Vol. 11 No. 05
The Informer
Lewis Memorial UMC
PO Box 14 111 W Taylor St
Calhoun City, MS 38916
Phone: 662.628.5772 Parsonage: 662.628.5467
Email: broscott@clergy.net Fax: 662.628.4294
Dr. D. Scott Wright, Pastor
www.lmumchurch.org
Stephen's Egg
It was obvious that eight-year-old Stephen's mental retardation was becoming even more severe. His Sunday school teacher did her best to include Stephen in the classroom activities and to avoid situations which might prompt his class- mates to make fun of him.
In April, she gave each of the eight children in the class an empty L'eggs pantyhose container (plastic egg) and instructed them to place inside the container an object that represented new life in spring. Fearing that Stephen might not have caught on, and not wanting to embarrass him, the teacher had the children place all the containers on the desk so that she could open them.
The first had a tiny flower in it. "What a lovely sign of new life," said the teacher. One of the students couldn't help but erupt, "I brought that one!" Next came a rock. The teacher assumed this must be Stephen's since rocks don't symbolize new life. But Billy shouted that his rock had moss on it, and moss represented new life. "Very good, Billy," agreed the teacher. A butterfly flew from the third container and another child bragged that her choice was the best of all. The fourth container was empty. This must be Stephen's, thought the teacher, quickly reaching for a different one. "Teacher, please don't skip mine," interrupted Stephen. "But it's empty, Stephen." said the teacher gently. "That's right," said Stephen, "The tomb was empty, and that represents new life for everyone."
Later that summer, Stephen's condition worsened and he died. At his funeral on his casket, mourners found eight L'eggs pantyhose containers, all of them empty.
The true story of Stephen reminds us of the hope we all have because of the resurrection of Jesus Christ.
"For as in Adam all die, so in Christ all will be made alive" (1 Cor 15:22)
Edited from More Hot Illustrations for Youth Talks by Wayne Rice. Copyright 1995 by Youth Specialties, Inc.
It is my prayer that each one of us live each day to its fullest potential because of the hope we all have in Jesus Christ! God bless you and please know what a joy it is being you Pastor and Parsonage family!
Bro. Scott, Denise, Kaelin & Ali Grace