“Let your gentleness be evident to all, the Lord is near. Do not be anxious for anything, but with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which passes all understanding, will guard your heart and mind in Christ Jesus. “ Philippians 4:4-7

My younger daughter was in high school when she answered the phone, not knowing what she would face that morning.  As a severe asthmatic who had been struggling with her own breathing issues for several years, she empathized with one of her best friends whose younger brother suffered from the same illness.

The voice on the other end of the line was this boy’s grandmother. Desperately, she cried out in fear and anxiety, describing how this young man had collapsed on the sidewalk of our small town, nonresponsive from an asthma attack. Those trying to assist could not find his inhaler but had called 911.

When I entered the room, my distraught daughter handed the phone over, pleading with me to console this grandma. My mind was racing as I listened carefully, praying for words.  I heard her fear and anxiety clearly, knowing I could not tell her everything would be alright. Having suffered similarly the many times my teenage daughter had struggled to breathe, I knew God’s word sustained me and would be the words she needed now. Although I did not know if this woman was a believer, God gave me the words of Philippians 4:4-7. I prayed, assuring her that God was with this young man even now, and for the emergency services to arrive quickly. I prayed for this young man to rest in the arms of Jesus as the paramedics worked to revive him.

Unfortunately, this young man died right there on that sidewalk that day. His death took a toll on my daughter and his family that lingers.  We did not know this family well, but our prayers for them did not stop that day.

Our world is not a gentle place, and people are suffering for many reasons. We never know when God may call us to share His love and His word, but we do know that we need to “Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.” 1 Peter 3:15.

His words are balm for the soul and encouragement that we are not alone in this world. We have a God who loves us, walks with us, and has declared victory over sin and death, if we are willing to acknowledge Him as our Lord and Savior. The truth of that statement is the reason we have hope and the answer we need to share with others.

                                                                                    Betty Darr

                                                                                    January 30, 2024