My mind takes me back to the winter of 2004. My husband, Eric Todd, was preparing to retire out of the North Carolina Army National Guard after 30 years of service, our son was twelve years old, and life was going great. But soon, a massive number of troops were to begin to deploy for Operation Iraqi Freedom. My husband’s troop was in the midst and I was not prepared to become a single parent.
I recall going to the altar and praying that God’s will be done and that regardless of the outcome, HE would give us the strength, comfort, and peace that we would need to get through this upheaval in our lives. Looking back 16 years, I am so grateful that HE gave this to us in love displayed to us by family, friends, church members, and even strangers. My faith never wavered during this deployment. Our family and friends never allowed us to feel depressed or lonely.
During this time, our Lord guided us as we never had a missed meal, received phone calls and drop-ins, and love packages sent to Todd and his fellow soldiers. When the backdoor to our house needed replacing, our church family came right over and completed the task and would not accept compensation. Love was rained down on us and carried us through, and it continues to do so!
Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father, you constantly amaze me with all your wonderful works. Thank you for loving us through all our doubts, fears, and frustrations. Loving you for the awesome people that you place in our lives at the right time and place. In your Son’s name, we pray! AMEN!
Rev. Robin Jones is the pastor of Gibson UMC in Gibson