I Like Your Shirt
When a Child Points Your Attention Back to God
Last week, I had to undergo some medical procedures. I am a person who gets nervous about these things anyway, but with the passing of my mom, aunt, spiritual mentor, and then a sudden recent death of a sister in Christ’s young son, all within the last nine months (and more deaths before the nine months), I admit that my fear has grown even greater. All I could think of was that I wasn’t going to make it through the procedures. I thought, what would my sister do? I am the only closest family member she has left. I was fearful of prepping for the procedures the day before, and fearful of the actual procedures. I was a hot mess.
The day before the procedures, I was outside watering the lawn. It was a beautiful sunny day in Georgia, and a beautiful day in the neighborhood. Usually, when I am outside at that time of the day, there are rarely any neighbors who pass by. However, that day was different. Our grass has been struggling this summer, so my sister and I have been working hard to get it back in shape. I heard some voices, and I looked up and a man and someone who I assume was his son were walking down the block by my house. The man said, “Your lawn looks great”, with a big, friendly smile. That made me happy because we have been working hard in this Georgia heat! I graciously thanked him and muttered something about how we have been trying to get it together. He repeated again in a reassuring voice that it looked great. I appreciated his kindness. By then, he and his son had pretty much passed my area and were closer to the neighbor’s house, but I suddenly heard a little voice say, “I like your shirt”. I looked up and it was the son. He looked to be anywhere from 9 to maybe 11 years old. He was looking back and smiling, and his dad was smiling as well. When I tell you what he said made me pause, it kind of took my breath away, and it made me oh so happy!
You may be asking, why was I getting so geeked about a child saying he liked my shirt? Well, let me tell you what was on the shirt. My shirt said, “I don’t have to worry. God is in control. Philippians 4:6-7”. First, I was surprised he could see the words from so far away. Second, I was surprised he paid attention to my shirt. Third, I loved that he liked what was on the shirt. That tells me that this young man has been taught and has a love for God. He also knows what God can do. Fourth, I was flattered he gave a compliment. What a polite young man. Fifth, I know without a shadow of a doubt that God sent that little boy and his father that day to calm me.
I purposely wore that shirt on the day before my procedures because I needed to be reminded of God being in control and that I needed to fully trust Him. However, what I actually did was put on the shirt to feel good, but I had not put the words on the shirt in my heart. I wore it as a sign that I had faith, but I wasn’t being intentional about meditating on the scripture on the shirt. However, when that child complimented the shirt, it not only put me in a great mood, but it also convicted me. When I went into the house, I cried. I cried because I needed that reminder so much. I cried because I was thankful that God will always work through someone or something to gently nudge you and let you know He cares. I cried because I was relieved, and some of the fear that I felt fell off my shoulders like an armored vest. I opened up my Bible and read the scripture I had been wearing and meditated on it.
Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.
And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. - Philippians 4:6-7
The peace of God came upon me. Yes, I was still nervous, but not nearly as bad as before. The day of the procedure, when I laid on the table with the oxygen mask before they put me under anesthesia, a calm came over me. I accepted the Lord’s will. I trusted that whatever He would do, it would be okay. The next thing I knew, I was being woken up by a nurse. I was so thankful to the Almighty!
Things went well during the procedures. They did have to do some biopsies, and I am awaiting the results. But I am not nearly as anxious about this as I was about the procedures. I believe the words of Philippians 4:6-7 are no longer motivational words to wear on my shirt but have now been etched in my mind, and I thank that little boy with all my heart for causing me to look to the hills where my Help comes from and thank my God for His working in him in such a way.
Thank you for reading and allowing me to be vulnerable. If it is in your heart, say a prayer for me. Not just a prayer for my physical health, but also more so, my spiritual health.
A Moment of Reflection
How has God shown up and reminded you to look to Him and trust Him?
Has a child ever been a vessel to help you see God clearly? To remind you of your faith? To be a comfort?
Denise, this story warmed my heart. That little boy was a God-send. God uses children all the time to remind us adults what we already know -- and they teach us new things as well!
I absolutely love this! Praying for favorable results sis! 🙏🏾