Eric's Beijing Diary

This morning I went to Haidian Jiaotang, as usual. I was introduced to a lady who has a severely handicapped daughter. Her daughter looked to be in her early teens. She had to be carried. She could not talk or hold herself up. Her mother seemed to be very cheerful, but she obviously is carrying a very heavy burden, in more ways than one. I asked about the daughter, and was told that she was punished by a teacher when she was eight years old and spent seven months in the hospital. When I asked what, specifically, was wrong with her, I was told that she was physically handicapped and mentally handicapped. Very, very strange. Some people have a tough row to hoe.

Things like this are very hard to figure out. Why does God allow this? I just don't know. Somehow the words of the hymn sung by the choir seemed appropriate:

I know not why God’s wondrous grace
To me He hath made known,
Nor why, unworthy, Christ in love
Redeemed me for His own.

But I know Whom I have believèd,
And am persuaded that He is able
To keep that which I’ve committed
Unto Him against that day.

I know not how this saving faith
To me He did impart,
Nor how believing in His Word
Wrought peace within my heart.

But I know Whom I have believèd,
And am persuaded that He is able
To keep that which I’ve committed
Unto Him against that day.

I know not what of good or ill
May be reserved for me,
Of weary ways or golden days,
Before His face I see.

But I know Whom I have believèd,
And am persuaded that He is able
To keep that which I’ve committed
Unto Him against that day.

I know not when my Lord may come,
At night or noonday fair,
Nor if I walk the vale with Him,
Or meet Him in the air.

But I know Whom I have believèd,
And am persuaded that He is able
To keep that which I’ve committed
Unto Him against that day.