Dear Timothy,
The day is soon coming when you will realize that you are different. This is a very important day, because at that moment you will take the first step toward either loving or hating the God who made you that way. If you choose the path of humility and joy, your fruit will be perseverance, character, and hope; and hope does not disappoint. But if you turn away and walk the path of bitterness, you will reap loneliness and tears.
Before you make your choice, consider Who made you. God knit you together in my womb; you are fearfully and wonderfully made; wonderful are His works. Your heavenly Father created you in just the way that would bring Him the most glory. Your weakness is His strength. Consider that you are in the company of one of the greatest of God's servants: the apostle Paul. He, too, had a thorn in his flesh - used by the Lord to humble him, so that a path could be cleared for Him to show His mighty power and grace. Timothy, I continually pray that you would have the attitude of Paul, when he wrote, "Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong."
Know too, my son, that this life is short; trust in the Lord, and before you know it, you will have a brand new body, free from sin, pain, and suffering. As you rejoice before your Maker for all eternity, you will understand that this life is a vapor. Spend it giving, living, and loving. Turn away from self-pity and cultivate a heart of compassion. Do not let anyone look down on you, but set an example in speech, life, love, faith, and purity.
When others stare, jeer, ask hard questions, put down, ignore, leave you out, and tempt you to doubt God's goodness, turn it into an opportunity to declare His marvellous works. Proclaim how He intervened to save your earthly life on Christmas 2009. Tell others how he has sustained you and given you each breath. Be bold, as Paul was bold. Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with a blessing. Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you. Bless and do not curse. Do not answer a fool according to his folly, or you will become like him. Have the same attitude of Christ, who, in His deepest moment of agony, prayed Father forgive them, for they know not what they do. Remember, like Joseph, that what the Enemy meant for evil, God intended for good.
Never for one moment doubt that you are any less loved, valued, or wanted because you are different. For some reason, God chose your father and I to have the awesome and overwhelming task of shepherding you toward Him. Be patient with us, as we too are weak, flawed, selfish sinners, fully dependent on our Savior for each moment. Live by our example of helplessness before Him, as He is a very present help in time of trouble.
Timothy, this is my prayer for you. I love you.
John 9:3
