Friday, October 15, 2010

A Message From Clinton


No it's not Bill, it's Clinton Tuck, my friend who is a resident at Shady Lawn Nursing/Rehabilitation Facility. Clinton has a message that he shared with me and he wants me to share it with you. He asks that you would also share his message with everyone you know.

Clinton is a proud veteran of the United States Army. Not long ago he was going about his business working as an armed guard in Nashville, Tennessee. His doctor told him he needed to stop smoking and drinking. Clinton asked, “Are you crazy?” and then proceeded to totally ignore his doctor's warning.

It wasn't long after his doctor's admonition that Clinton had a stroke. He recovered completely and resumed his normal activities, which included smoking and drinking heavily. Clinton was an expert in the use of profanity. He says he even patented a few choice words.

About five years ago, Clinton suffered his second stroke. He didn't have any recollection of what occurred and thought he had an asthma attack. He knew something was seriously wrong after he regained consciousness and wasn't able to speak or move the right side of his body. Days and weeks went by. Clinton was moved from the VA Hospital in Nashville to a rehabilitation facility in Paducah, Kentucky to another rehabilitation home in Hopkinsville, Kentucky and finally to Shady Lawn Nursing Home/Rehabilitation Facility. He prayed, “God please let me speak again and I will speak of your goodness continually.” God intervened for Clinton and he began to speak again. Shortly thereafter he started walking. Although still partially paralyzed and mostly confined to a bed and wheelchair, he occasionally manages to get around with the use of a cane.

Clinton is now able to see the world from a different perspective. He relies on others to help him with his daily needs. He says, “God lives and he can see the future. Why should I complain. Instead of complaining, I count the blessings that God has given me.” He has a new found strength he didn't have before he became disabled. The same strength that Jesus told the apostle Paul about when Paul asked God to heal him of his infirmities and Jesus said to him, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness” (2 Cor. 12:9). He knows where that power and strength come from; his complete and total reliance upon Jesus Christ.

Clinton isn't looking for pity. He wanders throughout the nursing facility encouraging the other residents. He tells them, “Don't give up hope.” He says, “So many of these people are dropped off here and get few or no visitors afterward. I go around trying to encourage them.” Clinton is most often found with a great big smile on his face.

If you are ever feeling depressed or discouraged because of the circumstances in your life, just think about Clinton. Better yet, if you are really hurting, give him a call or stop by and visit him. Chances are he will make you feel much better.