The Brookwood Community is clearly a passion for Stephanie and Brad. They have made unannounced, but greatly appreciated, contributions financially to the facility, and they have also made contributions personally thought their sacrifice of time, their enthusiasm to be ambassadors, their efforts to promote the community through their creative ways of service, and their loving commitment to excellence in the many facets of the facility. I caught Stephanie on the way out to once again tell her what a special honor it is to be invited but also to tell her that amongst the many attributes that she and Brad have, their involvement is a true reflection of God's hand on their lives; his hand of character and integrity and commitment. She candidly replied, as only Stephanie can in her tepid humor: well you know it makes it a little easier when you have a dog in the fight. Stephanie and Brad's son Frank, is an active, happy, tall and cute looking day resident at Brookwood. They have turned an adversity into a routined delight and I can hardly imagine the lives they have touched through their involvement....for this is just one of the many pies that their hands have been involved in baking.
Brookwood started, as many of you know about 30 years ago as a sort of an adult extension to Brairwood, a vision that God used Yvonne Streit and her talents and dedication to persevere and pursue. She didn't know at that time but God knew; how and when he would ultimately build an environment that exemplified His distinctive grace and fortitude. Briarwood began out of a Yvonne's exhaustive efforts, experiences and resources to learn how to help teach/educate her daughter, Vickie. In an interview for the Houston Public Library in 2008, Yvone explained the circumstances of Vickie's handicap: "Vickie, had mumps when she was very, very young. She was not 1. And because the protective coating that normally grows around each cell of the brain had not had time to mature, she was less than 12 months; therefore, the injury that encephalitis and meningitis caused was severe, severe brain damage. She went from being a very active, lively child who actually spoke when she was 8 months old to being someone who did nothing, saw nothing, heard nothing, and in reality, was nothing.
As a result of this tremendous life adversity, and one very courageous and persistent woman; what started as a home school in her backyard, has now become a 465 acre community managed by Yvonne's daughter Vivian who is the energetic and warm hearted Executive Director of Briarwood and Brookwood. God knew that ultimately, what Yvonne had done to build a foundation for teaching and educating productive handicapped individuals would be the very stepping stones that Vivian and her husband would need to raise, Winston their own down syndrome son. I have watched her in action with the residents and she is amazing.
This whole force began with an adversity, one that God not only allowed but ordained, and God in his perfected way of establishing grounds for his ultimate vision, blessed every small venture that founded what He knew would be used for His glory. It is a facility "that provides an educational environment, that creates meaningful jobs, builds a sense of belonging, and demands dignity and respect for adults with disabilities." (Brookwood's mission)
We often times look at adversities as major setbacks, broken dreams, inconveniences, and sometimes even punishments. You have had your share, I have had mine and they are seldom on a balanced scale when viewed by outsiders. But for every adversity or trial, I am convinced that God uses them for His greater glory, if only we will accept them as builders of character, integrity, strength, humility and dependance. Look around, there are so very many centers, and associations and non profit organizations that have been built on a passion that God has generated through adversity or a heart deepened with sympathy, or an internal wave of positive motivation to make things better in spite of the obstacles.
God is in the business of walking before us and making way for ventures that one may think impossible, and he sees as already done.
It takes faith to walk forward into territory that has not yet been mapped out in our earthly eyes. It takes courage to forge ahead in spite of obstacles. It takes vision to see beyond ourselves and our own inadequacies. And finally it takes a true desire to follow God wherever he leads us and trust him to make happen what he has envisioned from His throne.
Brookwood is only one example, but it is an example of passing on from one generation to another goodness and support and concentrated ingenuity that makes this world a better place. And the folks involved at Brookwood are doing just that. Blessed am I to have been reminded, especially during this season that quickly becomes so busy, that life is about trusting God when you don't know why, following God when you don't know where, and embracing God when you don't know how. He will do the rest, and lead us to find His joy and peace in the midst of juggling chaos.
Dear Lord, You have the ultimate vision of what you want to take place and who you want to be your servants in doing so. Help us to have a loving heart, willing hands and a faithful countenance as we embark on new horizons that often are born of adversity. Amen
The following is a link for a copy of last year's devotional about Brookwood entiltled: the Chair:
http://simplygod-cathy.blogspot.com/2011/12/chair.html
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