Thirty-six years ago, August 28th, 1979, my life was changed! As my family of four was traveling through the Carolinas, my father was killed instantly in a car accident. I was four years old.
Shortly after dad’s death, we moved from Maryland to Alabama. My life took an unexpected turn. Every year when this date rolls around, I ponder how different my life might have been.
What if I were raised in Maryland instead of Alabama?
Totally different environment,
different friends,
different schools,
different family dynamics.
The bottom line is God has a plan for my life. Even though this tragedy was unexpected by many, God was not surprised.
Three days ago, August 28th, we were delayed in traffic in Matsapha on the way to take the boys to youth group in Mbabane. We now know this delay was due to a horrific pile up involving young girls traveling in open trucks. These girls, who were coming from all around Swaziland, were on their way to a huge cultural event in Swaziland known as the Umhlanga (Reed) Dance. Over the past 48 hours, the death toll has risen to over 60 young women whose lives have ended so quickly.
As I have been praying for these families, eye witnesses, emergency workers, I am reminded again, God is not caught off guard. God is sovereign. God is in control.
Even though on August 28th, 2015, many lives and families took an unexpected turn, I pray God will use this tragedy for His glory and pour His comfort on the country of Swaziland.
God has a plan for each of us. The end of our lives is unknown, so we must always be ready...
Ready to meet Him face to face.
Are you ready?
Matthew 24:42 “Therefore, keep watch, because you do not know on what day your Lord will come.”
I am sure we have all experienced unexpected turns. If you find yourself today in an unexpected place in your life, I would like to challenge you to reach out to Him, trust Him, remind yourself that He is in control and He has a plan for you. He loves you.
I am thankful for the path God has chosen for my life.
I am thankful I was raised in AL where I met Greg (the love of my life) and have two wonderful boys.
I am thankful that He has called my family to Swaziland (even though unexpected).
I am thankful for supporters that continue to join us on this journey.
I am thankful that He is enough.
I am thankful He is with us…no matter what the circumstance.
Please join me in prayer for these families!
Michelle
