Oh the joys of sweet victory! We were all so happy for all of our players. There were hugs, smiles and pure JOY. The Coaches were happy, the parents were happy and the players could not hold back their excitement. It was an amazing moment for all. Oh how I wished the moment did not have to end. I loved seeing our girl so happy. It was time to gather her bags and get them in the car to leave. She was starving after putting all of her energy in the game, so we asked her where she wanted to go eat. We told her she could pick anywhere…anything she wanted. Her response did not surprise us. Chick-fil-A is always the winner when it comes to our girls.

We found our way to the nearest Chick-fil-A. The line, as always, was out the door. There was hardly a table to be found. We managed to squeeze in a booth to enjoy the food and good conversation. There was a sweet lady that came up to us to ask what the medal was for around our daughter’s neck. We told her and she congratulated us. A complete stranger took notice and rejoiced with us. So sweet. We were winding things up and getting ready for the long trip ahead of us, so I wanted to change into some comfortable clothes. I got the keys to the car and headed out to grab them. After making a visit to the bathroom to change I returned to find my family. There was some commotion in a booth just a couple down from where we were sitting. The entire restaurant had come to a stand still. All eyes were on this family.

It was a five year old boy who was down on the ground being held by his mother while his dad communicated quickly to the workers that they needed help. Everyone rallied for them. The Chick-fil-A Employees were amazing. One bent down to help the mom hold her boy up. He had turned blue. He was not breathing. We were uncertain of what had happened. We thought he was choking until we heard the dad tell 911 dispatchers that they had just left the ER for complications with seizures. The mom was trying desperately to get her son to respond to her. It was a moment I will never forget. I looked up at my husband and daughter and told them we needed to pray. We did. Right there in the middle of the restaurant we stopped and prayed. We wanted to do more, but we didn’t know what or how. I looked into the eyes of my oldest daughter who had just celebrated such a victory who had now been overcome with tears. In that moment, I had an overwhelming compassion for those precious parents, and I wanted them to know. The booth next to them was open, so I slid in and rubbed the mom’s back as she wiped her tears. I told her we are praying for you. She looked up at me and told me thank you. The little boy’s name was Andy, and he had the most beautiful brown eyes. He regained consciousness but was unaware of what was happening. Andy’s dad was strong. He told him that it was okay to be scared, and they were going to get him help.

The paramedics arrived on the scene and quickly took over. The traffic outside was so great they didn’t have time to bring in a stretcher. One of the Paramedics took Andy into his arms and carried him out to the ambulance. We knew that they had things under control, so we headed to the car. Our rejoicing had diminished and we were somber. We wanted Andy to be okay.

“Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. Do not repay evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” Romans 12:15-17

These verses were read over the XM radio just a few miles after we left the restaurant. They permeated my ears. I had just experienced what those words mean up close and personal. A complete stranger came up to congratulate us. She was rejoicing with us. A complete family was in distress and the entire restaurant stopped to help.

In a world that seems to be in turmoil and complete chaos, there are still those who love and care for others. I love what the footnote of my bible reads about these verses. It says, “God calls us to real and sincere love that goes far beyond pretense and politeness. Sincere love requires concentration and effort. It means helping others become better people. It demands our time, money, and personal involvement. No individual has the capacity to express love to a whole community, but the body of Christ in your town does. Look for people who need your love, and look for ways you and your fellow believers can love your community for Christ.”

I hope this inspires you to look for people to rejoice with this week, and look for people that are mourning. We can bring real love to one another and make this world a better place. If you pray, will you add Andy and his parents to your prayers. I can’t seem to get them off of my heart and mind. I believe The Lord has them in His most capable hands just as He has you and me.  Be blessed as you GO this week! #arise #go #love #gloryup