God's Help in My Granddaughter's crisis...
It was the week before my son’s family was to spend their summer vacation on Grand Bahamas Island in the Caribbean when my son Garrison called with bad news. “Halie was practicing for cheer leading and she fell and broke her collar bone," he reported. "We have just come from the doctor and he says it will take six to eight weeks to heal. She will need to wear a sling to keep her collar bone in place and be very careful and have lots of rest. For now she is doing ok. We’ll keep you informed.” And with clear concern, he hung up the phone.
“Oh no," I said out-loud to myself after that call and then my mind begin to race. Self-talk continued..."I know she will be ok, but how can she really enjoy her trip with a broken collar bone, the pain and trying to rest and take it easy... I can’t see that working for a 13 year old girl. They’ve been planning this vacation for weeks. What is this all about God? Why now? Sometimes I just don’t understand your timing at all!” I admit it, I was angry at God.
Then I remembered one of God’s special promises, Psalms 34:19, “A righteous woman may have many troubles, but the Lord delivers her from them all.”
Promises are good but we still have to ask and trust God before the promise can be delivered. Prayer is how we ask…putting action behind our faith allows God to hear our hearts desires.
I prayed at home, but I felt compelled to go pray WITH my granddaughter. Physically connecting somehow makes prayer more meaningful and effective for me. So I called Halie and asked if I could come by and pray with her and she assured me that would be OK. So I drove to my son’s home, some 15 minutes away. When I arrived, my granddaughter recounted how she had fallen and what the doctor suggested for recuperation. Then we prayed aloud standing facing each other while holding hands. I recall part of the words of the prayer was for Halie to “heal quickly”. We smiled and hugged and as I drove back to my home I was praying. I continued praying as I completed my tasks about the house the rest of that day.
The family went on their trip, they enjoyed the tropical weather, the clear blue water and family time swimming with the dolphins. Amazingly, Halie was able to participate in those fun activities.
When they arrived home, my granddaughter returned to her doctor for a checkup. The doctor told her how surprised he was to find that her collar bone was healing much quicker than usual and that she would soon be good as new.
Recently, at age 20, she told me, “Grandma, I don’t have a bump on my collar bone. People who have broken their collar bone like I did, usually end up with a bump on their shoulder. My shoulder is all smooth.” We said it again, “God did that for you Halie…His mercies never cease and His love endures forever!”
Below is a poem (adapted from the original by Russell Kelfer) I sent to my Granddaughter after her family returned from their vacation…the message is just as true today as it was when God first answered our prayer of faith for Halie’s broken collar bone to mend quickly.
You are who you are for a reason…
You are who you are for a reason,
You’re part of an intricate plan.
You’re a precious and perfect unique design,
In His image he formed woman and man.
You are unique for a reason,
Our God made no mistake.
He knit you together within the womb,
You’re just what he wanted to make.
The parents you have were the ones He chose,
And no matter how you may feel,
They were custom-designed with God’s plan in mind,
And they bear the Master’s seal.
No, that trauma you faced was not easy.
And God wept that it hurt you so;
But it was allowed to shape your heart
So that into His likeness you’d grow.
You are who you are for a reason,
Find purpose, love mercy, be still.
You are who you are, beloved,
You’ve been formed by the Master’s will.
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You are who you are for a reason,
You’re part of an intricate plan.
You’re a precious and perfect unique design,
In His image he formed woman and man.
You are unique for a reason,
Our God made no mistake.
He knit you together within the womb,
You’re just what he wanted to make.
The parents you have were the ones He chose,
And no matter how you may feel,
They were custom-designed with God’s plan in mind,
And they bear the Master’s seal.
No, that trauma you faced was not easy.
And God wept that it hurt you so;
But it was allowed to shape your heart
So that into His likeness you’d grow.
You are who you are for a reason,
Find purpose, love mercy, be still.
You are who you are, beloved,
You’ve been formed by the Master’s will.
<><><><><><>
Reflection Story note: The scriptural basis for this poem (Jeremiah 29: 10 –14) is a decree from God…Hear His voice: I know what I am doing. I have it all planned out – plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for…When you call on me, I will listen. When you come looking for me, you will find me. Yes, when you get serious about finding me and want it more than anything else, I’ll make sure you won’t be disappointed.
Indeed, you are who you are for a reason!
Indeed, you are who you are for a reason!
