Reflecting on His Favor

This has been an emotional couple of weeks for me, personally and I am amazed at the goodness and favor of the Lord. My faith has increased due to the tragedy of this fire; I have sought the Lord in a different way for I was at a loss and didn't even know how to begin such tasks. I have been totally dependent on Him for wisdom and power to see me through.  Getting the process of the restoration and reconstruction moving while caring for our family was all so much to handle...but God was gracious.

I can't say enough about His lovingkindness unto me; He has been an ever present help in the time of trouble.  The greatest task was that of reviewing and recollecting the contents of our home and gathering prices to assure proper compensation of our belongings. Though I knew it was my job as helpmeet to Walter and administrator of our home, frankly I could not do it on my own, I needed help...divine help.  Daily, I sought the Lord with sincerity, every step of the way and His comforting presence was ever so apparent to me.

God was no shorter than His Word, I asked for wisdom and He gave me wisdom...liberally, clearly and precisely.  I know it was Him for I had no knowledge or experience to lead me through the pages and pages of information to be considered and the decisions needed to be made.  The Lord gave me peace as we (He and I) visited our belongings and met with the insurance representative.  He put the words in my mouth that I would ask the questions necessary; He even put sweet words of compassion in the mouths of those who dealt with me regarding our belongings.  One might think, "maybe it is just a good company that you are dealing with", maybe that is so, but He gave me favor each time I had to return to the restoration company as well as when dealing with our insurance representative.  I met no opposition, contention nor confusion, instead I was shown empathy and respect.  His grace and mercy have covered me. I am grateful for such favor from the Lord!  By His grace I have completed the tasks regarding the contents of our home.  We now know the bulk of our loss and what our immediate needs are as well as what the major needs are for returning to our home. Thank you, Lord!

God's Mercy and Love for the Bowie Babies

"The Lord is gracious and righteous; our God is full of compassion.  The Lord protects the simplehearted; when I was in great need, he saved me.  Be at rest once more, O my soul, for the Lord has been good to you."  Psalm 116: 5-6
 

It is because of His mercy that we are not consumed; He protected us and has provided rest and peace for our souls.  I am so grateful to share that through it all our children are doing well; the Lord has been good to the Bowie Babies!  God's grace has been abundant unto us; He chose to deliver our family from physical danger during our November 4th house fire.  We experienced no smoke inhalation, nor did we feel the heat of the flames...only God! We were able to escape together and have been blessed to remain together as a family from the moment we had to leave our home giving Walter and I the opportunity to observe and nurture each of our children continually through this tragic event.

God has extended us much mercy and love as not one of them have displayed any overwhelming fear, anxiety or depression as a result of the events of the fire. We have had many open conversations about our loss with the children, individually as well as collectively.  Thus far, they appear to be blessed abundantly with peace through the process. I have seen them lean and depend upon one another a lot and share much understanding and empathy amongst them.

They have been sibling, friend and confidant to each other. The first few weeks were roughest; they shared very limited living space with very few options to retreat unto oneself. They had no clothes and none of their personal belongings, but they did have each other and it was apparent that that gave each of them much comfort.  As the days multiplied they showed little concern over the loss of their stuff, but definitely a longing for home.

Moving to the temporary house has been a blessing as it has given them space and a place to call home. It has also given them room to indulge in their passions i.e. weight lifting, painting, videography etc., room to think and reflect..room to grow.  Though it is sometimes difficult for me, our return to a daily routine of home schooling, weekly church service and even participation in winter basketball has given them a sense of normalcy and an opportunity to walk along this journey looking forward instead of looking back at their loss and being overwhelmed with grief.

Each of them have changed so much in the past three months and by God's grace they appear to healthy and whole, physically, mentally and spiritually.  Daily, I hear them speak about what they miss about home and that they look forward to returning home and daily I see God's mercy, grace and love right before my eyes...for He continues to give each of them peace and a sound mind.  Thank you, Lord for protection and rest along the way; You have been good to us!