Preface

      When I think of Steve Chance I’m reminded of the words of the apostle Paul, “For when I am weak, then I am strong” (II Cor. 12:10, RSV).  From a human vantage point, Steve is among the “weak” ones.  He has lived with cerebral palsy and has done so, like many others, with courage and determination.  His story is different in that, during his years of struggle, he has refused weak and shallow answers including, the worst kind of all, the religious ones.  Steve refuses to rob God of his attributes in order to ac­commodate his particular case.  Steve sees his disability as a part of the human condition and readily acknowledges that the suffer­ing of humanity cannot be conveniently ignored nor silenced by making certain questions taboo.  He has asked all of the ques­tions, yet with a stubbornness reminiscent of ancient Job, has refused to admit to things that are simply not true.

      Books about suffering are not particularly popular, especially among those who by circumstances find themselves relatively free from pain, hardship, injustice, tragedy, or calamity; however, sooner or later “into each life some rain must fall.”  When this happens, and when through our abilities, ingenuity, or influence we cannot fix our problems, then we must face up to the questions addressed in this book.  Steve cannot escape his body nor stop the involuntary jerks and spasms that frighten others and distance them from easy relationships with him.  They are the facts of his life, and these facts set the tone for this useful and theologically mature book.  For me, the book has special significance, because I have watched Steve with great interest since my son Bruce’s college days at Taylor University, when he began to speak of his greatly gifted friend, Steve Chance.  Bruce’s initial impressions and our family’s respect for Steve have lasted through the years.  This book is a document of a man created in the image of God, stripped of the superficialities that often keep us from seeing the real essence of the divine imprint.

                                                         Jay Kesler

                                                         President

                                                         Taylor University
 

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