Rejoice in the Lord ALWAYS!

"Rejoice in the Lord ALWAYS..."
Tonight I met the ultimate expression of this verse in a little boy named Jimmy. As I had the pleasure of being the night's guest in House 5 of Eden Children's Village, I asked the boys who reside there to sing a song for me. A fair skinned 6 year old-Jimmy, leapt to his feet and with a wide smile began to sing at the loudest volume his body could expel a song recalling the might of our God. His expressiveness, his passion, his exuberant dancing caught my attention. When I began sharing from Philippians 3, I maintained eye contact with the older boys of this house much of the talk. I was speaking along side my gracious brother Elliot (the house father) who kindly agreed to translate my words to the native tongue Shona. I was prepared to speak to older teens not 6 year olds! Coming to the climax of my devotion, I spoke of the unfailing love of God. I quickly caught a glimpse of my happy new friend Jimmy. Tears were pouring down his face! Following the prayer, Jimmy returned to joyful dancing as before-looking up at me with his winning smile.
I later learned Jimmy's mother was committed to a mental institution when he was born. Due to inadequate child services in Zimbabwe, Jimmy was left to wander the halls of the institution until he was two when he arrived at Eden Children's Village. Just last November, Jimmy was riding the handle bars of a friend's bike when a motorcycle crested the hill Jimmy and his friend were approaching. Jimmy suffered the full force of the racing motorcycle, plunging him headfirst into a concrete embankment. When Jimmy finally arrived at the hospital, cerebral spinal fluid was seeping from his ears. Through prayers of the staff and supporters of Eden Children's Village, Jimmy survived! Miraculously, Jimmy has no brain damage as a result of the accident! By the way, Jimmy is HIV-positive.
To those who like me, have allowed loss and abuse to cripple them with doubt, cynicism, worry, bitterness, and a fear of the future-hear the wild shout, watch the victory dance of a six year old named Jimmy and REJOICE in the God who comes to save us!
He is the boy pointing to the sky in the left corner of the picture! :)