Tuesday, January 1, 2008

My dear God,

Spirit meets spirit when people come together in unexpected ways. I spent most of the day at the hospital. My lymphedema had flared, bringing with it a high level of pain. The first day of the new year I had to wait a little while. No problem. I had brought a Christmas novel.

When I finally was given an exam room, I turned off the television to have quiet. I was told I would have an ultrasound to make absolutely sure I did not have a blood clot. I had the same symptoms.

A little later a young woman came to retrieve me. She wheeled me into the room and started prepping me for the procedure. That was when she shared that she was called in just to care for me. I apologized and she told me not to worry. She had been in church late for a New Year's party. She is a "praise" dancer and she danced in the new year.

One thing lead to another as we shared our faith together. I told her I was a sacred dancer and we decided we both did the same thing, danced for you. She began to tell me her faith story. She had loved you, had been faithful to worship each Sunday. But when she went through a divorce, she was told she could no longer fellowship in their church. Her pastor had told her she could not receive communion. She was devastated so she left with her two boys. For two years she stayed away from church, feeling shunned, lost and forgotten by you. Her pastor had told her that you could not forgive her.

I listened to the technician tell me her story. I apologized for the short sighted pastor. I told her you forgive all of us, that she was not beyond the pail of grace. Then she said that you started speaking to her, telling her she needed to take her tithes someplace where you could use them for your purposes. You lead her to a church not far from ours. There she placed her heart once again in your church. She was welcomed, made to feel whole again, loved back into your kingdom. She smiled from ear to ear as she told about her ten year old boy stepping forward to give his life to you. She followed.

She did the procedure and found all my vessels in good working condition. I was released but not before she and I wished blessings of God on the new year.

I didn't intend to spend January 1 in a local hospital. But somehow I think your plan was fulfilled. I was blessed. She was healed.

Mercy, your mercy
overflows, spilling out,
dripping
onto your beloved children.
You want
every one
of us healed,
restored,
renewed,
made new.
Your power,
your power
is available,
accessible
to all.
You cry out
to us.
Children of the Beloved,
beloved children
of mine,
be healed,
be restored,
be renewed,
be made new
by me.
I can do it.
I will do it.

Love, Andrea