Delta Dawn When The Light Comes On

God gave us children to bring us hope and assure the future. “Behold, children are a heritage from the Lord; the fruit of the womb, a reward like arrows in the hand of a warrior, so are the children of one’s youth, …they shall not be ashamed but shall overcome their enemies during judgement.”  Psalm 127:3-5  

Momma sought the Lord, daily, where her wedding vows and the spiritual growth of her two beautiful, young girls conflicted.  Papa, a local chef, worked Sundays, making use of the family car, until after a couple of drinks at the bar, he would arrive home expecting a hot, home cooked meal.  For Momma and the girls, suburban living was, mostly, fine.  There were many children in the neighborhood and the school was just a block away.  Sundays, however, held little hope for change from the family dynamic.  Momma cried out to God for her girls as in John 4:49. “Come, Lord, lest my children die!”

One Saturday, a bright, yellow mini-school bus entered the cul-de-sac where the children were playing.  The JOY bus came from a local church.  Young people told the children about Jesus, then added, “We will come back, tomorrow, and take you to Sunday School, if it is okay with your parents.”  Momma’s girls came with an excited request. Momma said “YES!” thanking God for His miracle of Grace.

A few weeks later, as Momma helped the girls prepare for their Sunday ride to church, she gave some coins to the youngest, instructing her to place the money in an offering.  “Do you know what God wants to see at church more than this money?” the 6 year-old asked.

Momma smiled, “I know, Little One, but I must be at home, today.  Look, here, at the money.  See the men’s faces on the coins?  They are looking forward.  They are expecting something good from God.  See, it says on the money, “In God We Trust.”   Think of me looking to God, Who is good because He brought you into our family.  God has something good for you, too, today.  Please, do this for me.” 

“I will”, she said, taking the money in her little fist and running to the door with her sister, both leaping and shouting as they joyfully boarded the JOY bus! Years later, when Papa left home, unannounced, the JOY bus was like a big box of refuge when spiritual winds came up and local temperatures cool.  Yes, He even sent a big, wonderfully warm, loving step-daddy before long.

“In the day I cried out, You answered me and made me bold with strength in my soul. Though I walk in the midst of trouble … Your right hand will save me.  You will perfect all that concerns me. Your mercy, O Lord, endures forever.  You do not forsake the works of Your hands.”  Psalm 138:3, 7-8

Next Week: Humble Power