God Answers Prayer

Do you believe God answers prayer? When He does, what is your response? My eyes and nose usually get drippy. Recently, I've been asking God if He wants me to quit writing. No sales despite crazy marketing efforts can be so depressing. I felt so guilty spending money to attend writer conferences to meet editors and learn how to do things better. Then God did something only He could do.

So many of you purchased and read my first book I Never Walk the Halls Alone.

There is a story in this book on page 37 titled Baby Blue Eyes. It is a heart wrenching story of a tiny babe who came in room 7 in ER and had been abused. I never knew if the babe lived or died, but months later I took a Saturday morning English Composition Class with adult students from various fields of study. Our professor allowed us to deliver our homework and take the day off if we had something to do. I met a student on the sidewalk. In his arms was this precious dark haired little girl wearing a yellow wind breaker. I tucked her curls into her hood as it was a windy day. He was so proud to spend the day with his granddaughter.
During this course we had paired up to work on every part of our papers. When the time came for us to hand the completed copy, I raised my hand and said, "Professor York, we have helped each other with our papers for several weeks now. Could we hear the final projects? He said, "Sure, anyone interested?" And the proud grandfather raised his hand, "I'd love to read mine."
Funny, I never paired up with him all throughout the semester. Standing tall at the podium, He said, "Why I 'm a Christian. If I weren't a Christian, I would be in prison for murder, for the night my son-in-law took my granddaughter by the legs and bashed her head against the wall. . .." And I cried.
Fast forward fifteen to sixteen years, to a night when my friend Amy J. and I were floated to the Cardiac Unit. I talked with a nurse named Karen and when she found out I had a book she said, "I'd love to have your book." I let her know I had some in my locker and would bring one to her. Then Amy J. got snarky. "Donna, I've worked with you for two years and you never gave me a book!" So I got Amy one, too.
Two weeks later on our unit, Amy J. asked me, "What was the name of the baby blue eyes in room 7?" And I told her. Amy pulled out her phone and said, "I have something to show you." Scrolling through pictures of a sweet dark headed girl in a red prom dress she shared with me this was my baby. Amy J. was best friends with her mom. She gave the mom my book and said, "This author is real religious." The mom sent me a text, thanking me for including the story in my book. The young girl had to be sixteen at that time.
But that's not all. The night before I went on my prayer retreat about a week ago, I practiced my talk on journaling prayers and received a text from an unfamiliar name and number.

It read,

"Hi Donna, I'm childhood friends with Amy J. I believe you worked with her as a nurse. I believe baby blue eyes in your book I Never Walk the Halls Alone is about my daughter. Amy called me some years ago and told me about this book and you. I just wanted to message you and tell you how very grateful I am to you for your care of my daughter all those years ago. She is now 31 years old. She is developmentlly challenged and blind but she is the sweetest girl and everyone loves her so much. She has always been such a blessing."

Do you see the amazing prayer answered? How on earth does this woman still have my contact info from nearly sixteen years ago? Can you see God's message to me and to you?
It is never about money or sales. It's about story's that shine with the glory of God. When we share our stories and they touch a life, we forget, but those we loved and cared for never do. They remember. God remembers. He lets us know. He is our Paul Harvey God and He loves to tell us the rest of the story. Especially when we forget.
So I read through my prayer journal and found a poem, I promised to share with you. I believe we all can relate to this poem I wrote to many years ago.

So much to do, So little time

So much to do but You are mine

To guide, to keep, to move along, so we can sing a victory song.

Your life in me. Your spirit strong. Each moment counts, each day belongs to the One who controls my time.

So much to do. So much is done. You made the time to give Your Son.

Just take each day, each breath, each step.

Make actions scream, YOU are the Best.

Let my life reveal Your dreams, Your goals, Your heart,

to pass each test.

To see my world in a slower pace. . .

enjoy the process, maintain the race and

cross the finish line with grace.

To see a smile upon your face

For any medal, crown or praise I will gladly grab and

quickly raise my heart to you

and glory too for all I do is meant to honor you.

So know my seconds, minutes, hours, days may seem to pass too fast-

Yet, I'm aware of the truth in life

Only what's done for You will last.

So grateful to be used by You.

And may this story and this poem touch your heart.
Please share stories of answered prayers. Remember someone today that did something special for you and tell them. Know how much you are loved by a Heavenly Father who took the time to send His one and only son so you and I can live forever. Oh what love the Father has bestowed upon us, that we can be called the children of God, and that is what we are!
Much love my dear friends,
Always here for you,
Donna