Separation

by Joey Davis

"And I shall give them one "heart, and shall put a new spirit within them. And I shall take the heart of stone out of their flesh and give them a heart of flesh."

Ezekiel 11: 19

Ruth and Verena Cady are a special set of sisters Since their birth in 1984, they have shared many things. Like most twins, they have shared a womb, a bed, a room, and toys. They have shared meals, stories, and the clove of their parents However, the bond between these two sisters goes even further.

They share the same heart They are what is often called "Siamese twins." They are joined from the top of the cage to the waist. Each child has her own personality, likes and dislikes. Each child has her own nervous system as well as Independent muscular control of her body Yet they share a most important organ. . true heart.

To separate them is certain death Although they can think independently and move of their own accord, they cannot survive out one another separation Isn't an option, so adaptation must take place.

They have learned to cooperatively walk in a motion that resembles dancing; a side to side motion. They have learned to make up for one another's shortcomings. I read that Vera loves to eat, but Ruthie thinks sitting still at a dinner table is boring.

Also, they have learned how greatly one's actions can effect the other. If one is sent to sit in the corner, so must the other. Disciplining their children is a tough proposition for the Cady parents though loving them is never a challenge. . .

. Ezekiel tells us that our triangular Christian relationships are to that of the Cady twins. We have a relationship with a God who relates to us and our brothers. We have a relationship with brothers that share the same God.

In our relations with fellow disciples, we are to have "one heart." We are to realize that we need each other in order to survive. To be separated would be disastrous. To be united is to be truly alive!

With the challenge of having one heart comes the challenge of cooperation We should be cooperative and helpful in the kingdom and see victory as something shared, not just won. Having one heart means that our union has responsibilities. What we do definitely effects others.

In the coming year may we see more clearly the necessity of our congregation having a single heart that yearns and strives to keep Jehovah God in the center of our being.