I was so glad it was all behind me but could not believe it happened. God got me through it. A few weeks later I got a call from “ The Great Banquet”. It’s a four day, non denominational Christian retreat. I was asked to give a thirty five minute talk about our relationship with God. Do you believe it? Thanks to my precious Heavenly Father, I already had my talk and had even practiced it before a very kind group of Christians. Oh my! Is that why He sent me back to the little white church. He was grooming me for bigger things. He is so awesome! There were about seventy ladies in the audience the day I was to speak. My daughter, Cindy and Delilah, a good friend from work, accompanied me to for the long weekend with no idea I had anything to do with the program. They were, to say the least, shocked when I was introduced as a speaker. I couldn’t look at Cindy when I explained how instrumental in my Christian life she and her brother, Kevin had been. I knew she would be as emotional as I was and I had to get through my talk. I had two handouts. I had made copies of both of the poems from the booklet I had gotten out of the mailbox that day I was sick. Remember “God Is Love” and “Life’s Mirror.” I also played, “My Savior, My God,” by Aaron Shust, at the end of my talk. I love that song. If you haven’t heard it, please look it up.
I was so relieved and had no idea what the girls thought of my experience. People began responding positively. I was so glad because I knew it was sure “off the wall.” One of the leaders told me it was amazing and that she’d never heard anything like it. I hoped that was good.
I guess now it’s up to you. Is it worth sharing? I’ve cried all of the way through getting this story down to where you could read it. I’ve had to stop writing until I could begin to see again. I’ve written most of it on my phone using only my index finger. Writing slowly has given me an opportunity to think as I wrote. I knew the Lord wanted me to get it written so I prayed for time and inspiration.
The next thing I knew, I was in the hospital with afib, waiting over the weekend for more tests. There I was, three days with nothing to do. Time and so thankful to the Lord that I was still alive but no way to write. Cindy said, “Mom, I can get you an app that will allow you to write on your phone.” I was so happy and I got three stories written before I left the hospital. All part of His plan. Guess who’s been writing with one finger ever since. “All things work together for good for those who love the Lord and are called according to His purpose.” I’m hoping the shoe fits. I’m claiming it, anyway.
