I awoke on Saturday, June 11, and soon discovered the awareness of the presence of God around me. There was a holy stillness. I was prompted to read the Book of Ephesians. I started at chapter 1 and for a while, could not get past verse 3a, “How blessed is God! And what a blessing he is!”
I meditated on the richness of that verse and then continued on the rich spiritual feast, “He’s the Father of our Master, Jesus Christ, and takes us to the high places of blessing in him.”
I chewed on that morsel of truth, and took another taste of the richness of yet another truth, “Long before he laid down the earth’s foundations, he had us in mind, had settled on us as the focus of his love, to be made whole and holy by his love. Long, long ago he decided to adopt us into the family through Jesus Christ. (What pleasure he took in planning this!) He wanted us to enter into the celebration of his lavish gift-giving by the hand his beloved Son.” MSG
I sat and read the book of Ephesians with fresh eyes as though I was reading it for the very first time. Such depth and richness of God’s love towards His children. I spent the day re-reading the Book while at the same time recording journal entries. When I was not sitting to read, I listened to the Book of Ephesians online as I did my chores. My heart and home were saturated with the truth revealed in Ephesians.
In the afternoon, I laid across the bed to pray; and eventually fell asleep. I awoke in the early evening hours and went upstairs to my Mom.
“Mom, it’s such a beautiful evening. Let’s go for a ride,” I said.
We did not have a destination in mind. We didn’t need to go shopping for anything. I just wanted to enjoy the evening fresh air with my Mom by my side. Mom agreed and together we got into the car.
Having turned the corner from our home and in less than two minutes into the journey, we were involved in an accident. The loud, jolting BANG, seeing my Mom’s tiny body as it propelled forward and seeing the look in her eyes are images that the grace of God has covered with His love; taking away the impact of such images.
“Long before he laid down the earth’s foundations, he had us in mind, had settled on us as the focus of his love. What pleasure he took in planning this!” Our protection, our salvation, our redemption from destruction, our redemption from the horrible pit, our redemption from untimely death. The richness of His love. Standing firm and being deeply rooted in his love.
The tenderness and care that we received from the dispatchers, EMT workers, and hospital staff were like ministering angels in human form.
Mom suffered an injury in the accident but is now at home, resting and experiencing the healing touch of our Great Redeemer. I might not have suffered any physical injuries but the trauma of the accident was felt in my body and in my emotions. I am doing well and have experienced the sweetness of God’s healing touch.
We both entered the car from our home in one form, but emerged like a butterfly from its chrysalis, soaring with a fresh and deeper awareness of God’s love, mercy, goodness and protection. We are covenant daughters of the Most High God and have experienced the protection of God, yet another time!
As I engaged in prayer to God that night at the hospital, I said to God, “I know that you are good. Please continue to manifest your goodness to my family so that my siblings, the children, grandchildren and great grandchildren will have yet another testimony of the mercies of God towards The Edwards Family.”
This time, when I open my mouth and sing anthems of, “HALLELUJAHS”, it will serve as a memorial of what God delivered us from on that day. They will know that we were bought with a price and as such, we live to glorify God in our body and in our spirit which belongs to God.
For those who have been patiently waiting for the release of “Imprints of My Father’s Love”; know that the greatest story is lived daily right before your eyes. Each time that you see me, you have the privilege of reading a page from that ‘book’. God is still writing my story and how I live my life–to the praise of His glory– is the best story that He could ever write through me.
In time, “Imprints of My Father’s Love” will be released both in a children’s version and as a memoir, for adults.
May the river of God’s grace take this vessel of my life to where He sees fit; as I surrender to His plans and purpose. And may my words and writings go to places where my feet have yet to touch; declaring the praises and goodness of our great God and Saviour.
Like Paul, I pray that you and all of God’s people will understand what is called wide or long or high or deep. I want you to know all about Christ’s love, although it is too wonderful to be measured. Then your lives will be filled with all that God is.” Ephesians 3:18-19
Standing firm and deeply rooted in God’s love,