Devotionals

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Amazin’ Gracey
© 2006
by

Stephen A. Peterson


At times in everyone’s life, it would seem, feel sorry for himself or herself. They want or feel as though they need something in life that they do not have and wish they could have. Then a unique person comes into their lives to change their perspective concerning life and living. One such person was Gracey Hildebrand.

Gracey Hildebrand, a 16 year old, whose mother was a Filipino and father an American, was diagnosed with a rare skin disease that caused swelling, redness, disfigurement as well as pain and discomfort. She also had diabetes resulting in the removal of her left leg when she was just 12 years old. Though Gracey is only a teen, her joy in living is an inspiration. She is called by those who know her “Amazin’ Gracey” because she spends many of her after school, some weekend and vacation hours limping around St. Ann’s Retirement facility in Oklahoma City ministering happiness, peace and joy to senior citizens. On cold Oklahoma days, Gracey passes out hot coffee or chocolate with a smile. On Christmas, she makes sure every resident receives a gift and a hug. In addition, at Easter time, hot cross buns and juice to remind everyone of Jesus’ ultimate gift—Himself!

Gracey has done this volunteer work for nearly two years because she loves to chat and offer encouragement to the lonely men and women whose children and grandchildren often never come to visit them. “I talked to over a hundred people today!” she once said enthusiastically. “I love it! Sometimes a real sad man or woman will come by wanting nothing more than a hug or to hear my voice talk about eternal life and going home to be with the Lord. They go away smiling to pass on their happiness and joy to those around them. At other times, a hot cup of coffee with a ‘God is with you and in you!’ does the trick!”

And so with Gracey as an inspiration, many have found their own cure for loneliness and inspiration. On those days of uncertainty when Gracey is unable to stop in and pay a friendly visit, she taught receptive seniors to write a list of at least two people they knew who might be feeling lonely. She suggested they visit with the lonely and bring the “Good News” of the Gospel and the unconditional love of Jesus Christ. She also encouraged them to be an instrument of hope, joy and peace to all. Many of Gracey’s resident friends reported their loneliness being washed away, leaving behind a joy that equaled “Amazin’ Gracey’s” in the spirit of Jesus Christ Himself.

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