A MESSAGE FROM PRECIOUS MOMENTS CREATOR, SamButcher
Dear Beloved Friends,
While I was in the Philippines earlier this year, I was unexpectedly faced with a cardiac procedure and major surgery. While the care team was excellent, there was a bit of uncertainty. Yet, I was never alone, for my faith and trust remained in the Lord. My family has shared that they spent countless hours in prayer, talking with the doctors and each other. Words cannot express how honored, humbled, and grateful I am for all of their prayers and yours. During this difficult time, I realized it was important for me to accept my shortcomings, discard blame, and seek forgiveness. Faulting others for our shortcomings is as old as the story of Adam and Eve. She attributes the sin to evil, and Adam blames her. The story goes on even to this day. There is a special mural in Philip’s room at the Chapel that tells the story of Philip as he stands beside an angel at Heaven’s Gate. In the mural, there is a shelf of some of Philip’s favorite things. One of them is a moose that once was his imaginary friend. He loved that little moose, and it was clear that they were the best of friends. When Philip did something naughty and we confronted him, he would say, “I didn’t do it. The moose did,” and he would not confess or accept responsibility. Confession can be cleansing at any age, but it cannot come without humility. In 1 John 1:9 we learn, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” Confessing our shortcomings to one another, if it’s done with true humility, is as honest as saying, “I was wrong.” “It was my fault.” “Please forgive me.” My message to you is, accept, confess, and pray. As one of the Original 21 Precious Moments figurines reminds us, prayer changes things. I am thankful to share that all your prayers did change things in my life, and I am growing in strength every day. As we look forward to seeing each other at the 30th Anniversary Celebration of the Precious Moments Chapel this July, I respectfully ask you to continue in prayer. I will do the same. Just as you prayed for me, let us pray for each other, our families, and Precious Moments.
Blessings,
Sam B.
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