“What a child with Quadriplegic Cerebral Palsy taught her mother about faith, fruit, and the heart of God”
“We have the mind of Christ.” — 1 Corinthians 2:16
“Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.” — Matthew 18:3
Some things can’t be taught in a seminary or read in a theology book. They are seen—in the humble, in the quiet, and sometimes in a young woman named Jessica.
Jessica is turning 30. But if you met her, you might think she was 16. Her life is simple, unburdened by the striving and stress most of us call normal. She doesn’t compete, doesn’t envy, and doesn’t chase the empty things of the world. She rejoices in small things: a church singing her happy birthday, a card signed with care, a chair that reclines. And she is grateful—deeply, daily, joyfully grateful.
The other day, without prompting, she handed her mother a list she had typed on her iPad. She asked for it to be printed. This is what it said:
From Jessica:
i so grateful for the home
i so grateful i have a reclining chair
i so grateful for my clare
i so grateful that i have a walker
i so grateful for my mummy to cook me meals everyday
i so grateful that i have a family
i so grateful for my up and down bed
i so grateful to have hobbies room
i so grateful i got a room of my own
i so grateful to have sarah
i so grateful that i have janice
i so grateful for having my church friends
i so grateful for everyone who cares about me
i so thankful for having 3 p.as
i so grateful for going out on a bus
i so grateful for having a saddle chair
i so grateful for having a good mummy who loves me
i so grateful for my sisters lesley and abi and dom my friend
i so grateful for everyone who singing me happy birthday in church on sunday the 18th of may
i so grateful for having janice
From Jessica with love xx
Her simple words hit harder than most sermons. This is fruit. This is the mind of Christ—expressed through a childlike spirit, trusting heart, and overflowing love. She believes in prayer. When something is lost, her family asks Jessica to pray—and somehow, the lost is found. She believes God listens, because He does.
And if you ask her what matters most in life? She wants to love and be loved. That’s it.
Faith that Bears Fruit
We often separate faith and works, not realizing they are two sides of the same coin. Ephesians tells us we are saved by grace through faith (Eph. 2:8–9), but James tells us that “faith without works is dead” (James 2:17). Not contradictory—complementary. As Paul said, “We have the mind of Christ.” And the mind of Christ does not remain hidden. It shows in how we live.
Jessica isn’t trying to prove anything. She’s not working to earn love. She simply lives as one who believes she is loved—and the fruit flows from there.
Why We Should Be Gentle
Growth is not instantaneous. The fruit of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance (Gal. 5:22–23)—grows over time, not overnight.
Which is why Paul exhorted us:
“We then that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves.” (Romans 15:1)
“Brethren, if a man be overtaken in a fault, ye which are spiritual, restore such an one in the spirit of meekness…” (Galatians 6:1)
We are to be builders, not breakers. Encouragers, not accusers. Mercy-givers, not merit-checkers. Jessica reminds us of this. And in doing so, she teaches more than many who carry degrees and titles.
The Secret Strength of the Weak
Paul said God has chosen the “foolish things of the world to confound the wise” and “the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty” (1 Cor. 1:27). Jessica may not grasp theological nuance. But she knows God hears her. She knows she is loved. And she shines with joy.
That is no small thing. That is the mind of Christ made manifest in weakness.
What If This Is the Greater Maturity?
Perhaps the greatest among us in the kingdom will not be those who led revivals or penned books, but those who lived with a pure heart, full of faith, thankful for every small blessing. Like Jessica.
We chase after “deep truth,” but maybe what we’re really starving for is what she already walks in: love, gratitude, joy, and peace—the fruit of the Spirit. Not the fruit of effort, but of abiding.
“Out of the mouth of babes and sucklings thou hast perfected praise.” (Matthew 21:16)
“For of such is the kingdom of God.” (Luke 18:16)
Lord, give us eyes to see, ears to hear, and hearts to learn. And thank You for Jessica.