JACKI

Both of our daughters got married in the summer of 1992.  Later that same year Barb and I left the Christian community which we had been a part of for many years, but our one daughter, Missy, stayed, and is still there today.  Our leaving created a strain in the relationship, and after a few years Missy and her husband, Bob, completely cut us off.  We have had no contact with members of the community, with Missy and Bob, or their 4 children – no cards, no calls, no visits, no birthday celebrations, and no holidays together.  The Amish might say that we were shunned.  For 13 years we have prayed.  It was all we could do.

            Two days before this last Christmas an old friend called and said, “Jacki is on Facebook”.  Jacki is now 20.  She is Missy and Bob’s daughter and our oldest grandchild.  Barb cautiously asked to be her friend, and Jacki enthusiastically responded.  She and her fiance, Lee, are now out of the community.  They are cut off from both of their families, but free to reconnect with us, her uncles and aunts, and her nine first cousins that she has not seen in 13 years.  Dozens of Facebook messages flew back and forth between us all in just the first few weeks of re-connecting.  Jacki is an RN, and Lee is working on his doctoral degree in nursing to become a nurse practitioner.  They came up to visit us early this spring, and it seemed like we talked for two solid days.  I was so pleased to see the fun they had with their aunts, uncles and cousins.  She and Lee were married May 2, and we were there, tears of joy running down our cheeks.  They are the cutest couple, and so full of life. 

I have barely been able to contain my joy.  The first few weeks it seemed that all I can do was cry and worship.  However, we still have more to pray for – reconciliation with Jacki’s 17 year old twin sisters, her 15 year old brother, and of course, her parents.

What are you praying for?  Is there a broken relationship in your life, a wayward son or daughter, an estranged family member?  Please don’t give up, keep praying.  Even it takes 13 years or longer it is worth every prayer and every year that has passed when at last in God’s perfect time our prayers are answered.