Thank You…

by | Apr 23, 2010 | Children, Prayer

I’ve been waiting to write this for a long time. In our 5th grade CCE class this year we talked about how God is a mystery and that He reveals Himself to us through creation, people, and His Son, Jesus Christ.

I have often marveled at Creation, never having any doubt that the intricacy of life and myriad of breathtaking moments could only come from our Creator. I firmly believe in Jesus Christ, his birth, teachings, persecution, death and Resurrection. And for the last year I have witnessed his mystery & revelation through ordinary, every day people. In their actions, in their prayers, and in their healing.

Over the last three years, I have witnessed three miraculous healings. The first one took me by surprise. I’d received prayer requests before in the past and while I’d say a prayer for that person or family, I didn’t really PRAY WITH FAITH, that is pray with the knowledge and belief that God would answer us.
Then came Lily, a tiny micro-preemie born at an unbelievably early 24 weeks. (How early? She was due in May and born in January.) Our family joined countless others in daily prayer for that crucial first year. Despite facing incredible odds, not only did she survive, but also hit every developmental milestone and is now a perfectly healthy child with no anticipated complications.

The second, whom I have shared with you, is Stellan. Twice I’ve come here asking for prayers and twice they have been answered. Though he almost died before his second—very risky—ablation, the surgery miraculously repaired his condition and now he is a perfectly healthy child with no anticipated complications.

Three months ago I told you about my friend’s son, Spencer. At the first Mass I attended after learning about his accident, I spent every moment putting Spencer into God’s hands and asking for God’s will to be made known to us. The next week brought positive updates, his condition slowly improved, the brain swelling ceased, and he made small signs of cognition. A few weeks later, our Mass responsorial Psalm was one of thanks. Singing these words while thinking of all our answered prayers moved me to tears.

In the presence of the angels, O Lord, may we praise your name.

I will thank you, Lord, with all of my heart, you have heard the words of my mouth. In the presence of the Lord I will bless you, I will adore before your holy temple.

I will thank you, Lord, for your faithfulness and love, beyond all my hopes and dreams. On the day that I called you answered; you gave life to the strength of my soul.

All who live on earth shall give you thanks when they hear the words of your voice. And all shall sing of your ways: “How great is the glory of God.”

Spencer went home yesterday. His family received such a huge outpouring of love and support from their family, friends, local community, and internet community. His survival and recovery is nothing short of a miracle.

We may never fully know God’s will in our lives, but I do believe that He works through people, and through their struggles, Lily, Stellan, and Spencer have touched others and increased awareness about the value of a life.

WRITTEN BY:

Shelly Henley Kelly

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