Morning family (This is a long one): WELL ... we made it through the storm--literally. Did you think we wouldnt? I had no doubts that my father in heaven would work it out as He ALWAYS does. He was my light thru that dark tunnel called a tornado. He kept my feet planted on the ground. I thank God that we all made it thru. Their was however, some lose of life. To those families who lost their loved ones, my heart goes out to you and I pray Gods peace will envelop & comfort you. I read many posts last night about the storm. Many people had lost everything they owned. I pray that God will replace everything that was lost twofold. Others were complaining that they were w/o lights. I had a chuckle in my spirit when I read those posts. Why did I have a chuckle you wonder ... because this situation is not funny. Youre absolutely right ... its not at all funny. But reading some of the posts took me back to a time when I was in the dark. About 3yrs ago, I looked out my front window and saw all my neighbors gathered in a small crowd. They had looks of terror and panic on their faces. I immediately stepped outside to see what was wrong. Whats the problem! I asked, fearing the worst. They all looked at me with eyes wide as the Nile. One neighbor asked, Do you have lights?! All our lights are out! I chuckled inside then calmly said, No, I do not have lights. I left the panicked crowd and returned to my house. I was not at all panicking because you see, I had not had lights for 6mos. Let me explain. My then husband & I had been separated for 2yrs and were going thru a divorce. I had been struggling financially since the separation. I had a peace of mind, but financially it was a struggle. The house was large (14rms) and very expensive to heat in the winter. My gas bill got up to a wopping $3000.00. I was able to get assistance from some government programs, but eventually the gas was disconnected. I told no one that me & my daughters were living with no heat. One night an elderly neighbor came to my door with soup & blankets. How does she know? I asked myself and wondered if I should invite her in to this cold house. It was as if she read my thoughts. I dont want to come in, she said kindly. I just noticed that you had no smoke coming out of your chimney. I just wanted you & the girls to have this soup & blankets. And if its ANYTHING I can do for you, please let me know. I cried as I closed the door. My heart was overwhelmed by the kindness this lady showed to me & my children. We lived in that house for years w/o heat & hot water. We boiled water to do everything that needed to be done. We used space heaters to warm the rooms we were using. Eventually the light bill got up to $4000.00. I struggled to pay it, but eventually it was also disconnected. I made arrangements for the girls to stay somewhere else. I went to library to charge my phones and get some heat. I ate potted meat, crackers, vienna sausages & anything else that didnt require refrigeration. I used a karosene heater at night to keep warm. I went to work every day fresh & clean with a smile on my face. No one knew how I was living. I never complained because I knew that I would be all right. I still had a roof over my head and I never missed a meal. So when my neighbors were panicking about not having lights, I was praising God! I eventually got rid of that house. I was holding on to it for the wrong reasons. I had this dream that the children would one day take it over and raise their families in it. It was them who convinced me to sell. They said, Mama if you dont sell this house! We do not want it! Sell it Mama! So I sold it 2yrs ago for a little of nothing. But that was ok. That house was a burden, and the burden was lifted. I made arrangements to pay off the utility bills. Finished paying the gas bill 1yr ago ... still working on the light bill. You see, Ive been thru the storm. God had my back and He always will. This is why I talk about His Goodness on FB everyday. I know what Hes done for me ... and sometimes you gotta laugh your way thru it. Just wanted to share. Thanks for reading. As always, greet each person you meet with a smile. Have a good everyone. Love ya.
Posted on: Mon, 18 Nov 2013 15:49:11 +0000