Saturday, March 1, 2008

Real Love Changes People


I was going through some old emails and found this awesome story by Max Lucado. I sure hope it touches you as deeply as it touched me.

...Three things will last forever—faith, hope, and love—and the greatest of these is love.


When Catherine Lawes' husband, Lewis, became the warden on Sing Sing prison in 1921, she was a young mother of three daughters. Everybody warned her never to step foot inside the walls. But she didn't listen to them. When the first prison basketball game was held, in she went, three girls in tow, and took a seat in the bleachers with the inmates.


When she heard that one convicted murderer was blind, she taught him Braille so he could read. Upon learning of inmates who were hearing impaired, she studied sign language so they could communicate. For sixteen years Catherine Lawes softened the hard hearts of the men of Sing Sing.


The prisoners knew something was wrong when Lewis Lawes didn't report to work. Quickly the word spread that Catherine had been killed in a car accident. The following day as the acting warden took his early morning walk, he noticed a large gathering at the main gate. Every prisoner pressed against the fence. Eyes awash with tears. Faces solemn. No one spoke or moved.

The warden made a remarkable decision. “All right, men, you can go. Just be sure to check in tonight.” These were America's hardest criminals. But the warden unlocked the gate for them, and they walked without escort or guard to the home of Catherine Lawes to pay their last respects. And to a man, each one returned.

Real love changes people. Didn't God's love change you? Weren't you, like the prisoner, blind? You couldn't see beyond the grave. You couldn't see your purpose in life until he showed you. And you couldn't hear either. You'd never heard of such love and kindness, and you never would have heard of it, but God spoke in your language. And, most of all, he set you free. You are free! Free to run away. Free to harden your heart. But you don't. Or if you do, you come back. Why?


Because you've never been loved like this before.



7 comments:

Tonya said...

Susan, You ALWAYS BLESS me with each post! I'm just so thankful we're now "blogging together." ;-)

Yes, Jordan & I were texting each other last night. He's so cute.. He even wished Link a "happy birthday." You are DEFINITELY going to have to learn to text. Come on Susan, YOU CAN DO IT!! ;-)

Amy S. said...

Another enjoyable post...I love waiting for your next post to read. :) Always an inspiration my new blogging friend!

Love and Hugs..

Kelley said...

What a great message! I am so thankful that God led me to your blog, it encourages and blesses me each time I read it!

~~Kelley

Faithful Froggers said...

BEAUTIFUL! Your words are so powerful, Susan, and you minister to so many. You always make me think a little deeper - thank you! :)

Hope you are having a wonderful weekend!

Love & FROG,
Heather

Susannah said...

A beautiful story, Susan. You're such an encouragement in the blogosphere.

Blessings! e-Mom :~D

lori said...

I have NEVER heard this and oh my I'm typing through the tears...
What a life and what a lesson....you inspired me on Sunday night...into the week!!
One of my favorite places to hang out!!
you blessed me.....again!!
hugs,
lori

Heather said...

Powerful story. Thanks for sharing it Susan!