Faith at the Grocery Store
by Gina GippnerI pen the column, Just Mom, and in 2004 I met a young girl in the produce section of a Safeway supermarket. The young girl and I had this conversation.
"Excuse me, but are you Just Mom from the newspaper?"
"Yes."
"I read one of your stories and you wrote that you pray. Do you believe in heaven? A few years ago, my parents were in a car accident and killed while driving to Idaho. I would like to know if my parents are in heaven and if you believe there is a God. I'd like to believe that my parents are fine, safe and happy. I miss them every day and can't sleep because I don't know where they are, and ... "
At that moment a woman came between us and told her not to bother me. I tried to tell her that she wasn't bothering me, but she swept her away before I could say another word. To this day I still think about the importance of that young girl’s question.
So, in 2004 I used my column to answer her, and I believe the message still stands strong today.
To the young girl I met in Safeway, I hope my answer to your question brings you comfort.
This past year was extremely hard for me too. We moved off a farm that we had worked for more than a decade. My son got on a plane to head for Iraq the same morning that my grandmother died. My grandmother to me was like your mother. I loved her and still miss her. We sold all our livestock that I loved dearly, and we had to put Nellie, our best dog, down. Nellie also happened to be my best friend.
She was 15, and kept me company every day of her 15 years. There's a grave behind my house that reads, "Nellie Gippner, 'Semper Fi,'" which means, "Always Faithful." This is just an example of the trials that life brought.
One afternoon, I was driving down an ol’ country road next to my home. This road takes me into town. I've been driving this road for over 16 years. As I was driving, I was doing the same thing you are. I was looking for answers to my questions. That afternoon I asked the same question you asked me. I've always believed in God, but I just needed something more.
I silently said that afternoon, "God, if you're there let me really know that you're there!" The moment I said it I turned the corner and there was the answer I was seeking.
He was there.
If you were to take a drive on Bitney Springs Road, in Nevada City, California you would notice that there is a cross there. It's marked Barry Lee Brooks. Barry was a young boy when he was killed in a car accident. I'll never forget that day. It's been many, many years since his death, but because of his mom's efforts, he will never be forgotten.
Barry's mother has tended that cross since her son's death. There's not a day that goes by that I don't notice his cross. I'll never forget Barry. His name has been instilled in my heart forever.
So, how did I find the answer I was seeking? I realized that Jesus also had a mother and she, too, tended his cross, just as Barry's mother tends to his. I will guarantee you that as long as there are descendants of Barry; his cross will be tended too. A thousand years from now, if Barry's family still lives in Nevada County, someone would watch over that cross.
Since you asked me that question, I needed to answer you. Yes, I believe in God. I believe in heaven, and I believe that your parents are fine, safe and happy. Just listen to your heart and you will know it too.
To the parents who are reading this, TODAY… grab your children and tell them what you believe. Share your love with them so that in the event something happens to you, your children will be able to sleep. They'll be able to know and not doubt; they'll be able to smile and not cry. I've seen the face of a child who didn't know what to believe and I will never forget her.
Give your children the one gift that can never be taken away from them― your heart!
Whatever it is you believe, BELIEVE!
Onward!
Gina Woods
Just Mom, Inc.
Home of "OwieBowWowie and Friends" 501(c)(3)
PO Box 6533
Thousand Oaks, CA. 91359
(805) 497-0534
http://www.justmom.net
http://justmominc.blogspot.com/
http://www.internationalfamilymag.com/apr09/divorceanactoflove.htm
