As they backed the pickup truck into the parking space closest to the apartment it was apparent it didn’t belong. Platinum. Cherry apple red.
Bag by bag every earthly belonging was piled into the bed of the truck.
Can they stay here with me for a little while. It will make enough room for one trip instead of two.
No. We’ll make two trips.
Do you need my friends to help unload.
No. We’ll take care of it.
On the second and final trip the truck bed was full of all her earthly possessions including clothes, dishes, microwave, and kids.
Apartment empty except the dust and dirt left behind.
What’s the plan.
You see, she was with child. A few weeks from delivery. Lying her head on whatever floor was available day to day. To find a couch was a luxury.
I have a friend. Here name is Sue. She’s a good mom. She takes good care of her kids. I’ve watched her with them. You would like her. She’s just moved here from Detroit.
Sue walked by. She might have been 26. Leathery skin barely covering her bony frail body. Disheveled appearance. Fuzzy hair. Wired eyes. It’s been days since she slept. She wore her drug of choice on her.
That’s a bad mom plan. I’m not going to let you have. Baby girl is coming home with me. She deserves a good mom plan. Your choice is either you come with her or you send her alone. But, she comes. Your job is to make a way for her – even if you cannot make one for yourself.
The line was drawn. In one moment. In that moment.
She knows her momma well enough to know the line was drawn. It takes a lot for the line to be drawn but once it’s drawn – it’s non-negotiable.
I’ll think about it. I’ll let you know.
Where will you sleep.
With my friends.
As that platinum cherry apple red truck pulled out of the parking lot of the drug infested poverty stricken riddled with violence complex – a choice was made.
I WILL PRAISE HIM.
With a hollow chest where my heart once beat as the ache consumes my ability to breathe.
I WILL PRAISE HIM.
How can I praise him in a time like this.
I praise him because his word remains faithful and true. He is worthy. He is holy. On the cross as he shed his blood for our sin – she was on his mind. He conquered death, hell, & the grave for her. He rose from the tomb ascended into heaven & sent his Holy Spirit as her gift. Even if she doesn’t choose him. He never leaves her. He never forsakes her. He grieves her choices. She never falls outside of his love. In any moment she can call his name & return to him as the prodigal. In that moment, no questions asked, he will keep her & love her – celebrate her return to him. He is a perfect gentleman. He will not force her free will. He is NOT to blame for her choice or my failures as her momma.
He loves her more than me. With mercy & grace he gives me rest BUT in my period of rest he remains by her side.
I WILL PRAISE HIM
Psalm 34:18 The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed.
Psalm 150:6 Let everything that has breath praise the Lord, Praise Ye The Lord!
I can praise him on the journey in the middle of my pain – because he is the alpha but he is also the omega. He is the beginning. He is the end. He is the everything in between.
ALWAYS WORTHY of my praise. It is my reasonable service.
Revelations 1:8 I am the Alpha and Omega – the beginning and the end, says the Lord God, I am the one who is, who always was, and who is still to come – The Almighty One
He knew her steps. He knew her thoughts. Still yet he loves her with precious thoughts about her that outnumber the grains of sand. Psalm 139
Therefore, I WILL PRAISE HIM.
