Harold Keller / L’Observateur / March 22, 2000

Four weeks ago, at one of the rehabilitation centers that I frequently visit, I met a young man who had a face so disfigured that it was hard to look at him. It wasn’t just because of his physical appearance, but I didn’twant him to think that I was staring just out of curiosity.

Over the four-week period, I saw this young man once a week. LastSaturday was to be the last time that I would see him at the center. Ascustomary, I allow the people who will be leaving a chance to say a few words. This young man’s turn came and it was hard for me to understandhim as he spoke. (I imagine this was the result of much plastic surgery.)His head showed a big scar from the top to the bottom of his cheek.

As he spoke, I admired his courage to get up and seemingly, his self-image being unaffected by his appearance, even though I felt that might be impossible. Over the four weeks, I had been curious about his conditionwhich I assumed was the result of an accident but had never asked him.

After the meeting, he and about six of the other men gathered around to talk. I then asked him what had happened. He told me that an armed robberhad shot him in the face as he worked in a store in New Jersey. “You couldhave been killed!” I said. “God must have some exciting plans for yourlife,” I continued. “I guess so,” he said. “I don’t guess so. I know so! Do yourealize the testimony that God has allowed you to experience? As you were talking tonight, God showed me that one day you’ll speak in front of many people and share how He spared your life for the sole purpose of spreading the Good News of His Kingdom,” I said. “In fact,” I continued, “Ialmost envy you.” I then explained to him, “I have to dress up in a suit, andsometimes try to be cute, just to get people’s attention, which at times takes a few minutes. On the other hand, as you get up to speak, you’llimmediately get people’s attention by your appearance. They’ll all wonderwhat happened.” Smiling, I said, “Keep them in suspense. Don’t tell themright away.” He smiled and said, “I never thought of it that way.”I told him that I loved him and gave him a hug and said, “Don’t forget that you have been spared and blessed by God to share His mercy and love that will bless other people.”

HAROLD KELLER writes this column as a part of his affiliation with the Get High on Life religious motivational group.

Copyright © #Thisyear# Wick Communications, Inc.Best viewed with 4.0 or higher