Share – As my eighteen year old son lay in the road fighting for his life, he was fortunate to have a first responder who held his hand, gave him words of hope, encouraged him not to give up, and told him that the Lord loved him. The young lady who came by his side had a divine appointment and she demonstrated great courage to answer the call to be there for him. It was not a coincidence that my son’s first responder was also his best friend’s sister.
I was recently reunited with Kylie on a trip to the store. We talked briefly and I thanked her for facing her fears to be present for my son. We said goodbye and I continued shopping, but suddenly a wave of tears overtook me and all of the sadness of that night traveled through my body and out of my eyes. It was as if a dam had just broken and feelings that had been held at bay came rushing out carrying me into one of the largest waves of grief that I had experienced. There I was standing in the chip aisle with tears streaming down my face, when suddenly a beautiful brave woman greeted me with a healing hug
Insights – When my fellow shopper wrapped me in her arms, it was as if Jesus was giving me the gift of touch to heal my hurting heart. God was reassuring me that I would survive my son's departure and that I should not give up. I am certain that my Father in Heaven provided Kylie to be Grant’s first responder as she wrapped him in her words and gave him much needed touch. He was just as faithful in putting a stranger in my path to embrace me in my moment of mourning when I was in the depths of despair. The Lord can use us on earth to express His love by prompting the heart of another to demonstrate compassion. Grant and I were both fortunate to receive the aid of first responders; however, the Lord is my ultimate responder. His faithfulness is shown by placing people in our paths to demonstrate His love at our greatest time of need.