“I have decided I must be a pretty pathetic sight with these crutches. I was in Atlanta the other day in Davison’s. An old lady got on the elevator behind me and as soon as I turned around she fixed me with a moist gleaming eye and said in a loud voice, “Bless you darling!” I felt exactly like the Misfit and I gave her a weakly and lethal look, whereupon greatly encouraged, she grabbed my arm and whispered (very loud) in my ear. “Remember what they said to John at the gate, darling!” It was not my floor but I got off and I suppose the old lady was astounded at how quick I could get away on crutches. I have a one-legged friend and I asked her what they said to John at the gate. She said she reckoned they said, “The lame shall enter first.” This may be because the lame will be able to knock everybody else aside with their crutches (117).”
–Flannery O’Connor, Letters…
She had lupus and died at a young age. She was also a wonderful American writer, being a faithful Christian throughout her life, although many misunderstood her writing.
Today I finish my Stephen Ministry training. Please pray for me and all Stephen Ministers. It is harder than it looks:)
lamehousewife
what a wonderful and true thing this stranger said to you. it must have warmed your soul?
This was actually a thought from Flannery O’Connor…Sorry. I forgot to put the quotation marks around it.
You are in my prayers!
Thank you! It went very well…God bless…:)
Flannery! One of my favorites. I pray your training went well.
It did…I am official:) Thank you…