The Huffington Post ran an article August 2, The Hope of Rep. Gabrielle Giffords, which detailed the inspiring return of Giffords to the Congressional chambers. Reporter Paul Raushenbush closed his article about Representative Giffords appearance “as one of the real sacrifices of democracy,” and I would agree with that thoughtful statement.
However, I would like to think of her appearance as a new beginning, not a sacrifice. She, with the unbelievable acts of heroism on the part of a few, and including the prayers of a nation and unconditional love of those who cared for her, demonstrated that man is more than blood and bones. That there is an indomitable spirit in man and this spirit will rule the day with the grace of God. Gabrielle Giffords appearance in Washington may have been to cast a vote. But her presence was more than a vote. It was about us – the American people – and our ability for preservation no matter what comes our way.
To me, Giffords appearance reminded me of what took place in 1776 with the birth of a new nation and the signing of the Declaration of Independence. It wasn’t easy then or for all those unsung heroes who followed – proving that America’s experiment as a democracy is continuing to bless mankind around the world.
Gabrielle, thank you for showing us a couple of things: 1) “That all the armies in the world can not stop an idea whose time has come – Victor Hugo, and 2) that man has the capacity to overcome the assassin’s bullet and to fulfill man’s mission with dignity and honor
Thanks for showing us the indelible spirit of a true American.
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Thank you so much for this article celebrating Gabrielle Gifford’s life! In the Hebrew Scriptures, Elihu is speaking to Job: “The Spirit of God hath made me, and the breath of the Almighty hath given me life.” (Job Chapter 33, verse 4) And ultimately, “And the Lord turned the captivity of Job, when he prayed for his friends: also the Lord gave Job twice as much as he had before.” (Job 42:10) We are all so grateful for her radiant victory over error. In an article, “About Rep. Gabrielle Giffords,” Kurt Stone writes of her Mother: “Gloria was and is a practicing Christian Scientist.” It would be wonderful to hear how she prayed for her daughter.
Thank you, Don, for pouring out our hearts in gratitude for the recovery of Rep. Gabrielle Gifford. What a reminder that “God is in His Heaven and all is right with the World.” Congresswoman Gifford’s presence on that day in Congress represented more than just a vote. In one swift moment, and from the wave of standing recognition with applause, the Congress stood, TOGETHER and UNITED to welcome a friend and co-worker who represented the endurance, courage, and will to overcome evil with good. And the whole World witnessed this.
Thank you for the thoughtful comments. I would like to know anyone’s opinion of what a Christian Scientist would want done if they were unconscious from a serious brain injury. Would they want to be taken to the ER? Would they want a neurosurgeon to provide the same surgical treatment that would be provided to a non CS believer?
TH,
I saw your question and have been trying to find the opportunity to speak to it. A Christian Scientist would make his/her own decision about how they would want to be treated. If they were not able to make this decision on their own, then family or the authorities would probably make the decision until the individual could participate. I would hope that the individual’s knowledge of God would be of great support no matter what decision was made. I believe that whatever action was taken or treatment given under these emergency conditions that a Christian Scientist would be using prayer to the extent possible.
I hope this brief answer is helpful. I’m always willing to elaborate if more information is needed.