One of the most remarkable...
Illustration
One of the most remarkable athletes of our time was the late Susan Butcher, who won
Alaska's grueling Iditarod dogsled race numerous times. One of the secrets of Butcher's
success was the close bond she developed between herself and her dogs: a bond that
saved her life numerous times, as her dogs pulled her out of life-threatening situations
deep in the backcountry.
Butcher kept a kennel of over 150 dogs, which she bred. As each new pup was born, she would take the tiny, shivering creature into her hands, and breathe her own breath into its nostrils. Later, the dog would remember her scent, and would associate her presence with comfort and caring.
In Acts 8, the apostles Peter and John transmit the gift of the Holy Spirit to some Samaritan believers, by the laying on of hands. Like Susan Butcher's sled dogs, these new disciples scarcely understand the precious gift they are receiving. Yet as they grow into the faith, they will learn by experience that the Spirit who blesses them is strong, reliable, and empowering.
Butcher kept a kennel of over 150 dogs, which she bred. As each new pup was born, she would take the tiny, shivering creature into her hands, and breathe her own breath into its nostrils. Later, the dog would remember her scent, and would associate her presence with comfort and caring.
In Acts 8, the apostles Peter and John transmit the gift of the Holy Spirit to some Samaritan believers, by the laying on of hands. Like Susan Butcher's sled dogs, these new disciples scarcely understand the precious gift they are receiving. Yet as they grow into the faith, they will learn by experience that the Spirit who blesses them is strong, reliable, and empowering.
