Yesterday, I was in charge of teaching the children at church about how prayer strengthens our families. I told two stories from my childhood about how my family prayed together. Funny, they were both about babies. :)1. When my mom was about to have my brother, he was sitting on her liver which caused her skin to itch horribly. No cream, no medicine could solve her problem. The dr. said the only solution was to have the baby. So one night she was in the bath trying to get some relief and we could all hear her crying. What she didn't know was that all of us were in our beds praying that our mom would feel better. My brother was born before school started the next morning. I know because I was so excited to finally have a brother that I RAN to North Elementary. At the hospital, it all came out that everyone in the family was praying for my mom at the same time.
2. When my mom was in the hospital with K., she also had extensive abdominal surgery. We of course wanted to see our baby sister and our mom, so Dad took us to the hospital that night. She was really suffering from the surgery and I think it freaked us all out. Dad had us wait outside, where we quickly found a closet full of wheelchairs to offer up a "Willis kid" prayer to help our mom. We were relieved that no nurses came in. Wouldn't they have been surprised! I guess I didn't know at 14, that most hospitals have a place meant for praying.
I thought some of you siblings of mine may not remember these stories. So I thought I would share them with you too.
I do know God answers me. He hears me and understands me. And offers comfort that no other can give. This world touts independence and pride; He teaches humility and asks us to seek Him. I know that my life has been blessed by seeking Him. And my family, now and when I was growing up, has been strengthened by inviting Him into our lives and trusting Him.
Amy, that post was fabulous. Don't you love being able to look back into your own childhood and find stories that teach true principles? It's amazing to me, when I think about it, how often my parents taught us things simply by living the way that they did. I love that all of the kids in your family prayed for your parents, both on your own and together as a group. What a beautiful thing... I love it!
ReplyDeleteSo thanks for your kind words Laurie. I actually found out that my sister K. had never heard either of these stories. So it was a good thing I blogged about them. Esp. since story #2 was about her birth. I am amazed at how influential our childhood and teenage experiences are. I have much to thank my parents for teaching me. As well as other influential people in my life.
ReplyDeleteWhat beautiful stories Amy. Thanks for sharing them. Prayer does work many miracles, doesn't it.
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