, but there was certainly room to see that I had been protected spiritually – namely that I came through this experience with a stronger faith. Across the room another student who has heard me talk about my accident more than most commented that she’s listened to me say that this experience has been one of the greatest catalysts for growth in my faith.
A different student who was in my class before my accident began a little timidly, “Well, having known you before your accident, I can say that you’re a lot less pretentious now than before, and you’re much more passionate about your faith.”
Praise. The. LORD.
I laughed when she said that, and grinned as several other students from my freshman English class nodded and murmured affirmations. How beautiful – these kids have seen Jesus transform my life in the last two years. The conversation shifted again as students began to articulate ideas about how we grow closer to Jesus and he protects us spiritually but we don’t have easy lives. Some students articulated frustration with the difficulties we face – both spiritually and physically – but we concluded there was value in pursuing answers while recognizing limits in our understanding.
I left that class period and was went to therapy shortly after. Anja and I had an hour to work together, and I related to her my excitement about my students’ learning. I was still riding the high of such a successful lesson, so I was eager to share with her. When I got to the part about a student telling me I’d become a better person, she asked me if I thought that was true from my perspective.
Definitely.
I love what that kid identified because it’s a practical application of my “humbled not humiliated” mantra way back in REHAB. Paul writes in Philippians 2 that Jesus as a human Jesus humbled himself to the point of death – he wasn’t concerned about his physical needs as much as his spiritual example. Now, to be fair, Jesus took good care of his body too – and that’s something that Anja and I talked about as well. I’m more concerned about my spiritual protection – my soul is the priority – but that doesn’t mean I’m going to ignore my physical care. I take seriously the work I do in physical therapy and the exercises I have at home. I want to be holistically healthy – body and soul – so I’ll keep working hard to encounter the risen Jesus every day while simultaneously putting hard work into my ongoing physical rehabilitation.
I’m really fortunate that I’ve got a PT like Anja who helps with the ongoing physical stuff – each week, we’re building on the work I do with Margot and what I do at home by myself. Yesterday we had another hour session, and I was looking forward to another experience standing stacked and flat footed. After nearly 45 minutes of preparation (and deep conversation), Anja turned me to face the therapy bank and had me stand up. My left ankle wasn’t as excited about the venture as I was, but we spent several minutes shifting my weight over my feet while Anja held me safe. I was protected. Every time Anja or Margot ask me to do something scary, I know they will protect me. Just like the relationship I had with Alex back in REHAB or when I practice walking with Hunter, I know these people will protect me physically, but there’s still a risk and a tiny bit of fear involved.
When it comes to my soul, I’m secure. There is no fear because I am protected in a different way. I’ve had people ask me about my faith in a God who could miraculously heal me but hasn’t, and nothing has shaken my faith in that God. Every question has brought me closer to this very real Jesus who I get to encounter daily and learn more about for the rest of my life. He is infinite, and I have eternity to learn the mysteries of why I still need braces and catheters today. It doesn’t mean I’ll need them tomorrow, and I’m still asking God to miraculously restore all function to me. I’d like it today, but I’ll take it whenever it comes. It’s a complex issue, and it shouldn’t have an easy answer. My soul is protected, and I’m working hard to be responsible with my body as it continues to recover.
