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May 13, 2008
Barry Reed - a great inspiration for all
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On the evening that we reached Casper WY, Bp. Kinner took us to one of his member' homes. The parishioner, Barry Reed, had fallen from a horse and has been confined to a wheel chair for 27 years, and remains in the same condition as was Christopher Reeve. We joined Barry in the evening prayer. There he was in his wheel chair surrounded by his loving parents who continue to care for him. When the time came for the lessons, there was Barry, in total paralysis, reading the scripture. With a special instrument he uses with his mouth, he turned the page and he read Ephesians 6. Every word was articulated and we all listened with such intent. "Put on the armour of God..." Never did I listen with such attention. The whole passage had such an impact on me.
What dedication and dignity with which Barry continued to read. I asked him if it was ok to take a picture of him and he happily consented. His parents later told us, that its God's grace that Barry is doing so well, knowing what happened to Christopher Reeve. He had only been given a couple of years to live. These saintly parents have been there beside their son ever since the accident. And great is Barry's faith! To all those who read lessons and epistles in the prayer or worship setting, can we take time to proclaim God's word and articulate it, because we are His mouthpiece?
Berry is also a great artist. You can imagine how much time it would take him per stroke. And yet he is glorifying God through his disability. To those of us for whom life seems too much to handle, Barry is an inspiration to continue on. Thanks Barry for allowing us to post this inspiring story of yours.
Posted by frleo at May 13, 2008 8:08 AM
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