I've known her for a little over five years now; in that time, Carol has talked about being sober, how her past addictions cost her some of the most valuable relationships she ever had and some material things, as well. When she made her mind up to be a sober woman, wife and mother, Carol did it. It is a daily struggle and she continues to lean on her friends and sponsors to keep her accountable, but she is committed to mending those broken relationships. Not to mention that she has more energy than any grown woman I've ever seen!!! :) But I digress...
This morning, Carol called me as I walking out of the post office. She was crying, hysterical even, to the point she could barely speak. I was worried that the home inspection she had had last night had caused her new home purchase to fall through. Finally though, after two or three minutes, she was finally able to get out that her parents and her son (whom she's seen only once in the last eight years) were coming through Jackson and they wanted to see her and her new home. (She emphasized 'wanted' on more than one occasion.)
As Carol was telling me all this, she kept saying, "Thank you, Jesus, thank you!" And then, to me, "Gwen, this is an answer to long-time prayer. And I was just sitting here asking God to please let my momma answer my text - AND GWEN, I GOT THE TEXT!!!!"
Carol was talking to me and Jesus was "on the line with us." The pure, unadulterated joy that she was experiencing took my breath away! I cannot explain that feeling; it still has me overwhelmed! GOD IS GOOD!!!
Jesus is in the business of relationship-building, love, joy, happiness, justice, and all that is good - even when we're hurting! Carol was, and I believe, will remain to be faithful to pray AND FAITHFUL TO KNOW THAT GOD HEARS HER CRIES! It was such a powerful and inspiring moment that when we got off the phone, I was crying!
Carol sent me a text and emailed me before she actually saw her family, then again to send pictures of their time together at her new house, and then she called when the visit was over. Her visible/verbal joy is the epitome of what Jesus does for a person who enjoys a personal relationship with Him. It was a beautiful moment to be a part of and I will cherish that she chose to share it with me first! :)
I believe Carol knows how happy I was for her joy today, but I don't think she'll ever know how God used her to remind me of my daily blessings and how much I take for granted. I love her for that, and I also love her for her friendship, her boldness, and her willingness to put herself last - to serve others - time and time again. She may not know it, but we see her sacrifice every day! And one day, Carol is going to sit with Jesus and she will be handed a crown so full of jewels she'll never be able to pick it up!!!!!
I thought the following passage appropriate:
Jeremiah 31:20 (Whole Chapter)
"Oh! Ephraim is my dear, dear son, my child in whom I take pleasure! Every time I mention his name, my heart bursts with longing for him! Everything in me cries out for him. Softly and tenderly I wait for him." God's Decree.
"Oh! Ephraim is my dear, dear son, my child in whom I take pleasure! Every time I mention his name, my heart bursts with longing for him! Everything in me cries out for him. Softly and tenderly I wait for him." God's Decree.
