"Once our eyes are opened, we cannot pretend we don't know what to do. God, who weighs our hearts and keeps our souls, knows that we know, and holds us responsible to act." Proverbs 24:12



“There are no strangers here; Only friends you haven’t yet met.”- William Butler Yeats





Wednesday, January 21, 2009

Meet Angel - Part I

Before you start reading, grab yourself a coffee and a snack. This post will be in several parts. But I urge you to take the time to read it. It's one of those stories that make you say, "Man! How can you not believe in God?"

After 4.5 years, I've decided to chronicle in detail one of God's biggest miracles in my life.
With his beautiful Mama's permission, I am honored to share this sweet little man's story. A story that could only have been orchestrated to perfection by God. A story that has strengthened my faith and blessed me beyond measure.



Angel's Story

In September 2003, soon after my sister gave birth to a beautiful stillborn sweetie, I felt that the Lord was wanting us to move from Miami to Florida's west coast, where she lived. Miami was home to me. It was the place where I had grown up and where all of my friends and family lived. Scott and I both prayed about it and asked God that if it indeed was His will, then to open doors wide for us. Within 2 months, Scott had been offered a job transfer and our house sold for above list price. We made the move in December 2003.

Within a few months of being in our new town, my sister (the only family we now had here) packed up and moved with her family to another town about an hour north of us. To say that I was upset was an understatement. I had left both my two older sons behind and was now alone, caught in an adoption process with an Eastern European country that was going nowhere fast. I was angry at my sister. I felt depressed, alone and infuriated at myself for believing that God wanted me here, away from everyone and everything I loved. We had put everything we had into this move and there was no turning back.

Since at the time, the only young child in my life was Amanda, (she was 9 years old and at school) I spent my days alone. I longed for my family and my old life.

In January 2004, I began attending daily mass and became a member of the the Respect Life Ministry at our church. This ministry, although it had good intentions, was pretty much non-existent, except for it's name. No activities were ever planned. No one ever met and the few times I tried to organize something, it would be pretty much myself handling every aspect of it. Yet, my passion for the unborn continued. I prayed hard. I asked God that if it was truly Him that wanted me here, to please lead me to how He wanted me to serve because thus far, I thought the entire move was a total mistake. This went on for a couple of months.

One day, while in conversation with someone at my daughter's school, the talked somehow turned to abortions. I mentioned that I was a "member" of the RL ministry at our church, but that it was really just a name. The woman wrote down a number and said, "Call this girl. I think it's what you're looking for."

Not real sure of who or why I was calling, I followed up the next day. The girl told me her name was Martha and that she was a missionary living in the area for a few months while helping her sister out with her kids. We agreed to meet the next day.

I drove out to this large farm house. As I pulled into the long, gravel driveway, I saw five or six children playing. I parked, walked up the steps and knocked on the door. A young, red-headed pretty girl came to the door. I introduced myself and stepped inside.

As our talk continued, she explained to me that she's been doing pro-life missionary work with Human Life International since she was 16 years old, traveling to Africa, Asia and all over North and South America. She herself had no children. But her sister, a devout Catholic, homeschooling Mom, had 9 children ranging in ages 6 months to 11 years old.

While she spoke, I felt a surge of peace falling over me. This was the reason we had moved. This was where the Lord wanted me. Not at my church ministry. Not for my sister. He needed me to be His hands and feet here.

After about two hours, I left Martha's house armed with books, pamphlets, rosaries and soaked in the Holy Spirit. I was prepared now to continue what I had begun in Miami, sidewalk counseling at abortion clinics.

A little background. I had been sidewalk counseling about two years prior to moving to the west coast. I was always a prayer partner during my work there and really did not interact much with the pregnant Moms. I felt secure in my role as a prayer partner and always let someone else do the communication role as the girls walked into the clinics. My heart leaped with joy and thanksgiving during the times when they changed their minds and would walk right back out after stepping into the clinic. But even more so, when they'd speak to my prayer partner while I fervently asked God for a change in their hearts, and they wouldn't go in at all. I knew each and every time, God was at work big time!

I arrived home that evening and submerged myself in prayer and the bible. I felt a huge load had been removed from my shoulders as now I knew I had a purpose for being here. I could almost peek into His plan. I had no young children to care for, I had no distractions. It was only the Lord, myself, and the "job" He had assigned for me.

Two days later, I stood in front of the only abortion clinic remaining in Fort Myers, ardently praying with my rosary and prayer book in hand, while my prayer partner interacted with the women carrying God's precious treasures in their wombs.

Little did I know that less than a month later, the "job" would turn into an experience that would change my life forever.

(Meet Angel - Part II)



*Please keep in mind while reading that every step of this journey was put together by our Lord, for His glory. I take no credit for any of it. I was only the vehicle He used for His purpose.



** No part of this story or blog or the related files may be reproduced or transmitted in any form, by any means (electronic, photocopying, recording, or otherwise) without the prior written permission of the author and/or those involved.

14 comments :

deedee said...

Thank You so much for sharing this!

Amie said...

Wow.. Ohilda.. I can't wait to hear the rest of the story. I love how you are finding God in every detail. Very very cool... can't wait!

hugs~
Amie

Danyele Easterhaus said...

that is a very good thing!

sara said...

I am sitting here wishing I could "click over" to the rest of the story!!!! My heart already knows it's going to be good!!

PS. how far from Miami are you? We are going to be in Miami in 2 1/2 weeks (leaving on a cruise).

He & Me + 3 said...

I can't wait to read the rest...post it post it!

The Byrd's Nest said...

Oohhhhh I DO want to hear the rest of this testimony!

Unknown said...

Okay I am going to try and wait patiently.. I am so not good at waiting. I know it will be worth the wait though.

Tracey

waiting4Isabella said...

Man am I glad the chains have been released from my neck from moving from ft. myers. Thank You Jesus that you have revealed your mystery to my sister and SET ME FREE: LOL - lOVE YA SIS.

Aus said...

Wow - miss a day and miss a lot with O's blog! I had to spend the last two days on tactical refreshers - and frankly and really too tired (too old? NEVER!!) to be blogging so I'm sitting here blogging! Hugs kid - looking forward to learning how the Spirit moved in your life!

aus and co

Sherri said...

Haha--I love your sister's comment!

Please don't make us wait to hear the rest of the story!

Don't you just love it when God makes things crystal clear to you?

sherri

No Greater Gift Mom said...

Oh, I am on the edge of my seat and can't wait for the next part. Thank you so much for the sweet comments on my blog! I especially needed it today.
Amazed by His grace,
E

Amy said...

Oh O'...I think I know where this is headed and I can't wait to find out if it's true...no matter what, I know this is going to be GOOD! Can't wait for the "rest of the story."

Love and {{{{Hugs}}}},
Ame

betty said...

I look eagerly forward to reading more of your story; I always love how the Lord puts his people where he wants him if they are willing to be used by him as you are/were

betty

Nicole said...

I'm hanging on to every word!!! Can't wait for Part II!!!
:-)
-Nicole

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