Useful to the Master
“Though dead, yet by his faith he still speaks.” Hebrews 11:4 (NASB)
It’s been six months since James Bruce died unexpectedly. Overall we are adjusting to our new “normal.” Still the 12th of each month is a poignant reminder of how long he has been gone and what a large hole remains in our hearts.
Our family has seen significant changes since February 12. Our youngest son Daniel and his wife Olivia moved from New York to Birmingham in July. Olivia begins her new teaching job this week at Samford University. They are settling into their new home which is only five minutes from us. For the first time since 2006, Bruce and I have all of our children within the same city. I am so grateful and consider this blessing as a God-given tender mercy.
Last Monday night Briarwood’s Special Connections Ministry, our church’s disability ministry, hosted its first ever Special Needs Resource Fair. Forty two special needs agencies, services, and resources gathered in the Briarwood Fellowship Hall. I wept as I walked around the room and talked to different service providers. Day programs; occupational and speech therapists; Camp ASCCA representatives; Down syndrome advocates; autism awareness agencies; area churches; Joni & Friends; and a host of other special needs services were present ready to assist caregivers, increase awareness, and provide information.
Watching a small child gently pet a service dog brought a tear to my eye and a smile to my face. James Bruce would have loved that opportunity.
The highlight of my night, however, came when a young woman approached me asking, “Do you remember me?”
Slightly embarrassed, I admitted that I didn’t.
“I was in one of your Bible studies several years ago. I remember you telling stories about how God used your son to keep you close to Him,” she said as her eyes filled with tears.
“Desperate and dependent is more like it,” I laughed.
“Well, I now have a 4-year old daughter and a 3-year old son, both of whom have recently been diagnosed on the spectrum. I’m so grateful I was in your Bible study. God was preparing me,” the young mom said.
God used James Bruce, not just to change me, but to prepare another young mom for her special needs parenting journey.
“This is part of Brucie’s legacy,” I told Bruce.
Walking around the venue I was overwhelmed as I considered how far we have come. Thirty years ago, we had no special needs classes or disability ministry at Briarwood. Bruce and I taught a four-year old typical class and took 7-year old James Bruce with us so we could attend church together as a family. At the end of that year, I met with our pastor who quietly asked, “Donna, what’s the problem?”
I explained the dilemma as calmly as I could before asking, “What are we going to do about this?” I asked.
Our sweet pastor thought a minute before replying, “Well, we’re going in!” And Briarwood Church went all in with the Special Connections ministry. James Bruce was a catalyst for change and helped pave the way for others to follow.
I am so grateful for the various programs that helped us with James Bruce’s care. Following high school, he enjoyed 14 years with United Ability. Camp ASCCA and The ARC also provided additional opportunities before his residential move in 2021 to Rainbow Omega.
By far, however, James Bruce’s favorite activity was Special Connections. Every week, he couldn’t wait to get to his classroom, see Miss June and Miss Linda, listen to his praise music, and worship with his peers. He loved his Sunday School papers that showed and told him the story of Jesus. James Bruce would often roam through our home declaring, “Mama, Mama! Jesus died on the cross to save us from our sins!” Special Connections helped James Bruce live close to God. I am forever grateful.
Most of us at some point in our lives wonder why we are here. Three verses have brought me great comfort as James Bruce’s Mama in these last few months:
“This happened so that the work of God might be displayed in his life.” John 9:3
“For when David had served God’s purpose… he fell asleep.” Acts 13:36
“Useful to the Master” 2 Timothy 2:21
In His upside-down Kingdom, God often chooses the weak things of this world to bring Him glory and serve His purpose. In both life and death, James Bruce was useful to His Master.
Oh, that the same would be true for each of us!