By Chaplain Joy Le Page Smith, MA, BCC

Recently a fellow chaplain told of her growing edge, admitting how bothered she can get at other drivers on the road. She said, “I don’t know why people ignore signs—or at times even the lights!” I noticed the intensity of this kind woman’s voice and realized her as a kindred spirit. We both fill our lives with doing what we can to help others know they are loved by God within their illnesses, and/or deaths. We shared the truth that sometimes we need support in our own growth processes.

Many years ago while in a growth group talking about ways to improve ourselves, the subject of our road experiences came up. I blurted out this admission, “If you see me on the road, just pull over and pray!” That was a great group. We laughed a lot within these conversations.

My chaplain friend and I admit that driving still finds us fuming on occasions at least momentarily. And, as we talked further it was evident we both have recently decided to care more for other drivers, and to pray for them, while sensing that old feeling of “hot under the collar.” Sometimes it helps to pray that “certain drivers” will get well deserved tickets before hurting themselves or others. Some people learn this way.

Growing in patience is challenging, yet it clearly leads to an Excellency within spiritual growth toward which many of us continually seek to advance.

Galatians 5:22-24, is pertinent, here. “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law. And those who are Christ’s have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.”

Once I prayed for patience—and only once. It seemed God was happy to answer that prayer … as He knows how much easier life will be as we work on gaining patience (self-control, even longsuffering). Then several “new” challenges came soon after, that seemed consequential.  So, that prayer calls for added spiritual gumption.

Gradually, we learn in life that God is love and one of His greatest gifts to us comes through our caring deeply for our “neighbors–even our anonymous neighbors next to us in cars. While growing in our ability to love we become empowered to gain the nine fruits of the Spirit shown above.

For sure, we will not always remember to be kind, caring and patient—and forgiving–while driving the roads. Still, let’s not stop trying. Every day is a new beginning. As Thomas H Palmer (1840), put it, “If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again.”

I recently took a new tack for being patient while on the road. I asked God to help me become a dedicated driver. Being a dedicated driver will see me choosing as I put the key in the ignition to be “good as gold” while at the wheel . . . able to momentarily shift gears–out of judgement of others–into self-control. My hope these days is to always care about what other drivers may be going through in their lives while asking God to help them discover that they are loved and with prayer everything can turn out for the good as they place their trust in Him.

About the author: Joy Le Page Smith is a Board certified clinical chaplain. Her articles and blogs are read in 32 countries. Joy’s four books are available on her home page at Healing-with-Joy.com where readers can view–FREE–her children’s book titled, The Little Mountain Goat Who Was Afraid of High Places.

By Chaplain Joy Le Page Smith, MA

The words above came to my mind one morning during my prayer time. Yes, I do get up early, around 5 a.m.  Here is the “why” and the “how” of it.

During the first few decades of my life, prayer happened for me “on the fly,” meaning, in the midst of my achieving “the stuff of life.”  No doubt God blessed that, but He had something more in mind.  I was about to experience an exciting venture with God, one in which prayer became a response to God’s movement within my soul.  Here is how it all started:

Every morning after getting out of bed I head for the kitchen–and coffee.  This trek meant passing through a hallway, the dining room—then into the kitchen. On the way, I pass the opening to our entry and the off-the-traffic-pattern formal living room.  This room is seldom used.  What I can see of the living room, as I pass down the hall, is limited.  One morning, as I sleepily make my way toward the kitchen, I hesitate slightly.  For days, I have noticed something different about that living room.  There is an uncanny sense of someone being in there.  So, on this particular morning, I slowly venture into the living room and look around, wondering.  Although I cannot see anyone, it definitely feels like someone is here.  I asked out loud, “Is this You? Lord, are You in here?”

Instantly, I feel a resounding warmth in my heart.  Then, in the midst of this sense of “Presence,” I mentally hear these words spoken within, “Come, and be with me.”  I feel assured these words are not from my own thoughts.  I sit down, nonplussed, yet deeply touched.  I begin to let my heart sink into the presence of the Lord. I feel superbly appreciative in perceiving that God indeed desires my company.  How can I doubt it, given this kind of invitation!

From then on, for several years, I went into that room first thing every morning seeking to encounter God’s presence.  It was a wonderful time for experiencing prayer, finding it to be less about talking and more about listening.  Reading the Scriptures held a prominent place during this early morning time of meeting “with the Lord.” I listened to what God wanted me to hear–and to live out.  Sometimes, the presence of the Lord was felt so strongly that I would weep.

These early morning times began a serious and life-changing quest for me.  I became more and more involved in prayerful listening.  While worshiping during these times, I realized endorphin flows come while rejoicing in the Lord!  For a number of years, I spent the first two hours of every day with the Lord in that room.  It was my “place apart,” where I could worship, write, and pray.  This was not only a wonderful experience, but a lot of inner healing was taking place during this practice.  And, this was reflected in my physical body.  I had been sick, forming blood clots in my legs and abdomen–plus at times these would  travel into my heart and lungs . . . I was trying to stay alive. Now, I am getting well!  It was happening ever-so-slowly, through my being obedient to how the Holy Spirit was leading my soul.  I called it “My Get Well Program.” At my last birthday our oldest son said, “Mom, you have lived longer than most Americans. He remembered those hospital stays, early in my life—and times of hearing an ambulance come for me.

In looking back, I know God was preparing me for ministry in chaplaincy. Health and strength were springing up through this daily practice of prayer, listening and expressing gratitude to God. I was learning how to hear the voice of the Lord speaking within, which became an essential part of my work in emergency rooms, trauma settings and at hospital bedsides.  There, people are greatly disturbed, in pain and uncertainty, needing God’s help. Looking back, now, over 25 years of ministering as a chaplain, I rely on hearing the Lord’s guidance. Working “while listening” He provided the insights as needed within each situation with patients, yes, but also within situations with family and friends. It is all about learning to listen within prayer. God is on the journey with us—and He wants to speak!

Author information:

Joy Le Page Smith is a Board Certified clinical chaplain.  Author of books and blog. View — FREE — her children’s book, The Little Mountain Goat Who Was Afraid of High Places, at Healing-with-Joy.com. Multiple helps can also be found on her website, for people who are struggling for varied reasons.

By Joy Le Page Smith, MA, BCC

Years back Gary and I hired a man with great tree expertise to trim the trees about our home. We chatted frequently and he became a friend while beautifying our trees. He told of his “past life” as an executive with an office in a high rise within a big city.

While sitting at his desk one day he looked from his 7th floor window and saw a tree-trimmer at work. He thought, “That’s the life I want to live.” So after studying how best to do this earthy art, he started this new endeavor of trimming trees–and became superbly good at it.

Then a disabling accident found him depending on a doctor’s prescription for pain medications. He functioned well although everything about life was hard for him. Then came the time when opioids gained national attention due to their overuse by millions of people whose doctors were not closely monitoring the use of them. Many doctors, as well as our friend’s doctor, started warning their patients, as much as possible, about their prescription usage.

Our friend, now living on a “minimal amount” of the opioids as compared to what his doctor had permitted previously, found it far from adequate for managing his constant, agonizing pain. He called me, “Joy, I think as a chaplain you may be able to answer a question for me. What do you think God will do in my case if I take my life?”

I felt tremendous compassion for his plight. Then, without hesitation I told him that we have a merciful God, a loving God—and added that I believe we are to see our challenges on earth as opportunities to grow in our strength and through God’s help to be able to handle them. Yet, there are instances wherein a person has formidable pain and their back is against the wall to the point they can no longer tolerate living and breathing here on earth . . . some do make that final, momentous choice to end their life. Who can know if in that veracious moment the person takes his or her cause to the throne of God in prayer. I would like to believe that our Creator comprehends all and that person who is so sick goes straight into the loving arms of God. Yet, life is such a gift. And all judgement belongs to God.

Our friend was one who talked with us frequently about His love of Christ and of his prayers to be faithful. We prayed with hearts brimming with concern for him. Two years passed when we received a call informing us that our friend had ended his life.

Upon knowing of his choice I thought back on my words to him and prayed to always be helpful, not harmful. Still, in my heart of hearts, I want to believe he is in God’s loving arms and that we will see him again in Heaven. Clearly, there are sicknesses that some of us will never encounter. Therefore a circumstance such as I have written here, can only be judged by God.

When we are asked such a question as this man asked of me, we have to trust God to give us the words we need to speak. Hopefully what instantly comes to one’s heart is filled with love. It is far from easy to speak at such a time as this.  We can help others in the most difficult times of their lives by making sure we listen well. We can be of infinite help by letting a person know we care deeply for them and believe in them. We can pray as we listen to them, intending to truly know where that person is coming from. During times when the hardest of all decisions is pounding hard at a person’s heart, we can trust the great care of the God who made us is beyond our comprehension and above our understanding.

If while reading this today you are contemplating suicide, please find a person to talk with; if not a professional or a pastor perhaps the best person to share your soul with will come to mind. Trust that thought and meet with them; tell that person, “I need to talk about something serious. Would you be the one person willing to hear a very challenging decision I could soon make?’

And, be sure to talk to God. Then, listen—because God wants to be in conversation with us. He wants very much to help us, His voice is often still coming from deep within us—often like a whisper. God can be our partner in life while here on earth. Trust Him.

When my soul is in need of help, I open the Bible to the book of Psalms and read for a while. Before long I see what I am meant to know right then. The Bible is a mighty and powerful book!

As I write today, I pray that each reader becomes a better listener of other’s. It is highly important to hear one another, especially in this digital age—as we are also more rushed than ever. Without a doubt, God has helped many of us within various hard places through prayer, reading Scripture, plus hearing strengthening words from others.

Life on earth can bring huge challenges, but God’s help is here for us on terra firma. Proverbs 18:10 say, “The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.” The name of the Lord is Jesus. And, that name holds power far greater than any other name we could ever speak. When we ask, the Lord of heaven does hear and He can extend strength beyond any we could have had without His help. Trust it. Try it. Believe!

If you want to comment or tell your story, please do so below. It will be read and you will have my prayers. I will do my best to respond.

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Do not write a comment here if you are planning suicide. I cannot advise you. But I will do my best to respond to a request for prayer. As per other difficulties, my website at healingwith-Joy.com is full of writings intended to help. Copy and share freely, while crediting this website. Donates at my homepage will keep this work going.

By Chaplain Joy Le Page Smith

Yesterday, after reading more about the war initiated by Russian president, Vladimir Putin, I asked God, “How should I pray about this?” The war is non-comprehensive and incalculable. I, like most people, have felt helpless to make a difference.

Immediately, after saying that prayer an image of a vast, white net encircling the globe was seen in my mind’s eye. I knew instantly this worldwide net represented God’s people. People throughout the entire world in whom goodness and truth resides. A huge amount of people on earth want peace and goodness to flourish throughout the earth. The majority, most likely! We are globally present and we are connected! The love of God’s goodness, alive in our consciences, Scriptural truth, and the power of prayer connects us continuously!

Imagine the power we actually have! Now, let’s use our power. Every day—as often as it comes to mind—let’s lift up our hearts and pray as we think of this worldwide “net” of people who want God’s will to win over Putin’s war.

At the time of Christ’s birth, these are the words sang by the angels “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men.”

Pray with me, or pray in your own words.

“In Jesus’ name, we stand against all evil powers that attempt to thwart God’s will for peace and goodwill. God’s will be done, here on this earth which He has created. Satan’s murderous plan is bound and cast out as we speak within the power God has given to His people! Amen.”

This is putting our FAITH to work. The Internet is a tool that is available for sending the message to WEB contacts, as many as you wish. It only takes the investment of a few minutes–and could spread worldwide. 

What we have is God’s people worshiping in churches all over the world seemingly separate like postage-stamps, unable to perceive the vast empowerment of our connectedness through the Holy Spirit of God that is in each and every one of us.

—

What if: Think of the possibility our Father in heaven is wanting us, His children, to break out of our separateness and become united in prayer as a family. Could it be that is when He will to call out the angels and trumpet bearers so He can send His Son. Jesus promised to come again to the earth at His Father’s nod. 2 Peter 3:3, instructs us to know “scoffers will come in the last days walking according to their own lusts, and saying, ‘Where is the promise of His coming?’ As they point to the fact two thousand years have passed since the Lord’s promise to return a second time. Verse 8, speaks soundly, “But, beloved, do not forget this one thing, that with the Lord one day is a thousand years, and a thousand years is as one day.” With God “time” does not exist. What is real is stated in verse 9: “The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.”

Billions upon billions of people within our generation and generations before us for two thousand years have found intimacy with God through Jesus Christ with the Holy Spirit. As children of God, we can celebrate common truths of Scripture.

The book of John, chapter 1, verses 1-3 and verse 14, tells us who Jesus is.

The book of John, chapter 3, verse 16, tells why Jesus came to the earth.

The book of John, chapter 3, verse 17, shows God’s reason for sending Jesus to the earth.

The book of John, chapter 1, verses 10-13, tells us what makes a person “a child of God.”

The Book of Revelations, Chapter 3, verse 20, confirms the “how” of our hearing God’s call to enter into fellowship with Him:

“Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me.”

Nothing can prevent us Christians from seeing our “connectedness” and lifting their voices in unison!

www.healinglifespain.com

One evening as Gary and I were sitting on the patio a little owl showed his presence (maybe her presence). We were pleased and started talking to the owl in low, inviting tones. With big eyes he slowly stepped toward us, stopping every few steps. We kept sending “sweet nothings” to him with gentleness. He walked to within 6 feet of where we were sitting on the glider, settling himself to be snugged in, close to the inner branches of a Myrtle bush. There he stayed—standing, yet with a constant eye on us.

We both felt joy in this new adventure especially as the owl returned daily to stand by our Myrtle while we were so near. Besides enjoying getting up close and personal with hummingbirds at points, since building our home here 29 years ago, this is the first real “visitation” initiated by a bird.

Each time we saw him we felt joined. It was happy-making. Then, he was gone and didn’t come any more. It was like losing a friend.

It comes to mind how much God must enjoy our times of coming to Him in prayer. And, how it could hurt Him when we let go our coming to Him.

Words written by Cecil Frances Alexander in her Hymns for Little Children, 1848, All Things Bright and Beautiful, containing stanzas elaborating words within the Apostles’ Creed reminding of God as maker of all.

All things bright and beautiful,
All creatures great and small,
All things wise and wonderful,
The Lord God made them all.
.
Each little flower that opens,
Each little bird that sings,
He made their glowing colours,
He made their tiny wings.

The purple headed mountain,
The river running by,
The sunset and the morning,
That brightens up the sky;−
The cold wind in the winter,
The pleasant summer sun,
The ripe fruits in the garden
He made them every one:

The tall trees in the greenwood,
The meadows where we play,
The rushes by the water,
We gather every day;

He gave us eyes to see them,
And lips that we might tell,

The song’s main point, lifts the heart:

“How great is God Almighty,
Who has made all things well.” Amen.

At times coming to God is like the little owl wanting to be close, yet cautiously approaching, full of questions . . . often unable to formulate them. It is easy to be so in awe of God that we may wonder how safe it is to come close. This is a question that many speak of, in so many words, before gaining enough courage to know Him.

With eyes on us, we cherished being observed by this beloved creature. There was a sense of being seen that held gentleness and gratitude—or so we thought. The owl may have experienced something entirely different, like ”Will they help me, or hurt me.”

Both Gary and I relished being so close, so trusted. We felt sad when the owl did not return.

Is this what God feels when we fly off to a life without Him? Or, does God not feel . . . rather just waits, knowing all will be with Him—in the end? Perhaps the little owl “coming alongside” us for significant periods of time could be compared with our ”visitations,” wherein we set out  to commune with God—with words, or speechlessly in awe.

We are going back to church. Our ages see us “stepping toward the top rung on the ladder of life,” yet, both of us took the best possible care of our health. We did put off getting the COVID vaccine for many months after it became available.  Neither of us got the virus. Since the pandemic continues we have stepped up by receiving the Moderna vaccine shots. Yeah! We continue being cautious, but feel up for rejoining our church community.

Watching services on TV was enjoyed while resting on our laurels. Still—this is not the same. Then, last Sunday seemed like a deal-breaker. We failed to tune in. I felt guilty by spending the day catching up around the house—completely forgetting to join other believers in singing praises to God, hearing the preaching of the Word and praying together for the needs of the world. The experience of church has always left me feeling uplifted and renewed. So, we decided to return to the blessed experience of getting to church.

Being a church-goer has been a life-time habit for many people. Looking back, I know it favorably structured our lives and the lives of our three sons. Consequently, our spirituality has greatly enhanced our physical and mental health. For instance, being a senior citizen and hearing my doctor give high praise upon seeing my six-month lab report brought a real lift for last week. No sign of diabetes, no high blood pressure coupled with low cholesterol (with a bit of help from a small dose of statin) is a great blessing. Our Christian beliefs encourage us to think of our bodies as “the temple of the Holy Spirit,” (1 Corinthians 6:19). Going to church develops an enduring knowledge that Biblical instructions extend the best possible way to live.

Also, scientists are providing evidence that the health and length of life for people who attend church “frequently” excel those who do not. Research completed by renowned health organizations have confirmed health benefits that result from prayer and religious/spiritual practices that significantly impact a person’s mental and physical wellbeing. Below are four notations extracted from findings presented resulting from various research efforts:

One study found the beneficial influence of religion on a genetic predisposition to smoke. While studying 315 sets of twins and more than 1,000 pairs of other sibling, researchers at the University of Colorado found three aspects of religion that reduce an individual’s  genetic influence toward smoking, therefore lowering the odds of a person starting to smoke: 1) personal beliefs, 2) participation in organized religious activities, and 3) being affiliated with a congregation. Source: Nicotine & Tobacco Research

A joint study at Utah State University and Syracuse University resulted in the observation that “difference in blood pressure response to stress is significant enough to increase or decrease risk for heart disease, more so than exercise (or lack of it) or being overweight.” They deduced that “people who practice kindness and view God as sympathetic to their challenges may see the world as less threatening and, as a result, less stressful, and such a perspective further contributes to a healthier heart. Source:  Research on Aging

Research at the Medical University of South Carolina found “those who attended religious services, at least occasionally, were less likely to have chronic internal inflammation (measured as C-reactive protein).” Source: Diabetes Care. Many are unaware of the fact inflammation can indicate increased risk of heart disease, complications of diabetes and other serious health hazards.

Helping others is known to increase satisfaction and heighten a person’s outlook. A study of more than 2,000 church members located throughout the US bears out the fact that “giving help brought about greater benefits than receiving help.” Source: Psychosomatic Medicine—and Jesus’ words of Acts 20:35, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” 

Studies at Ohio State University have found praying for a person who has done you harm calms anger and prompts forgiveness. This teaching of Jesus Christ “fosters positive emotions and attitudes, such as compassion, that improve overall health.” As a Christian, I see the profound ways in which the teachings of Jesus do exactly that in a very consistent manner. For our family, attending church helps keep the teachings of Holy Writ front and center, making for a life worth living.

So, why not make the trip worthwhile? I think there is a book by that title— oh, yeah, that is one of mine!

We want extraordinary things to happen in life. Sometimes it just takes a quick story or a joke to give us that chemical change we need. And, “yes” when our emotions move into that sweet range of joy, hope, even surprise (which excites us) our physiology changes.[1]

The other day Bill Gates read one of my website blogs and responded. The surprise of that gave me a lift! My push to get through what was demanding to be done before the end of the day was forgotten while pondering his comment, “Very good feedback. Wondering what you think of its implication on society as a whole, though?”

My first thought was “right!” That’s going to happen! Bill Gates, reading me? Yet, whoever this “Bill Gates” is, this is a person wanting to know my thoughts as regards the world at large. What an honor.

His observation included a reference to “things that can have global expansion, bringing frustration.” He ended with “I’ll be around soon to check out your response.”

Hmmm. Now I’m thinking “maybe Bill Gates,” as my website outreach has become rather wide. (I’m using Google translate, now, to understand messages coming from other countries.)

My follow-up thought was, OK, this guy cares. He might be Bill Gates, or an average guy who invests himself more than most in “what could make a better world.”

Let’s get real. It is not a person’s name that gives him or her value and credibility. It’s not even how much success has come to a person, or how much money is in a bank. Every person on the globe has innate value and deserves to be cared about and respected. Everybody has a story even if it doesn’t rock the world digitally, or shake the boat we tie up by the lake. Based on that truth, I decided to write a blog specific to Bill Gate’s inquiry.

First, I need to decide which direction to go as I covered a lot in the column, titled, “My dream for the New Year,” to which Mr. Gates responded. Was the point “pursuing patience by living in the moment” what he picked up on? Or was it, “valuing elderly folks in our society, listening to their stories?” Yet, could it be my reference to “being content with discovering pleasure in the commonplace?” No, I think this Bill Gates picked up on something from a poem by William Wordsworth, an English poet (1770-1850) that the website blog included:

“I heard a thousand blended notes, while in a grove I sat reclined, in that sweet mood when pleasant thoughts bring sad thoughts to the mind.

“To her fair works did Nature link the human soul that through me ran; and much it grieved my heart to think what man has made of man.”

For sure it is great to enjoy the good things we make happen—to build families, and/or put our talents to work. Still, alongside that we must think also about what we have done to one another—and to our earth that shouts “Let’s revisit this! Let’s make amends.”

In Visions, Trips, and Crowded Rooms, David Kessler wrote, “maturity is when you accept the fact that two contradictory ideas can exist together.” His example was “community service can be a selfless and generous act, or it can be used for self-aggrandizement.”[2]

The most immanent contradiction is that this world is beautiful and “life is great.” And, equally present is a truth that does create frustration (even fear): the entire ecosphere seems to be “going to hell in a handbasket,” given all the shootings and the chaos here at home, as well as around the globe. “Wars and rumors of wars,” is what Scripture prophecies for the “last days.”

How can we maturely work with this?

The answers are in “the Book”—the Bible—for any who will look (and see), ponder and place trust. Two quick examples, Psalms 46:10, “Be still, and know that I am God . . . I will be exalted in the earth!” (Psalms 46:10). And, Colossians 3:2, grants a directive for good mental health, “Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth . . . . Verse 15 of that passage concludes, “. . . let the peace of God rule in your hearts to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful.”

What God really wants of us is to, “love the Lord your God with all your heart and all your soul and your neighbor as yourself.” This would be the ultimate in maturity. No frustration, here, Mr. Gates, for those advanced enough to see this truth and to live it out.

There is only one possibility in which Jesus’ teachings (which He called “the way”[3]) could bring frustration within society. That can happen when people claim to follow Christ’s teachings, yet fail to let God’s inerrant assurance change their lives. Clearly, it is an individual’s choice. Each can decide whether to follow his or her egocentric behaviors and philosophies allowing these to hold sway, or dedicate oneself to living by God’s Word.

It is this belief in God and the Bible (His Word) that holds the power to change lives and bring the maturity we as human beings so badly need. These tenets, when lived out, serve to powerfully motivate us, creating the actions needed to eliminate what underlies human sufferings: hatred, poverty, tyranny and war (at home and globally.)

Truth be known—meaning if God’s Word is fully lived out—we can have peace on earth and good for all. But, 2nd Peter 3:3-4, does not extend hope for that, saying, “Scoffers will come in the last days, walking according to their own lusts and saying, ‘Where is the promise of His coming?’” Verse 9, assures us, “The Lord is not slack concerning His promise, as some count slackness, but is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.” The ultimate in peace and good will certainly will be ours when Jesus Christ returns to the earth fulfilling His promise to come a second time. I, for sure, want to be living by His Word (the Bible) and ready for His coming, which is so vividly promised in Scripture.

[1]This truth comes from a field of medicine called psychoneuroimmunology (PNI).

[2]Kessler, David, Visions, Trips, and Crowded Rooms, Hay House, Inc., Kindle version. (New York: NY, 2010, (Kindle version, location #319.)

[3] Jesus called His teachings “the way.” It is not “a religion,” but following “the way” Jesus taught is our response. The American Heritage Dictionary defines “religion” as, “The expression of man’s belief in and reverence for a superhuman power recognized as the creator and governor of the universe.” Most people who say, “I am not religious,” are unclear. They do not have a clear understanding of the word . . . maybe have not taken time to truly think about “religion,” rather would like to not think about their need to show appreciation by  saying “thanks” for this life. That is prayer . . . the beginning of a “walk with God.”

There were evening services after full days of play, and on each of those nights I heard about Jesus’ love and what He did for us. I had no idea that going forward and accepting the invitation to acknowledge Jesus was usually done once—and that sufficed. But, no, I chose to go forward, kneeling at the altar to pray every single night of the week-long camp. It really took.

God was never mentioned at home during those early years of my life. That did change as my parents started taking us to church. They became believers themselves soon after my sister and I came back from camp.

Back at home, my mind was so full of memories that I could barely sleep. I would often pray until I could slip into dreamland. I pondered, too, what had been said at camp about needing to ask God to forgive us for times of hurting others or for being disobedient to our parents. I remembered things I did to get even with my older sister. I knew exactly what would set her off. Even wiggling my foot just so, would send her into gyrations of drama. I decided that “might” be “a sin,” so . . . no more entertaining myself by sending my sister into hissy fits. Good-bye to that “being OK.”

Summer ended and it was time to go back to school. Mostly my school years produced good memories like the time a classmate was crying at recess. I asked, “Why are you crying?”

She told of a sad situation happening at home. So I cried, too. Then asked her, “Abbey, have you heard about Jesus?”

“Who’s that?” she asked.

To the best of my memory, I explained to her what I learned that summer, especially in girl’s camp and how my sins had been forgiven. I told her about the Bible verse in Revelations 3:20, that shows Jesus standing at the heart’s door, knocking . . . waiting for us to open the door to His great love. I explained how helpful it is to pray, especially when things scare us.

Abbey said, “I want Jesus in my heart!”

So we prayed together. Surely it was a very simple moment with two children kneeling at the back of the school house, but I often wonder what became of her life as she grew up. Did anyone support her new faith and help her grow spiritually? But the family moved away so I couldn’t follow up with friendship.

I write about this, while pondering how words can change a situation—or even change a person’s life.

Our son Tim also had a friend with whom he shared his faith. (I will call him “Andy,” here.) They were both 11 when the two of them became fast friends. Andy shared some heartaches that weighed on his mind. Tim told Andy what he had learned at home and in Sunday school about having Jesus in his life, and how comforting it was to pray to the Lord about “the scary stuff.”

Shortly after that conversation, Andy told Tim, “God and I have it together.”  

The boy shared similar words with his parents. However, his father became upset. He sharply and sternly repressed such talk. When Tim told us this, we prayed for peace to take place between the two of them.

Sadly, the little boy was tragically killed the next day. It was an unusual accident that shocked our entire community. Our whole family was stunned, painfully struck upon hearing this news, but especially Tim.

However, recently as an adult he revisited this memory and said, “I remember how hard it was to lose my friend in such a terrible accident . . . but thinking back I don’t believe I had to grieve for long. Your words made the difference.”

“What words?” I asked.

“I remember clearly. You said, ‘I believe Andy made a quick jump into the arms of God.’”

That was a “wow” for me. As a parent, I probably left that conversation thinking I had not said enough, or had not been of much help.

But, no, although it seemed “inadequate” to me, Tim, now an adult and a father himself, has not forgotten those words.

As Natsuki Takaya, the Japanese manga artist once put it, “Even the smallest of words can be the ones to hurt you, or save you.”

In 1662, Basil Pascal, a French mathematician, physicist, inventor, philosopher, theologian, wrote, “There is a God-shaped vacuum in the heart of each man which cannot be satisfied by any created thing, but only by God the Creator made known through Jesus Christ.”

Forget all you have ever heard about Jesus Christ. Now read for yourself the words below that have filled the empty space for billions of souls. For this alone can replace the emptiness:

“Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me,” (Revelations 3:20).

“Come unto Me all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly of heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light,” (Matthew 11:28 through 30).

“Come now, let us reason together, says the Lord, though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall be as wool,” (Isaiah 1:18).

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the Lord and depart from evil. It will be health to your flesh and strength to your bones.” (Proverbs 3:5- 8).

“For I know the thoughts I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call on Me and go and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. And you will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart. I will be found of you, says the Lord, and I will bring you back from your captivity,” (Jeremiah 29:11-1).

Isaiah, one of the greatest of the Old Testament prophets wrote this of God, “You will keep him in perfect peace. Whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You. Trust in the Lord forever, for in Yah, the Lord, is everlasting strength,” (Isaiah 26:3-4).

“Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. In my Father’s house there are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go to prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also. And where I go you know, and the way you know,” (John 14: 1-4).

The disciple Thomas said, “Lord, we do not know where you are going, and how can we know the way? Jesus said to him, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. No man comes to the Father except through me,’” (John 14:1-6).

Now, reach for a Bible; read the Book of John, paying particular interest to Chapter 3, verses 16-17 and Chapter 14, verses 22-27.

The Holy Spirit of Jesus be with you!