Desperate Prayer On A Napkin
“Show me your purpose for me at Tech, and on this earth. But, if you choose not to, I will still praise you and walk where you lead, not because I am selfless, or holy, or ‘determined to sacrifice myself to do what is right’ but because you are the delight of my heart and I cannot live without you.” This prayer was written by Lauren McCain shortly before she was killed by a gunman at Virginia Tech on April 16, 2007. Her legacy of kindness has challenged countless people to become much more compassionate.
A few years ago I spent two weeks on a spiritual journey that included a number of nights spent in a monastery at Iona, Scotland. One room contained prayers written on napkins and post it notes and pieces of maps. Left by people from all around the world, one stood out to me. Quietly I jotted down its few words, “Dear God, I hope I live a long time. Please help my brother.” It was simply signed, “Alex.”
Popular speeches in our country often make reference to the ubiquitous scripture from the book of Chronicles, “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray… I will heal their land.”
The words make a beautiful promise that suggests that God accomplishes his purposes in cooperation and partnership with praying people. For depth and meaning and as examples to follow, Alex and Lauren get my vote.
There is a wonderful story about a man named Mr. Smith who was rushing to catch the subway when he and another man knocked over a cart of apples a young boy was selling. The other man kept going but Mr. Smith turned back to pick up the apples when he realized the boy was blind.
Slowly, one by one he picked up the apples and polished them on the sleeve of his suit. Placing them in the basket, he then handed the boy a ten dollar bill and walked towards the platform to wait for the subway.
A few minutes later he felt a tug on his shirt. Turning to see the young boy with tears in his eyes, the child then asked, “Mister, is your name Jesus?”
Perhaps today we can pause and give thanks and remember the sacrifices of countless men and women who have lived at the level of outstanding and contributed to our lives. Then may we understand that the greatest contribution any of us can make is to contribute beyond our own lives in a way that leaves the world a better place than we found it.
