There IS a God

Just seconds after my last post I sat down to do my devotion. The girls had friends over so were in the back of the house playing games and my husband was outside. It was quiet. I usually read "The Upper Room" along with reading part of the Bible and journaling in my prayer journal. I really have no rhyme or reason to my devotions- especially setting aside a certain time of day. I envy those who do. I usually spend time at night doing them when all the kiddos are in bed, but something told me make time this morning. Let me also add here that I NEVER look ahead in my Upper Room book and almost always look back at what I've read in previous days. This morning's devotion (and it is dated February 27, 2009 so I'm not behind or ahead at all!) left me speechless. Sobbing, really. Here is what it said-

God's Right Here

"Because you are children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts."

Galatians 4:6

"My younger brother, Alan, had Down syndrome and died four months short of his 50th birthday. He was terrified of thunderstorms. Our mom taught Alan that when a storm approached, he should put his hand over his heart and say, "God's right here." After Mom died, Alan stayed overnight with my family once a week. When a storm was near, Alan would come to us and say, "God's right here." Then he would calm down. Later, when the storm passed, he would come to us and say, "Alan's all right."

What a wonderful picture of faith Alan gave us! When the storms of life threaten, we can follow Alan's example and remember that "God's right here"- right here in our heart, every single day of our lives. And if we believe that as strongly as Alan did, we, too, will be able to say, "I'm all right," even in fearsome times."

First, as soon as I read the Bible verse for the morning, Galatians 4:6, I paused. Hmmm...Then, I went on to read the first sentence and all I could see were those words- Down syndrome. Down syndrome. I completely lost it. Okay, God. Is this my thump on the head? My megaphone in the ear? The letter I asked you to write?

We are praying....please, join us.

In Him,

E