Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ’s sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong.
2 Corinthians 12:10
New King James Version
When Scott Coleman first came to Westbow Press with his book, it was with the expectations of printing a few hundred to say thank you to the friends and family who had supported and encouraged him since he became a quadriplegic at the age of 17. But we soon realized that we had an inspirational story of love, grace and faith that needs to be shared with a wider audience.
In Best When Broken: Even the Young Grow Weary and Tired, and Young Men Stumble and Fall, Scott at 17, was living a charmed life, when on a beautiful Sunday afternoon, he found himself face flat in the water, paralyzed from the neck down after having taken a deep dive in shallow water while skiing. He was certain that he was headed straight to eternity, yet he was completely astonished at what he was thinking.
Best When Broken is the testimony of Scott’s life. But as Scott clearly states: “is it possible to write a book about my life, and communicate the truth that the story is not about me? I would not have a story if it were not for the Grace of God, and the grace given to me by the people He has put in my path.”
Recently Scott has started to blog, and below is an example of his insightful writing:
Slow Enough to Notice Each Other and Our Blessings
I do not have the ability to hurry. I have come to appreciate this as a blessing. It is much easier to recognize and appreciate things at ten miles an hour than it is at ninety miles an hour! I love the experience of either gazing while thinking about something or listening to someone when my whole perception suddenly changes. It’s very similar to the puzzles we had as children—the longer we looked, the more things we recognized.
The quickest way to “Joy” for me is when I’m intentional about expressing gratitude. But it’s a daily struggle. Recently while in Orange Beach, Alabama, I had the opportunity to spend some time alone and found a spot with not only an incredibly beautiful view, but the breeze was nothing less than perfect. After a few moments the “noise” I typically carry around everywhere I go began to disappear. It was one of those moments, in one of those spots, where I just became overwhelmed at God’s goodness and beauty of His creation.
I started noticing young men and women “zip” by on a jet ski or a sailboat. I’m embarrassed to admit that I would occasionally feel a bit of jealousy or maybe self-pity, regretting I couldn’t participate. I would capture the thought as quickly as I could and recover.
I remember thinking how wonderful I felt…inside and out. My father-in-law walked by and decided to sit and visit with me for a while. My first thought was that I regretted no longer being alone. We talked for a minute and I began pointing at certain things I had noticed and was describing in great detail everything I was enjoying so much. Suddenly I realized that instead of looking at anything I was directing him to, he was looking at me. What was happening? When I finally took a breath and stopped talking, he took the opportunity to tell me how much he appreciated how descriptive I was. He literally was unable to see anything beyond a few feet in front of him. My father-in-law has macular degeneration, and is losing his vision. He no longer can enjoy so much that he and I have always cherished.
It was one of those moments that the Lord frequently uses to bring my life back into focus. My father-in-law Charlie and I have always enjoyed reading about and discussing any topic we found fascinating. I honestly believe he became a doctor for the most noble reason. It had nothing to do with the financial rewards, and everything to do with the combination of his desire to genuinely help others, and “scratch the itch” God gave him to be perpetually curious. Soon he will no longer be able to read.
I’ve now added “eyesight” to my daily “gratitude” list.
Scott is a natural story teller and I deeply cherish my conversations with him, but his voice and wisdom needs to be shared more widely. Scott has he ability to gracefully impact people’s lives in a positive way, particularly those that are broken, which is all of us.