Angie/Shinetoday's Page

Teddy Stoddard an awesome ture story

As she stood in front of her 5th grade class on the
very first day of school, she told the children an
untruth. Like most teachers, she looked at her
students and said that she loved them all the same.
However, that was impossible, because there in the
front row, slumped in his seat, was a little boy named
Teddy Stoddard.

Mrs. Thompson had watched Teddy the year before and
noticed that he did not play well with the other
children, that his clothes were messy and that he
constantly needed a bath. In addition, Teddy could be
unpleasant. It got to the point where Mrs. Thompson
would actually take delight in marking his papers with
a broad red pen, making bold X's and then putting a
big 'F' at the top of his papers.

At the school where Mrs. Thompson taught, she was
required to review each child's past records and she
put Teddy's off until last. However, when she reviewed
his file, she was in for a surprise.

Teddy's first grade teacher wrote, 'Teddy is a bright
child with a ready laugh. He does his work neatly and
has good manners... he is a joy to be around..'

His second grade teacher wrote, 'Teddy is an
excellent student, well liked by his classmates, but
he is troubled because his mother has a terminal
illness and life at home must be a struggle.'

His third grade teacher wrote, 'His mother's death
has been hard on him. He tries to do his best, but his
father doesn't show much interest, and his home life
will soon affect him if some steps aren't taken.'

Teddy's fourth grade teacher wrote, 'Teddy is
withdrawn and doesn't show much interest in school. He
doesn't have many friends and he sometimes sleeps in
class.'
By now, Mrs. Thompson realized the problem and she
was ashamed of herself. She felt even worse when her
students brought her Christmas presents, wrapped in
beautiful ribbons and bright paper, except for
Teddy's. His present was clumsily wrapped in the
heavy, brown paper that he got from a grocery bag.
Mrs. Thompson took pains to open it in the middle of
the other presents. Some of the children started to
laugh when she found a rhinestone bracelet with some
of the stones missing, and a bottle that was
one-quarter full of perfume. But she stifled the
children's laughter when she exclaimed how pretty the
bracelet was, putting it on, and dabbing some of the
perfume on her wrist. Teddy Stoddard stayed after
school that day just long enough to say, 'Mrs.
Thompson, today you smelled just like my Mom used to.

After the children left, she cried for at least an
hour. On that very day, she quit teaching reading,
writing and arithmetic. Instead, she began to teach
children. Mrs. Thompson paid particular attention to
Teddy. As she worked with him, his mind seemed to come
alive. The more she encouraged him, the faster he
responded. By the end of the year, Teddy had become
one of the smartest children in the class and, despite
her lie that she would love all the children the same,
Teddy became one of her 'teacher's pets..'

A year later, she found a note under her door, from
Teddy, telling her that she was the best teacher he
ever had in his whole life.

Six years went by before she got another note from
Teddy. He then wrote that he had finished high school,
third in his class, and she was still the best teacher
he ever had in life.

Four years after that, she got another letter, saying
that while things had been tough at times, he'd stayed
in school, had stuck with it, and would soon graduate
from college with the highest of honors. He assured
Mrs. Thompson that she was still the best and favorite
teacher he had ever had in his whole life.

Then four more years passed and yet another letter
came. This time he explained that after he got his
bachelor's deg ree, he decided to go a little further.
The letter explained that she was still the best and
favorite teacher he ever had. But now his name was a
little longer.... The letter was signed, Theodore F.
Stoddard, MD.

The story does not end there. You see, there was yet
another letter that spring. Teddy said he had met this
girl and was going to be married. He explained that
his father had died a couple of years ago and he was
wondering if Mrs. Thompson might agree to sit at the
wedding in the place that was usually reserved for the
mother of the groom. Of course, Mrs. Thompson did. And
guess what? She wore that bracelet, the one with
several rhinestones missing. Moreover, she made sure
she was wearing the perfume that Teddy remembered his
mother wearing on their last Christmas together.

They hugged each other, and Dr. Stoddard whispered in
Mrs. Thompson's ear, 'Thank you Mrs. Thompson for
believing in me. Thank you so much for making me feel
important and showing me that I could make a
difference.'

Mrs. Thompson, with tears in her eyes, whispered
back. She said, 'Teddy, you have it all wrong. You
were the one who taught me that I could make a
difference. I didn't know how to teach until I met
you.'

(For you that don't know, Teddy Stoddard is the Dr.
at Iowa Methodist in Des Moines that has the Stoddard
Cancer Wing.)

Warm someone's heart today. . . pass this along. I
love this story so very much, I cry every time I read
it. Just try to make a difference in someone's life
today? tomorrow? just 'do it'.

Random acts of kindness, I think they call it!
'Believe in Angels, then return the favor


Spicecomments.com - Christian Comments

I SAW JESUS TODAY

He was wearing blue jeans and an old shirt.
He was up at the church building;
He was alone and working hard.
For just a minute He looked a little like one of our church members.
But it was Jesus, I could tell by His smile.

I saw Jesus last Sunday.

He was teaching a Sunday School class.
He didn't talk real loud or use long words,
But you could tell He believed what He said.
For just a minute, He looked like my Sunday School teacher.
But it was Jesus, I could tell by His loving voice.

I saw Jesus yesterday.

He was at the hospital visiting my friend who was sick.
They prayed together quietly.
For just a minute He looked like a pastor.
But it was Jesus, I could tell by the tears in His eyes.

I saw Jesus this morning.

He was in my kitchen making my breakfast.
He then fixed me a special lunch for me to take.
For just a minute He looked like my Mom.
But it was Jesus, I could feel the love from His heart.

I saw Jesus today.
He was praying on His knees all alone.
He then began to cry for those He prayed for.
For just a minute He looked like a lady from our church.
But it was Jesus; I could see the compassion poured out in His prayer.

I saw Jesus the other day.
He was at the grocery store talking to friends.
He then put his arms around them to comfort them.
For just a minute He looked like a young mother I know.
But it was Jesus; I could see the concern for others who hurt.

I see Jesus everywhere,
Taking food to the sick, welcoming others to His home,
Being friendly to a newcomer,
And for just a minute I think He's someone I know.

But it's always Jesus, I can tel l by the way He serves.

May someone see Jesus in you today.

Remember to encourage those you see living for Jesus!
But mostly, let those without Jesus see Him living in you,
For He desires to serve them, no matter what their condition,
No matter what they wear, own, or look like.
You are My witnesses," says the Lord.
Isaiah 43:5
(Sent by George & Charlene Denney)



"I Saw God the Other Day...In A Public Restroom"
Jessica Miller

While recently at a conference as everyone was rushing to get in line for prayer, I ran to the ladies public restroom. I can think much better, wait much longer and receive far more from God if I am not thinking about when I can visit the bathroom (true confessions from a real God chaser).

As I started to enter the Ladies Room, a very dark-skinned man bent over and whispered something to his beautiful wife, who was in a wheelchair. I realized she too, needed to go into the restroom, but he could not take her in.

I asked if I could help, and they nodded, "Yes." I pushed the wheelchair into the bathroom and waited for the "handicap" stall to come available. I wheeled her into the stall, and clumsily situated the wheelchair into a position which seemed to be the most advantageous spot (as if such a place even exists). Not wanting to embarrass her, and also not knowing what level of help she needed, I asked her what else I should do.

It quickly became apparent that not only did we have a tremendous language barrier, but she needed far more help than just being wheeled into the stall. I pulled the door shut so that she had privacy--even if I, a total stranger were in there with her. When I bent over her to help her to stand up from the wheelchair, my heart started pounding.

The Holy Spirit was manifesting so strongly that I wanted to weep (actually I wanted to wail). This lovely woman wrapped her arms around me, and I stood both of us up. I marveled as she trustingly leaned against me. Chest to chest, tummy to tummy, legs to legs.

We took care of the needed business, and once again, I bent over her to help her up and over into her wheelchair. In spite of the vulnerability of the situation, this stunning lady exuded no shame, no humiliation, nor any embarrassment.

She had none in her. She knew she had an unavoidable need that required help and that she must choose to trust.

As I knelt down to place her feet upon the footrests, I noted her elegant garments and realized the incredible care and love her husband ministered to her as a lifestyle.

Then, all of the sudden, I saw myself as this vulnerable woman who needs the same help and care in my own life. My Husband (Jesus) is so tender and caring. In spite of my "handicaps," He lovingly tends to me. God showed me this picture of myself through the beautiful and trusting woman! Whereas she trusted me (without knowing me) in spite of cultural, ethnic and language barriers, she was without fear or shame.

In her place I would have probably freaked out and not let myself be helped. I wondered how much I do this every day in various situations--to my Heavenly Father, to Jesus, to the Holy Spirit or to those He has sent to help me in my weakness.

After I returned this amazing woman to her husband, I went and joined the prayer line. Everyone was having a feast. I was bawling so hard I thought I'd throw up (I know, not a pretty picture). The Lord showed me His face of tenderness--chest to chest, tummy to tummy, legs to legs, as He tenderly and gently wants to help me in my need and vulnerabilities.

I saw the trap which the devil tries to lay out as he points at our weaknesses (yours and mine) and shouts shame and guilt into our hearts. Such emotions can be so potent that they effectively cut off our willingness to trust, seek and receive help.

Jesus said this in Matthew 11:28, "Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest." He also said this in Hebrews 4:16, "Let us (you and me) therefore come boldly to the Throne of Grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need."

The exact time to NOT listen to guilt, shame or humiliation is when we (you and me) are in need. In our time of need is when we must choose to be like that fantastic woman who helped me see the tender face of God, in a bathroom, during a time of vulnerability.

God's face of tenderness is turned towards you right now--in your need. Lean into Him, wrap your arms around Him and let Him help you!

Jessica L. Miller, Publications Manager
The ElijahList
Email: jmiller@elijahlist.net


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