Tonight, I wanted to share a supernatural encounter I had. You see, when my brother died at age 30 I was somewhat prepared. He was very sick and in hospice. We knew his time to go home with Jesus was coming. When it happened, I remember that day like it was yesterday. I was just 21 years old. I spoke at his memorial as he was everything to me. I remember begging God to help me-and he did. That situation repeated itself years later when my Daddy died unexpectedly. He was in Ohio and it was the summer before I began teaching at CCA. We kept him on life support so many could pay respects to him from all over the nation. I didn't think I would be able to speak at his service-but my mom begged me and once again I told God He needed to show up on my behalf. And, He did.
When I stood in front of at least 500 people, I started to panic but suddenly I felt two hands on my back holding me up. I even looked behind me and no one was there. I gave the eulogy and once I sat down my mom asked why I looked behind me. I shared with her I felt these hands holding me up. I started sobbing with her, swept by grief. 6 months later, my Mom died unexpectedly. She had a major surgery and was just about ready to be transferred to assisted living for physical therapy. The call came about an hour after I left visiting her. I was full of hurt, confusion, grief and more. I told God there was NO WAY I would speak at her service- I mean, I just lost my Daddy 6 months beforehand. However, I was asked to speak at her memorial- and once again, I told God He had to show up. And, He did.
When planning my husband's service I knew I could not speak. I was gripped with fear in a way I've never had before. I cry without warning, sob with deep pain. I am angry. I am confused. The list goes on. So, I knew I wouldn't be able to speak in front of people on his behalf. It wasn't until we were in the office to plan his service that Paul was asking for names of people speaking. I gave everyone's name and we moved on. Then I felt this hard pressing-like I had to speak. So I told him to put my name down. I was sick to my stomach- what would I say? Well, I had multiple arguments (mono-arguments) with God. I told Him He better show up more than ever before- like BIGTIME! I was terrified-I didn't know what to say- I tried writing my eulogy multiple times but it wasn't until midnight, two nights before his service, that I asked God and Jeff what to say. I typed for what seemed to be hours. I closed my computer and went to bed.
I took the day to myself. I went to the beach and sat alone. Listening to the wind and the waves. I closed my eyes and inhaled. Butterflies in my stomach regarding Jeff's service the next day. I opened my eyes and saw a little boy ( 1 1/2 years old) standing right in front of me. He had dark hair and chocolate eyes. He smiled. His teeth so little, his grin so big. He started talking (babbling) and I tried to make sense of what he was saying. All I could hear was "look" "look" as he was pointing up. I saw many birds and so I thought he was talking about birds- he would repeat what I said-birds, airplane etc. then he would walk down to his parents. He would appear like this a few times. Once he placed his little hands on my knees and said "look" "up" I looked up to see nothing but the beautiful sky. He took my hand and walked me to the waters edge. He held my pinkie and pointed to the waves- look-look- I said yes I see the waves. He would shake his head no and do this over and over again. What did he see? I will never know. What I do know is as soon as our encounter an unexplainable peace flooded over me. We stood for what seemed like forever staring out at the ocean. Not saying a word. Just holding my pinkie. I told his mom that he was ministering to me in a powerful way and that my husband just passed away. I told her how special her son is. That day, Jayden was an angel sent to me.
The next morning was the morning of my husband's funeral. I told God He needed to keep His promise. And, He did once again. I walked up to the podium and took in a breath and began. Before I knew it, I felt like I was floating. As if I were watching someone else give the eulogy. I couldn't feel my legs. It was one of the most supernatural experiences I have ever had.
Jesus carried me that day, just as the poem Footprints mentions. As soon as I sat down, I began to weep. God's power is very real. There was a message that God needed others to hear that morning, and He knew the only way I would be able to be that vessel was for Him to carry me. Your prayers carried us and continue to do so. Never underestimate the power of prayer!
How has God kept His promises to you? Write them down as you remember them to reflect back on in times of questioning.
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