The Least I Could Do - Repost

 

paulinphil

I posted this way back in 2010, but since my friend Paul Grimsland (that's him, above) is in the Philippines again, I felt impressed by the Holy Spirit to repost. Paul is a dear friend of mine and I admire him for many reasons...the story in this post is a huge one. Can I encourage you to consider donating to his organization, you can by going to http://www.h4cinternational.org   Thank You!
Blessings, Jay

"The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.' Matthew 25:40

My friend Paul (see Hope4Change ad on the lower right) has traveled to the Philippines since 1990 ministering to the poorest of the poor and trying to raise awareness to their plight. I have heard many stories over the years, none more powerful than this one. I can’t tell the story the way Paul relates it but I believe you will be different after reading it…it echoes the heart of the Father. It about a little girl named “Girlie”.

On one trip to the Philippines, Paul visited an AIDS ward in one of the hospitals in Manila. When he entered the ward he saw a little girl laying on a bed in the foyer, her name was Girlie. She had aids, had been abandoned at the hospital by her family and was basically waiting to die. The staff kept her bed in the foyer they didn't have a room for her. No one ever came to visit or comfort her…she was alone.

When Paul walked into the ward, Girlie went over, stood next to him and wouldn’t leave his side. Paul asked the staff what she wanted and they told Paul that she probably wanted someone to hug her and she choose him. My friend Paul had a choice…

She was covered with open sores…

She had aids…she was dying…she needed a father’s hug.

What should he do….?

He picked her up in her arms and held her…close…open sores and all. Letting the little girl touch his face and arms and allowing the love of Christ come through his touch.

To me…that’s the whole Gospel in action. Girlie passed away a few weeks later, her story so moved Paul that he wrote a song (he’s also a talented musician)…here are the lyrics.


THE LEAST I COULD DO
Words & Music by Paul Grimsland

On a fold out bed is where you spent your time
Passing the days watching people walk on by
Each day you waited but nobody came
They told me Girlie was your name
No family or friends to show they care

My heart just breaks to see you lying there
When I first saw you I wanted to pass by
But then I looked into your eyes

(chorus)
And the least I could do was hold you for a while
Try to bring you comfort try to make you smile
Taking time and holding you was the least that I could do

I must admit I was taken by surprise
Just holding you would help me realize
To show compassion doesn’t take that much

Just a tender loving touch
I wish that I knew just what to say
To express how you changed me on that day
Then it came your time to go
So by now I guess you know

(chorus)
And the least I could do was hold you for a while
Try to bring you comfort try to make you smile
Taking time and holding you was the least that I could do

"If you believe what you like in the gospels, and reject what you don't like, it is not the gospel you believe, but yourself." — St. Augustine of Hippo

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Comments

floyd said…
I have to confess, I hesitated to read this... I'm glad I did. God used this post to bring me back to His reality. My heart is melted in Him. I have a weakness for children, I guess all Christians do. Your friend is a good man. May God bless him, his family, and you for sharing. God is calling me to help. Thanks Jay.
Jay Cookingham said…
Floyd, my friend Paul is a such a cool guy... nonreligious but so extreme in his faith that it inspires me. Somehow we all must do our part and Paul is showing us an opportunity to do so. Bless ya bro'
Ed said…
Awesome! I want to hear that song. Any chance he's got an mp3 around?
Jay Cookingham said…
Ed, I will find out for sure and let you know.
Michael said…
Thank you for re-posting this moving story, Jay. I can't imagine the joy that will flood Paul's soul when Girlie wraps her arms around him on Reunion Day, free of sores but still retaining the love that moved her to pick Paul.
Jay Cookingham said…
Amen Michael...that will be a wonderful reunion!
Sheila said…
Because you share from your heart, Jay, we are presenting you with a Genuine Blogger Award. Great job! You can pick up your award at Longings End. God bless you!
Jay Cookingham said…
WOW....I am honored! I'll be heading on over to pick it up and will gladly display it on my blog...thanks so much!
Joanne Norton said…
I SO understand.  Been there, done that in Uganda, especially during this Kony rebel time I was at hospitals and camps and children rescued locations. Not that I could make a real difference...  and not pouring  compassion as Paul did ... but saw so much.  What a blessing  that he  was in the right place at the right time to be Jesus to one child.  They will be eternal friends.   Bet she's hanging over the  Doorway,  watching and  waiting for her dearest friend.
Jay Cookingham said…
That's a beautiful way to envision that happy reunion! Thanks sista!

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