Lessons in Faith, Family, and Finding Joy
Romans 12:9-13 — Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.
Halloween has always been bittersweet for me. Nine years ago, my sister Patti went home to be with Jesus on this very day. Patti wasn’t what the world would call “normal.” She had learning challenges and physical limitations, but those never defined her — not to us, and certainly not to her. She lived with joy, grit, and a deep love for people and for Jesus.
Every year, I remember Patti by reflecting on the twelve lessons she taught me. They’re simple, yet profound reminders of what a Christ-shaped life looks like:
- Be resourceful. It’s not about your size or abilities, but your willingness to be part of things — no matter what others think.
- Never give up.
- Roll with the flow, even if it means being inconvenienced for a little while.
- Smile and know who you are.
- Laugh often and enjoy life.
- Know no strangers — everyone you meet is worth your time.
- Love your family unconditionally.
- Love Jesus even more.
- Serve others. No matter the hurdles you face, someone always needs help — and you can be the one to give it.
- Be a friend to all.
- Be yourself.
When I look at that list, I’m reminded of Paul’s words in Romans 12:9-13:
“Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.”
That’s Patti. She lived this out not by trying to be “normal,” but by being exactly who God made her to be. My brother once said, “What if Patti was always the normal one, and we are not?” That thought still stops me in my tracks. Maybe the truest version of “normal” isn’t what culture says, but what God calls us to: childlike faith, unconditional love, unashamed boldness for Jesus, and a life poured out for others.
This Halloween, as kids run door-to-door in costumes and laughter fills the streets, I’ll be celebrating Patti — the joy she brought, the faith she carried, and the love she shared. And my prayer is that we all might learn to live a little more like her: fully ourselves, fully alive in Christ, and fully unafraid to shine His light.
Because in the end, “normal” isn’t found on a checklist of abilities or expectations. As Patti reminded me, “Normal” is just a setting on the dryer.
A MOMENT TO REFLECT:
- Where in your life do you feel pressured to be “normal”?
- How might God be inviting you instead to live with childlike faith, bold love, and the freedom of simply being who He made you to be?
