You Are Not Alone

 

"Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you." Deuteronomy 31:6 NIV 

 

 

The above picture was taken last weekend at my son's soccer game where he was getting mentally prepared for his big event. As a proud soccer mom, I was right there with my camera in hand taking non-stop footage, desiring not to miss a single moment. I did my best to stay on the side lines with the rest of the parents but every once in a while I found myself running alongside the team, particularly my son. I just wanted him to know that I was right there by his side for support. Whenever I would over step my boundaries, the coach would nicely motion me to join the other parents, reassuring me that my son was okay.

 

As I joined the other parents, my attention was immediately directed towards the married couples that surrounded me. I was already sticking out like sore thumb being the mother of the only African American child on the field but I was also the only parent there by myself. Every single child was there with their mother and father who happily wore their wedding bands as they engaged in pleasant conversations amongst themselves.

 

In this moment I became overwhelmed with emotions. I began to replay the many choices that I made which led to me being a single mother. I felt so sad and alone because there was no one there to cheer on my son with me. I was basically there sharing inside jokes with myself, just me, and my camera.

 

My eyes began to fill up with tears as I went back and forth between watching my son and watching the happy couples that stood to my left and my right. I cried out to God asking Him why must I continue to suffer when I've given my entire life to Him. Why do I have to be alone after all of the years of dedicated service to His Kingdom. Don't I deserve to share these moments with my husband? Where is the man that is going to love me like You love the church? Are my children ever going to get the opportunity to experience a loving mother and father underneath one roof? I'm alone Lord, where is my mate?

 

In the midst of my complaining, The  Lord gently whispered to me, "you are not alone, I will never leave you nor forsake you." Chills began to cover my body which were quickly replaced by a warm encompassing presence. A smile appeared on my face as my tears retreated back to their hiding place. It was like a storm cloud was removed and the sun was shining on me with its radiant rays. In my mind I was doing back flips alongside the field, jumping for joy from the revelation that I had just experienced with The Lord.Yes that's right! I AM NOT ALONE! I have never been alone. Everywhere I go, God is with me! I realized in that moment that I couldn't have been at the game with a better person because I was there with my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

 

I came home and researched the word forsake. Applying this word to the scripture means that The Lord will never abandon, desert, or leave us and He will also never turn his back on us. How many of us have had loved ones, family, and friends, leave us, hurt us, and desert us? But not God. He will always be there.

 

I just want you all to experience the joy and peace of knowing that Jesus is with you wherever you go. In the middle of the night when your baby is crying, He is there. When you are running late for work, He is there. When you are balancing your different titles as a mother, wife, student, employee etc. He is there and YOU ARE NOT ALONE. Take advantage of His presence today and feel free to talk, laugh, and cry with Christ and remember that He will never leave you nor will He forsake you. Stay strong and encouraged Women of God! I love you all!