Ever since I was a small child, I've had an acute fear of fire. My fear was so intense, in fact, that it was constantly on the forefront of my mind and followed me into my adulthood. Three years ago...on Christmas Eve...my greatest fear became reality. On that day, God gave me one of the most precious gifts I've ever received. Today...I offer this story of God's love and faithfulness as my gift to you.
On Christmas Eve 2005, I jumped out of bed extra early and hit the floor running. I had a mile long list titled, ‘Things I MUST do TODAY or ELSE!!!' The ‘ELSE' part was not an option...as I was hosting a Christmas celebration at my home that evening. I could not afford to waste even one minute...and I did not.
In case you are wondering, I did have a second list...‘ HONEY-DO THIS or ELSE!!!' ‘Honey' was up and running also...all the way out the door to finish some shopping. The morning was off to a great start...everything right on schedule.
Passing my sister-in-law's bedroom, I noticed that a stack of cardboard boxes was sitting outside her door. She had promised to take them to the recycling bin days earlier, and I became irritated when I saw them still there. In a release of anger, I began crushing the boxes...loudly enough that she would hear me...and she did. Then, I placed the boxes out on the back deck...reasoning that I would take them to the recycling bin after I was showered and dressed...the next thing on my list.
Hurrying back up the stairs and into my bedroom, I smiled as I thought..."I bet she'll take those boxes to the recycling bin now!" I paused for a moment and listened...she was indeed running down the stairs. ::MISSION ACCOMPLISHED:: I headed to the bathroom and jumped into the shower...still smiling.
Turning on the water, I had an argument with myself about whether or not I should ‘waste' time cleaning the master bathroom...as our guests would most likely use the downstairs' bath. I decided that a quick touch-up was in order and should be completed before my shower. As I began cleaning, I looked at the window and thought "I should open that window and let some fresh air inside. Besides...it is an unusually warm day." Immediately, I remembered that the window was painted shut...that I had not been successful in opening it the previous time I had attempted to do so.
Having almost given up the idea of opening the window, I had one last thought..."I'm a strong woman. I can open that window if I try hard enough." I walked over to the window anticipating a challenge...but to my surprise...the window flew open effortlessly. Pleased with myself, I lingered at the window to enjoy the warmth and sunshine. That is when I smelled it and thought..."but it is too warm for the fireplace...something is not right!"
Grasped by fear and panic, I ran furiously down the stairs and outside...the smell of smoke intensifying with every step. As I rounded the corner, my deepest fears became reality. The whole side of my house was on fire...the natural gas meter and lines enveloped in flames. Instinctually, I ran back inside my house...screaming frantically for my family to wake up and get out. I also had the presence of mind to turn the furnace off as I passed by the thermostat.
Even in her deep sleep...when my daughter heard my screams...she knew that something was desperately wrong. She grabbed her cell phone as she ran outside...calling 911. At that moment, I realized that my sister-in-law was still in her room...probably listening to headphones and unable to hear my screams. I pounded on her locked door, screaming for her to get outside. When she opened her door, I grabbed her and forced her down the stairs and outside.
By that time, the flames had completely engulfed one side of our home and were spreading across the dry lawn.Wearing my nightgown and flip flops...I began stomping out the fire...praying to God and waiting for the firemen to arrive. Just then, I heard men yelling and looked up to see three of our neighbors running toward our home...one of them carrying a water hose over his shoulder. Working together, we managed to put out most of the flames before the firemen arrived...saving our home from total ruin.
When the crisis was over, the fire chief pulled me to the side and said... "Do you have any idea how blessed you are? Not only did you almost lose your home today...you almost lost your life." He then showed me the source of the fire...a cigarette dropped in the grass. I turned and looked at my sister-in-law...knowing that she was the only one in our home who smoked.
After I explained to him how I had been in the shower and got back out to clean the bathroom...he said these unforgettable words, "Had you NOT gotten out of that shower when you did...your home would have exploded...killing everyone inside." I looked over at my children...standing in the front yard in their pajamas...and began weeping.
On Christmas Eve 2005...God gave me a precious gift...He gave me my children...AGAIN.
As I have done much lately, I seized the opportunity to work on my 2009 business plan
Zorra's mother described how the family has lived in battered women's shelters and has faced homelessness on several occasions after she and Zorra's father separated. The mom and her six kids, ages 7-17, have been exposed to domestic violence in their home. While the family now has a stable home, the financial stressors are such that having enough food in the house is a challenge. Mom isn't able to work because several of her children are high needs, medically complex kids requiring a high level of supervision and frequent medical appointments. Mom does everything she can to make ends meet for this family. She feeds her kids each month with donations from the food bank and she was hoping that the family would be eligible for a holiday program otherwise her kids won't be able to open presents on Christmas.
