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From where I was perched in the giant tree that stood strong along the river, I witnessed my future all play out. I was in my thirteenth year, thin and much too tall. My long blond hair hung loosely over my shoulders and down my back. The July summer morning was already hot. My tear filled hazel eyes scoped the area, where the church men worked.
I watched as the men brought together huge pieces of canvas by attached heavy twine rope to already positioned stakes, resulting in creating a huge covering with open sides that let in all of natures view. This was to be an area church’s revival meeting room.
As the men started furnishing the makeshift church, I climbed down from my outlook and headed home. It was the sign outside of the church in center of town that had alerted me of the Revival Meeting to take place at 2 PM. Having never attended church, the idea of an open meeting such as was being promoted, brought about my curiosity and interest, and the position in the tree offered opportunity to participate unnoticed. I wondered if I attended the meeting, if it would be the answer to the heavy sadness and lost feeling, that hung over me, like a heavy dark cloud.
Once home I sat down at the small table for two that sat in the tiny efficiency apartment which my Mama and I shared. Since my Dad had skipped out on us during one of his many drunken marathons, it had only been my Mama and me. Bitterness, anger, and depression controlled Mama’s days and life. She barely knew I existed.
Several times since Dad left, I asked Mama if we could go to church on Sunday morning. She always responded, what’s the use, there is no God. God would not have allowed you and me to be left alone like this. So, we didn’t go to church, and I soon rejected any notion of a God looking over me, yet something inside me begged to have Mama proved wrong.
As I sat alone at the table, eating macaroni and cheese, I made the decision that I would be in position at the outlook for the Revival at 2 PM. I wanted to see what church was like, and I wanted to hear what the people had to say about God.
I climbed into the tree just as the crowd was singing praise and worship. Hands were being raised, and others clapped. Some people danced and jumped for joy. It was an awesome sight.
There were several pastors present, who would have their turn at the podium during the long hours ahead. The worship leader gave way to the first of the pastors. He spoke words of welcome to the huge crowd, and he then said prayer of thanks to the presence of the Holy Spirit. As he prayed, others in the crowd prayed in agreement, and others prayed inspired words that came from their spirit.
During the prayer I began to feel that there just might be a God and if it were true, then if I prayed to Him, He might hear me. So I did as I saw others do and I lifted my hands and turned my eyes heavenward, and began to talk to the unseen. I felt something awesome stir within me. I didn’t know what it was until . . .
The prayer time ended and the Pastor began to speak. I didn’t think anyone would see me on the limb of the tree, but I swear that man of God looked right into my eyes, and he spoke these words:
The Lord says, “I have seen you and I have heard your cries. I am Your Father God, and I will never leave you or forsake you. The way to Me is by turning from the world, and accepting mercy and grace through My Son, who died on the cross for your sins. Answer the altar call, and I will show you the way.”
After finishing his message, the Pastor made an altar call. I lowered myself from the tree, knowing full well what I was about to do. I approached the altar and I went to my knees and I gave my life over to the Lord. Never again would I walk alone, as I now had my Heavenly Father to walk with me, and one day my Mama would too.
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