Pray

"Miss Jessica, don't forget to pray for your Mum!"  Rosemarline shouted to me as I walked through the gate and away from the Rev Home.  

The past couple of days have been a lesson in faith in God's goodness.  Prayer has not felt quite as essential, as life-sustaining, as it has to me in recent days.  My Mom has had a sudden and significant development with her health which required urgent surgery.  Yesterday I was able to talk with her while she is recovering in the hospital and she is strong and faithful and motherly even as she waits to know more about what battles her body may be facing.  There honestly aren't words to describe my Mom and the ways she has modeled faith and courage and strength to her children.  I told her on my way to Haiti this summer that all of these summer adventures in Haiti, any good thing that comes from them, is a part of her legacy.  It was her trip to Haiti and her love and compassion for these people that opened doors in my heart and life to make Haiti a part of my story too.  

I don't know what the coming days may hold, but I know that God will be with us.  My Mom always writes me a note when I leave for Haiti.  Each summer I tuck it away and when I just need to hear a word of comfort and encouragement from the person in the world who knows me best, I open it and find the words in that familiar handwriting speaking right to my heart.  They're not usually overly sentimental, because that's not who my Mom is.  They're words of encouragement and practicality and reminders of the faithfulness of our God.  I read this summer's note yesterday morning and found among the words of encouragement some verses to use in times when I "might be struggling with fears, anxieties or doubts and need wisdom".  And so, as I try not to live in fear and worry about my Mom's physical state, I'm finding such comfort and encouragement in her own words and the reminder to look to God in all things... 

"Do not be anxious about anything, 

but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, 

let your requests be made known to God.  

And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, 

will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."  

Philippians 4:6-7

The children from the Rev Home were told that my Mom is sick when I didn't come to see them.  When I went over to visit them yesterday, they greeted me so sweetly.  "How is your Mum?"  "I pray for your Mum!"  And hugs.  Lots of hugs.  

Rosemarline, who is 15 years old now, gave me a big hug and looked right into my eyes, which were full of tears after such sweet greetings by these beloved children.  She said simply, "Miss Jessica, you must pray for your Mum."  How is it that a 15 year old who has lived a life of hardship - loss, poverty, violence, neglect, and uncertainty, should be the one to encourage me to walk by faith?  I am overwhelmed by these children and am honored to be able to watch them grow into remarkable young people who are so deeply rooted in faith in the goodness of our God.  So, as I walked away from visiting with the children yesterday, Rosemarline's shout to me is a faithful reminder - turn to God.  Trust in Him.  Trust those you love into His fatherly care.  Remember that He is here.  Remember that He cares.  Remember that He cares.  And don't forget to pray!