The Hand of God Works in Mysterious Way
The following story was sent to me from Sharon in response to my “Hand of God” story. God indeed works in mysterious ways!
Dear Lynn,
On June 1st, 2011 our home was hit by the tornado that came through Brimfield, MA. Although our house was left standing we sustained both inside and extreme outside damage to our property. Our direct neighbors to our left were not as lucky as just simply yards away from us, their homes were completely destroyed. On top of all of this, my unemployment ended with no job in sight and my car which was paid for and was my only mode of transportation was totaled. Our camper, only one week old and never used was also totaled which devastated my 10 year old daughter because now, there would be no summer vacation for her. Things just simply could not have been worse.
My biggest shock during this time is my surprise as to how some friends and family have reacted. Some people have been extremely wonderful and have taken the time to come over to help us to remove hundreds of fallen trees, brush and debris from our land. Some people, who I thought would at least call to see how we were never even bothered to check in on us. This disappointment has only reinforced the notion to me that we are mostly alone in this long endeavor to hopefully get our lives back on track.
One evening as my husband was channel surfing, he briefly stopped on one station where an old Madonna movie was playing. Madonna was stranded in a lifeboat with a gentleman, (who she was less than thrilled to be with), and she yelled out, “Where is God when you need him”? This struck an immediate cord with me.
The following morning, I was in the kitchen and had decided to cut a watermelon that I had purchased a few days earlier. I thought that it would be a great snack for the helpers who would be coming over to help us to cut wood. As I was cutting the watermelon, I remembered the line from the evening before and was feeling a bit down. As I continued to cut, much to my surprise, the above photo is what I found. Could this be a sign that we are not so “alone”? I thought…I have to send this to Lynn Robinson but need to find your email address. Just days later, one of your newsletters arrived in my inbox with the title of “Coincidences” with a story that you had previously written about the handprint sign (from God) on your ice cream. This was the very same story that I had read from you from a previous newsletter that inspired me to send you my story in the first place!!
Since the watermelon incident, I celebrated my 50th birthday (one never to be forgotten!) and I received a card with simply a heart on its cover with the inscription reading “Love and light to you on your special day”.
I know now that I and my family are not alone. I do wish that things would move in the more positive direction much quicker than they are but I am guessing that there must be wisdom in this also. I am hoping that “signs” continue to make their way to us to give our family the strength and courage to keep pushing along.
Sincerely,
Sharon Colabello
