As we all know, 2025 began with a horrendous mass casualty event in New Orleans. I have extreme disgust at how evil and depraved humans influenced by demonic forces can be. This was a very visible and reported atrocity, but it's around each of us every day. We can choose to either engage or rebel.
My immediate thoughts go to the families of these young victims. I know the pain they are feeling at the sudden and senseless deaths of their loved ones. But thank God in His mercy, my heart cannot remember or reenact the actual physical sensation anymore. I feel sick when I hear of anybody's senseless death, but my heart doesn't stay clenched as my body tries to shut down.
What an evil world we live in. But…what a beautiful world we live in. God was there, and is there, in all this darkness. I always pray, “Lord, please let those who know you show up in the lives of these hurting families just like you did for us.” Prayers work. Practical things work. It encourages people they are not going to die of their pain. God will use those who have a relationship with him to comfort, and even those who don't.
My last post was written in the morning on the 2nd anniversary of Morgan’s transition into the heavenly realm, December 23rd. (For a long time now I have not been able to refer to her as being dead for I know she is not.)
Two amazing things happened later in the day. As we were pulling out of our parking space at my son’s apartment complex leaving for Chipotle, turning to drive toward the exit, a Great Blue Heron flew about 15 feet in the air across our path. Shocking - especially because he lives about 5 miles from the middle of downtown Nashville! There is a small pond nearby it turns out, but Evan has never seen one there before, and regardless, once again, the timing had to be perfect. (For new readers, the great blue Heron symbolizes Morgan’s presence)
Memorializing Mo at Chipotle went perfectly. I’m very blessed by it. Back in our 4-night rented apartment at Evan’s complex (how cool is that?), I was scrolling around on my phone when it rang with a number I didn't know. I didn't answer and let it go to voicemail, which I immediately listened to. Can you guess? Can you?
It was none other than Wesley Slaughter, the young brother in Christ I wrote about here.
I immediately called him back and we spoke for about ten minutes. He had no idea it was actually the 2nd anniversary. (But God did.) Falling into his arms upon receiving my terrible news that morning had also impacted him greatly. He is doing well, and we will be staying in touch.
There have been several more otherworldly physical events over the past month as well, but I’m not going to describe them. I don't know why I get them. I don't know what they mean. I know most of you think they are God’s way of assuring me Mo is in His good hands. I get them when I don't even “need” them. It’s all so very strange to me. Has he always given me surprises that I never noticed? Like I’ve said before, except for seeming to save me from a few close calls in what should have been fatal car accidents that I can’t explain, and one instance with a missing cell phone, I never noticed. Is it because I now wake every day seeking His Presence immediately? Is it because my heart is so open now? Are these rewards for being faithful? There are no definite answers.
I started this post with a tragedy. 2025 may be filled with them. We really have no power in these huge national or international events. We do have power in our own personal interactions, in our families, in our communities. That is where we make a difference. These dark things are out of our control, but you can understand that God is in your details if you want him to be. I pray each of you will be blessed in 2025.
Update on past prayer request for my hubby’s friend, Willy. He had seemed to turn the corner before Christmas, but alas God called this ex-Marine, generous, committed man home on January 3rd. Thank you for your prayers.
Finally, a special thank you to fellow substacker and now friend, Noelle, who recently reviewed The Rebel's Hike on her substack Ramblings in Faith. If you want to follow her faith journey, heightened when she was fired for not taking the covid jab, I’ve linked to it as you can see. In the morning, you can wake up to scripture passages and prayer.
Joan your stories leave me in awe of the Lord. It encourages me so much that He touched your hearts in these significant undeniable ways on Morgan’s going home day. Thank you Father!! Praying for you all, you’ve been on my heart thru the holidays. 🙏❤️🙏
Happy New Year! God works in miraculous ways, I do believe you are feeling his presence and seeing his signs because you are open to them. Although I haven’t experienced the depth of grief you have losing MO, I lost two close friends in the last 6 months and almost lost another but God worked a miracle for her. I feel these losses have opened me to see signs I never saw before. Love you💕