Sue's Story - The Inspiration Behind Faith, Family and Friends

Sue, the mother of two teenage sons, was diagnosed with MS in 2001. She had problems emotionally and physically.

She sought financial help from Social Security but did not qualify for Assistance. She struggled along until 2004 when she applied again for aid and was granted an interview in 2008 – four years later. When asked what she wanted from Social Security she said, “Nothing – just listen to my story.”

She then told them about her physical, emotional and financial difficulties due to the MS – how her family had intervened when she took too many prescription drugs.

The Social Security representative asked how she had overcome the MS. Sue replied, “You don’t overcome MS – you learn to live with it and I can sum it up with three words – Faith, Family and Friends.”

A Word from Our Pastor

Dr. Andrew Martinez and daughters, Joy Claire and Lauren

By Dr. Andrew Martinez

Our beloved Jack Dempsey's favorite poem was The Children's Hour, by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. It is that dear children's poem where we get that expression, 'patter of little feet.' I include it because the presence of children is moving, warming and precious.

The poem reminded me of what I heard John Maycomber tell me over the phone shortly before he died. John's prayer and hope was that we would continue the Master's calling of chidlren into Christ's sheepfold.

The poem reminded me of what I have heard from church specialists over many years now - a healthy church enfolds the lambs (as well as tends the grown sheep. It's never either one or the other. Never.)

I believe every church is like a ship...when we chart our course and leave the bank, God will provide the wind for our sails. I believe that as we carefully pull together we can be a church on the OBX that meets the needs of all ages.

I feel we are in a tremedous position. We have you. We have your prayers. We have your indomitable spirit, your friendlienss and your support. We can enjoy the patter of little feet and enjoy all the sacrifices made to welcome them among us. Service can inspire. Outreach has it's own reward.

I hope you will pray for the patter of little feet at OBX Presbyterian. Our master had some people to train once. "Then little children were being brought to him in order that he might lay his hands on them and pray. The disciples spoke sternly to those who brought them; but Jesus said, 'Let the little children come to me, and do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of heaven belongs.' And he laid his hands on them and went on his way." (Matthew 19:13-15)