"That's a God Thing"

Susan use to come to our church about 6 years ago then got into something else. So did her daughter Brittany.

For from days of old they have not heard or perceived by ear, Nor has the eye seen a God besides You, Who acts in behalf of the one who waits for Him. Isaiah 64:4 (NASB)

About three weeks ago Cheryl related this part of the story, "Guess what Art, one of the girls in rehab called and asked what I was doing Sunday. I told her I go to church, that’s what we do, our whole family, that’s just what we do Sunday. Brittany asked, "Can I go with you?" I said, "Of course."

Then Brittany asked, "Where do you go?" "New Life in Pleasant Hill," was the answer as the pace quickened. "Is Pastor Art the pastor?" "Yes." "That’s my church!" Brittany exclaimed. "We use to go there when a was a kid!"

The next two Sundays saw Brittany in church with a great big smile, happy to be in a place she knew, and knew was good for her. What helps the story is to know Cheryl is my (Art) sister in law. Not many years ago Cheryl and my brother were busted on felony drug charges and the ensuing child neglect. Four children were removed from the home while Cheryl and my bro did time and rehab. Two of the boys Levi and Joey, lived with me, Uncle Art.

This last Sunday (the third Sunday) Brittany came to church with her three year old daughter, and mother, Susan. [You following this?] It was great to see her. Susan has a heart for God, she is someone you can see it in. Susan beams when in God’s presence, especially with her granddaughter is dancing to the music, and her own daughter is visibly on the road to recovery and wholeness.

After the service, Susan came up to me with tears in her eyes. "That’s a God thing," she said. Susan had just been with Cheryl who she is meeting for the first time. Cheryl is now a parent liason for the county, who helps, mentors and assists women like Brittany.  It was probably seeing Levi that tipped the hand. Susan said, "You and your brother use to come over and hang out at my house when you lived with Pastor Art." "Really, oh yeah" Levi says. "Didn’t you have a son and a daughter?"

That’s when Brittany who standing right there says, "Levi, I’m the daughter." Somewhere about now must have been when Susan began putting things together as the tears and realization began to roll. "Cheryl when you were in trouble I helped to care for your kids. Now I find that you work for the county, and my daughter is in trouble here you are caring for Brittany and her daughter."

Somewhere after seeing this amazing circle of redemption and love there was an amazing hope and hugs all around. Then Susan walks over to me, "That’s a God thing." It sure is. Its such a small piece of the picture that we get to see, but when we see it, its hard not to be humbled and to believe.

There are different ways God works in our lives, but it is the same God who does the work through all of us. 1 Corinthians 12:6 (NLT)