It's My Life - Melody Carlson [57]
But this time, it didn't seem like that same kind of crying as before. For some reason I felt there was a little bit of hope mixed in with her tears. Then I reached over and hugged her for a long moment. And I could tell she really appreciated it.
“You know what I did just before you said amen?” she asked as she wiped her nose with a kleenex.
I shook my head, still feeling somewhat amazed about what had just happened.
“Well, I didn't actually say the words out loud, but silently, and in my heart, I asked God to just take over my life and do something with it.”
“Oh, Jenny, that's so great!” Now I started crying too and hugged her all over again. “And He will, Jen. I promise you, if you let God, He really will!”
“I believe that now.”
“I'm so happy for you!” Then I noticed the girl across the room. To my surprise, she was just sitting quietly now, still watching us, but she seemed more peaceful somehow.
“And do you know what?” Jenny laughed a little. “My parents will probably really freak over this because they've always said that religion is a crutch for weak people. And they'll probably be all ashamed of me for giving in to it like this. But you know what? I don't even care what they think. And, to tell you the truth, I can't wait to tell them I'm a Christian now.” Then she frowned a little. “I am, aren't I? I mean, I didn't say the words out loud or anything, but won't it work just the same?”
Then I quickly explained what I've heard Pastor Tony say so many times about how being a Christian simply means that you've invited Jesus Christ, God's Son, into your heart. “When I did it, I was all alone in my room and I can't even remember exactly what I said, but I think I wrote it all down in my diary. But basically I just gave my heart to God.”
She nodded vigorously. “Yes, that's exactly what I meant when I prayed that. I hope that's enough.”
I laughed. “Don't worry, Jen, that's enough. Now, you just need to keep praying and allowing God to lead you. And I'll bet He'll even help you to be able to eat food and get well.”
She smiled what seemed a real and honest smile (and it was so good to see it). “I think He can help me through this, Catie. Somehow I really do.”
Well, by then it was already a little after five o'clock and I wondered how two hours could pass so quickly. But I explained to her that I'd try to visit again this week, but that it might be tricky since visiting hours conflicted with my work schedule. She said it was all right and that she understood. Then I promised to come both days during the weekend and to call her if I couldn't come by during the week.
“And maybe you and Beanie can patch it up,” she suggested. “Because I'd really like to see her again too.”
So, let me tell you, I was flying higher than an over-filled hot air balloon as I drove home from West Haven. I was thinking, Hey, I am a missionary, after all! I mean, it's just like Pastor Tony said. God can use me to reach out to the people He's placed all around me. And, believe me, I give all the credit for what happened today with Jenny to God! And I think it's just totally cool!
EIGHTEEN
Friday, October 19 (busy week)
What a totally fantastic week this has been! I got to go visit Jenny again yesterday (for just an hour) and it was absolutely great! She seems like her old self–only better! She's started eating again and she says it's because God is healing her. And she told me how this really nice nurse who works there (and who just happens to be a Christian) gave Jenny a New Testament Bible to read. And she's been reading it all week, which she says is making her mom pretty furious, although I suspect Mrs. Lambert tries to hide it. But Jenny says it makes no difference to her because this is her life. To which I say, Go girl! I'm so proud of her.
Well, Beanie and I did sort of patch things up, but she still didn't go with me to see Jenny yesterday although she did promise she'd