When I was a Realtor in Mobile, one of the exceptional amenities agents loved to include in their descriptions was "waterfront" or "waterfront view." You had to admire the lengths those agents went to include those words in their promotions.
As I meandered through a mobile home park, I arrived at the section fronting a lovely, man-made lake. She waved at me as she approached my car. Rachel said a lot of drivers had trouble finding her in this section of the park.
As we moved toward the front of the facility, she pointed to a small space between two pine trees.
"That space is where I used to live. I was so cramped between those two trailers. I love where I'm living now! It's so quiet and peaceful. I can step out of my home and see stars in the sky at night and enjoy the lake during the day."
The doctor's office was about forty miles away. Rachel began to describe some of her life challenges. Some twenty-five years ago, she lost her nine-year-old son to a mosquito-borne illness.
"Some developers began working on some land across the street from where we lived. They dug up the woods, which left standing water all over. They put some pipes down, but many of them broke, which meant the water didn't drain off."
"You might remember the West Nile virus. Well, they think that's what my son got. It was tough for us to live through that time, but, thank God, my other son is doing well now. He's got a good job, and he and his wife are raising a beautiful family."
Rachel then began to describe her family life. To say it was chaotic would be a massive understatement. I had a hard time keeping track of the variety of relationships. She had moved all over the eastern part of the country, but settled in the panhandle of Florida.
I asked her how she managed to overcome all the challenges.
"I owe it to my new personal relationship with God. I know that without Him, I would be dead. I've finally accepted Jesus, and it has changed my life!"
"I'm going to be baptized for the third time, but for the first time in my life, I know that He is real!"
I told her that I would keep her in my prayers. I hope that this time is real for her.
She said, "I've had a lot to change in my life. I've done some things I'm ashamed of, but that's behind me now."
I didn't ask for details, but she gave them to me anyway.
"Several years ago, I was the number one cocaine seller in my city. It was an easy way to make money, but I didn't feel very good about myself. I wasn't even a user because I hated the idea of putting something up my nose. But, I had no problem selling it to others."
"Eventually, someone showed me how to smoke it, which I did enjoy. But I knew I was going downhill fast and needed to change my life. I started going to church. I quit selling and using. I'm dedicating myself to Jesus!"
"I think I can help other people who are going through what I've been through. I'm happy now. I love living out in the country away from the chaos I used to know."
Rachel is just a few years younger than I am. She lives near her son and his family. She has a few friends from the church she attends. I don't think her challenges are over. She needs prayers for her health. Even more, I ask that you add her to your prayers for peace in her life. When I start on my next book, Rachel will be in the "Adversity" chapter. Thank you to those of you who have commented on my current book. The algorithm gods tell me that if I use certain words (which I won't use here), they send my blogs to your "promotions" folder. You can help me by dragging my email from that folder to your inbox.
By the way, Christmas is approaching! I think you know a great place to get some excellent reading material as presents for your family and friends!
Thanks again, and God Bless,
Tommy