CHRISTIAN FAITH FOREMOST: TERRI SHIAVO’S FAMILY
J. Grant Swank, Jr.
As Terri was true to her Christian convictions, so her family has sought to be true to their faith.
The circumstances have been most trying. The watching world can fill in all the emotional blanks they want to and then some. However, the truth is that no one but the Shivao family will fully understand the trial that has been put upon them for months, indeed years. Therefore, for persons outside the family to state that they understand is to confess the naïve. No one understands unless he experiences first-hand, personally the trial.
Through this complicated morass the Shiavos have journeyed — in Christian faith. Therefore, it is not surprising to believers to hear them confess their loyalty to the Christ even after Terri left us for heaven’s sake. Consequently, I was encouraged immensely in hearing this evening’s news relate once again the underpinning of the family’s sanity — their reliance on God.
In other words, not only Terri remained true to the close. Her siblings likewise have been bolstered in the faith. It is assumed that mother and father have led the way with this family in teaching them how to remain live in the heart of God.
When Terri left this world to be embraced by her Savior, Christ, family met with friends and press. In speaking to the media, they asked that faith be upheld at all costs. Terri’s brother, Bobby, for instance, requested that the world forgive any family members for ever showing during the testing anything that would have besmirched their Christian witness. He said that he asked for the world to have mercy upon the Shiavos if they ever exhibited anything that "did not honor our faith."
What a simple testimony, yet powerful in its clarity. While Terri’s husband, Michael, derides the Christian faith, for years having persecuted his wife Terri for her allegiance to the Savior, the Shiavos stand in sharp contrast. It’s light versus darkness once again.
Michael represents unbelievers who maintain a hostility against believers, considering them simpletons duped in their religion. Shiavos on the other hand stand strong in their belief that God is Supreme, thus deserving our best, especially through times of severe trial.
To the media, Bobby spoke as if speaking to his sister who had left him moments earlier for Christ’s side. Bobby said: "As a member of our family unable to speak for yourself, you spoke loudly. We know that God loves you more than we do. You must accept your untimely death as God's will."
There are times when a brief witness is stronger than volumes. With those childlike utterances, Bobby gave forth the gospel message in real time, in real life. Thank you, Shiavos, for your unwavering Christian testimony in particularly anguishing times.
May God uphold you in your faith — strong and sterling.
As Terri was true to her Christian convictions, so her family has sought to be true to their faith.
The circumstances have been most trying. The watching world can fill in all the emotional blanks they want to and then some. However, the truth is that no one but the Shivao family will fully understand the trial that has been put upon them for months, indeed years. Therefore, for persons outside the family to state that they understand is to confess the naïve. No one understands unless he experiences first-hand, personally the trial.
Through this complicated morass the Shiavos have journeyed — in Christian faith. Therefore, it is not surprising to believers to hear them confess their loyalty to the Christ even after Terri left us for heaven’s sake. Consequently, I was encouraged immensely in hearing this evening’s news relate once again the underpinning of the family’s sanity — their reliance on God.
In other words, not only Terri remained true to the close. Her siblings likewise have been bolstered in the faith. It is assumed that mother and father have led the way with this family in teaching them how to remain live in the heart of God.
When Terri left this world to be embraced by her Savior, Christ, family met with friends and press. In speaking to the media, they asked that faith be upheld at all costs. Terri’s brother, Bobby, for instance, requested that the world forgive any family members for ever showing during the testing anything that would have besmirched their Christian witness. He said that he asked for the world to have mercy upon the Shiavos if they ever exhibited anything that "did not honor our faith."
What a simple testimony, yet powerful in its clarity. While Terri’s husband, Michael, derides the Christian faith, for years having persecuted his wife Terri for her allegiance to the Savior, the Shiavos stand in sharp contrast. It’s light versus darkness once again.
Michael represents unbelievers who maintain a hostility against believers, considering them simpletons duped in their religion. Shiavos on the other hand stand strong in their belief that God is Supreme, thus deserving our best, especially through times of severe trial.
To the media, Bobby spoke as if speaking to his sister who had left him moments earlier for Christ’s side. Bobby said: "As a member of our family unable to speak for yourself, you spoke loudly. We know that God loves you more than we do. You must accept your untimely death as God's will."
There are times when a brief witness is stronger than volumes. With those childlike utterances, Bobby gave forth the gospel message in real time, in real life. Thank you, Shiavos, for your unwavering Christian testimony in particularly anguishing times.
May God uphold you in your faith — strong and sterling.
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