Gather Up the Fragments (John 6:12)

When they were filled, he said unto his disciples, Gather up the fragments that remain, that nothing be lost.
John 6:12

Sometimes we think that God can only use us if we are at our best, if we have been educated at the best schools, worked at the most prestigious firms, or belong to the most exclusive organizations. God can certainly use people who have been blessed with such life experiences. But God is able to take anything that we give Him and use it for His glory. And sometimes He blesses us even when we think we have nothing to offer Him.

Louis Zamperini may be familiar to residents of Torrance, CA. Born and raised in Torrance and attending Torrance High School, he was a promising Olympic runner when he was drafted to serve during WW II. His plane was shot down in the Pacific and he survived adrift on a life raft for 47 days, only to be captured by the Japanese. He was held as a prisoner, beaten and tortured for nearly 2 years until the end of the war.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F0pulc6kDsk

After the war, Zamperini drifted, suffering from post-traumatic stress and recovering from his physical injuries. He felt lost but God had other plans for his life. After attending a Billy Graham crusade, he accepted the Lord. He returned to Japan and faced his former jailors and forgave them, preaching the Good News of Jesus Christ.

If you have not read his biography, Unbroken, make the time to do so. It will inspire you!  Mr. Zamperini will serve as the Grand Marshall of the 2015 Tournament of Roses in Pasadena. At nearly 100 years of age, he continues to honor God in his life and inspire others to seek and find God, the way he did. God took a broken and fragmented body but not a broken spirit and used it for His glory! Amen!

Love and respect the Lord; seek His will in your life.

Addendum
Mr. Zamperini went home to be with the Lord on July 2nd, 2014. May God surround his family with peace and strength. Thanks be to God for allowing us to know His wonderful child of faith!