God Is Still In The Miracle Business!

I don't know about you, but I love hearing inspirational stories that can only be attributed to God.  What is even more amazing is when you are able to see the story firsthand and see God move in ways that leave you speechless.

Recently a young mom and her 23 month old son moved into ACCESS Homeless Shelter.  I will call him "Joey".  Joey's infectious smile and charming ways quickly touched the hearts of the staff.  He is not your average toddler.  As a small infant, this precious boy became a victim of shaken baby syndrome.  Due to this experience, he is neurologically delayed and it is very noticeable in his movement. 

When Joey and his mom came to the shelter he was unable to walk.  He would scoot across the floor with his arms and legs similar to an infant.  Progress was being made before coming to the shelter but a setback came due to his family's changing circumstances.  Joey began to spend two hours in the playroom each morning while his mom was in class.  A loving caregiver  began working with Joey.  While holding him with two hands, Joey tightly gripped this dear women and began to take a few wobbly steps.  As he became stronger, she loosened her grip and Joey was able to walk while only holding on to two of her fingers.  Eventually it was only one finger and then one day....JOEY WALKED BY HIMSELF!!!!

I remember that day so clearly.  Several of us were beginning to experience social service burnout and needed this miracle.  We needed this reminder that lives can be changed if we just walk alongside each other.

As I think back on this miracle, I am reminded of God and His plan for us.  He lifts us up out of our despair, troubles and storms. He walks beside us and meets us where we are.  At times the storm is so intense that our grip is firm and strong.

When I arrived at work yesterday, I was tired and worn but then I saw Joey!  Thanks be to God!

As I reflect on Joey's transformation,  God reminds me of another season that I will be experiencing soon.  As  I prepare my heart to send two of our children off to college and to have a completely empty nest in two years my momma's heart is heavy.  I quickly remember the visual of my children going from crawling to stumbling and to eventually walking on their own.  At first their grip on my hand was tight and began to loosen as their confidence increased.  My job is to now watch them not only walk but to run to their dreams, goals and God- instructed future.  As their grip on my hand loosens... my grip on the hand of God's tightens.