From: John & April Correia <jacorreia@email.msn.com>
Subject: Encouragements From The Heart  -  September 24, 1998
Date: Wednesday, September 23, 1998 17:47 PM

The Gentle Giant

A tribute of thanksgiving for the gift of David Robinson

In a world of anger, fear and confusion stands a gentle giant.  A man who,
by the average man standards, is famous.  He races up and down a basketball
court with ease and grace.  I am sure he is noticed everywhere he goes as
the "Admiral", of the San Antonio Spurs.  If not that at least his some
seven foot tall frame.

I do not personally know this gentle giant.  I only know what I have seen in
the last year.  No not on the basketball court or T.V. news.  These things I
have seen in his Fathers house.  You say, Wow! you know his father?  I
certainly do.  Oh no! not his earthly father but his Heavenly Father.  It is
in a time of worship you will see a giant humbly bow his head.  I think to
myself does he ever have a private moment out in public with his lovely
wife, and oh so cute children.

He gives a testimony to an overflowing crowd on a Friday night.  With such
ease he told of his love for his wife, children and ultimately his Savior.
He tells all this with humor and truth.  I wonder, does he know how many
lives, old and new, he has just reached for the kingdom?

I see him load his son into the car,  saying, "Daddy! Daddy!, look at the
dinosaur."  As I smile to myself and think how wonderful, he only sees him
as his daddy, not as a famous basketball player.  I wonder do we see our
Heavenly Father as some famous far off Father?  Or do we see Him as our
Daddy our Abba Father?

I see this Gentle Giant take the time to shake my 17 year old nephews hand.
Does he have any idea what this means to my nephew who now lives with me?  A
young man who has had way to few positive role models in his life.  A young
man who wants to be a pro baseball player.  For him to see it is important
for this gentle giant to attend church I say a quiet prayer of thanks as my
nephew walks out with a huge smile, I seldom get to see, and loaded with
questions from the sermon.

I look over my shoulder to make sure I have not left anyone for the 45
minute journey home.  I see this gentle giant sitting in a chair surrounded
by young children asking hundreds of children questions.  He smiles shakes
their hands and patiently answers each question.

For a brief minute I shake my head, hold back my tears and think, surely I
have just seen JESUS through this jumble, gentle giant.

Thank you, Jesus for being our Savior, thank you for the gift of a Gentle
Giant.

By  Jodie Jarzombek

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The above message (poem, story, etc.) is sent to you as a ministry of
encouragement.  Please feel free to pass the encouragement on to others.
If you'd like to be added to the mailing list reply to  jacorreia@msn.com
Subject:  "add to"  Encouragement's From The Heart.

Have a joyous and bountiful day in the Lord!
April Correia

PRAISE THE LORD!!  We are currently working on the "Encouragement From The
Heart" Website.   Special thanks to our  Webmasters,  Chris & John ! NEW
ADDRESS - http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Ridge/1483/encourag.html
Blessings to blessings!  April Correia    all glory to God!
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