If I get called “Crazy” one more time this week. I may literally go off the deep end. Keep in mind as I write this that I am smiling. I am smiling because I was crazy and because of this craziness, numerous people were praying for me. Five years ago today, I wandered into an old movie theater that was converted into a place of worship for young adults and college students. That night, a bolt of lightening hit my body and left a fire burning in my heart. This fire began burning out all the weeds that had taken root in my heart. It wasn’t just a small fire, it turned into a prairie fire! Prayers of strangers and new friends is what fueled the blaze to continue to burn out the weeds, and create new rich soil in which God used to plant new life and new seeds to restore and heal the “Craziness” out of me.
I had two interesting and recent encounters with new and old friends who couldn’t believe how much I have changed over the few years and how much they see God shining through me. It brought me to tears. I was sitting in April’s chair at the Salon chatting about bra sizes, kids, and tattoos; when her sister Star came over to chat with us as well. She wanted to know how my kids were doing because Star used to take care of Cheyenne when she first started attending daycare. Cheyenne smiled her way into Star’s heart, and in turn she began praying for that precious little girls’ parents. God gave Star a word back then that “A little child shall lead them”. ‘Them’ being, my husband and myself. April too began praying for God to heal the bitter wounds of my heart after I starting regularly attending The Gathering Place in that old theater. What is even crazier about all of this is how God began healing their hearts as they began praying for me. They saw a little of themselves in this not-so-happy, embittered-in-need-of-a-new-heart- creature!
What is so wonderful about all of this is that we all have gotten to see how God used their prayers to intercede and deliver me from more than my fair share of troubles. We also get to see his faithfulness in walking with me and watch Him continue the work He so faithfully started. My deliverance came along with their thanksgiving and has enriched their faith that God does and can move mountains or return the insane to sane! This allows others to put their trust in God so He can restore their hearts as well. God is so GOOD!
“I couldn’t believe it when I saw you on facebook and saw that you were a Jesus Freak, I was like, NO WAY….You used to be so CRAZY“, my friend exclaimed from across the table at Old Chicago as my husband and I sat across from Chelsea and her husband. We got a rare opportunity to sneak away from the kids and visit with her for the first time in three years. As tired as I was, she was amazed at the overhaul God invested into my life and changed me from the crazy hallow shell she used to work with daily for two years. It’s these moments that confirm that whether or not I see God’s hand, I am changing on a daily basis and growing closer to the savior that saved my life. I can now rest, and stand strong on His promises…and not feel so crazy!
This is my heart’s cry, this text has been written on my heart and applies so well to my post today! “Come and listen, all you who fear God; I cried out to Him with my mouth; his praise was on my tongue. If I had cherished sin in my heart, the Lord would not have listened; But God has surely listened and heard my prayer. Praise be to God who has not rejected my prayer or withheld his love from me!” Psalms 66:16-20.
