During March, we celebrate Women’s History Month. The name that I want to celebrate today is not one that you will find in any history book. Even though she is not famous she was used by God as the spark that started what we know of today as Ability Ministry. Allow me to introduce you to Marjorie Broxon.
Forty years ago, Sam Stone was the editor of the Christian Standard at Standard Publishing, next door to Mount Healthy Christian Home. One morning, on his way to visit with his parents, he spoke to another resident in the hall Marjorie Broxon. She had cerebral palsy and was in a wheelchair. Marjorie spoke slowly and with difficulty; she was often hard to understand. They chatted for a few minutes like they usually did, and he started to go on to see his parents. Then she said, “You know I like it here. There are good folks operating the home. But all of the other residents here are a lot older than me and I don’t have a chance to do many things I’m able to do and want to do. I wish our churches provided a home to help handicapped people.” “Well, yes, that would be nice,” Sam agreed, “but you know it would take a lot of money to build a facility like that.” Without hesitation, she responded, “It took a lot of money to build Mount Healthy Home, too.”
Later, in 1981, at the North American Christian Convention, several men met with Sam Stone to discuss what the Restoration Movement should do to help people with disabilities and their families. It was then that the Holy Spirit grew the vision that was planted in the heart of Sam Stone by Marjorie Broxon.
But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise. He chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. 1 Corinthians 1:27
In the early 1980s, a young woman with cerebral palsy would have been someone who was considered weak and maybe even a bit foolish by the world’s standards. But that did not stop Marjorie! Marjorie self-advocated. God used her courage to spark a vision for a new ministry in the heart of Sam Stone. Had Marjorie not spoken up and challenged the thinking of Sam Stone Ability Ministry would likely not be a reality today.
Today as I celebrate Women’s History Month, I am thankful for Marjorie Broxon.
Who are you thankful for?
