23 April 2001, Written by Lorelli:

I wanted to share a very powerful, true story that will leave you with goosebumps!   For each and every one of us there are certain moments in life that cause us to take a deep breath and hold it in, in awe of the God we serve.  Sometimes He does His work subtly, quietly, with little commotion; other times the Lord speaks and moves as a whirlwind we cannot deny.  What I am about to relate to you is the absolute truth-- an incredible, undeniable evidence of the strength and power of the hand of God offering His awesome protection through a miracle in my life.

Last night I completed my usual routine before retiring to bed.  As I went to pull the covers up over me, I couldn't help but to notice the heat and humidity which had crept into the house during the course of the day.   Since I don't yet have an air conditioning unit, I knew that the only way the girls and I would stand a chance at a decent night's sleep was to leave the windows fully opened and hope that the noise of the overnight hours would not be too distracting. Being a single mother, safety is always a concern; but because I live in such a small town and I know most of my neighbors I typically am able to rest peacefully at night.  So, as always, I read the Bible, said my prayers, and snuggled beneath the sheets before drifting off into the realm of restful unconsciousness.

About an hour after having fallen asleep, I was roused back into partial reality.  Unsure of what was disturbing my sleep, and unwilling to rise from my bed, I couldn't help but wonder why I had awoken at that particular moment.  Before having more than a split second to think, I found myself feeling an overwhelming need to pray.  You see, I never lock my car when I park it in my driveway, nor do the screens covering the opened windows of my home offer much protection.  With no worldly property of any great value, my three innocent, beautiful daughters asleep just in the other room are my only worry each night as I turn all that I have over to the loving and capable hands of Our Father in Heaven.

Have you ever had a moment where, without explanation or tangible reason, you suddenly 'just know' that you need to pray and for  a very specific purpose?  Well, this is what happened to me. I remembered the story I had read of a woman who had been protected from a would-be rapist in an alley because, though invisible to her, the potential criminal had seen two angels walking by her side.   I prayed that God would send His angels to keep watch over my home, guarding every window and doorway.  I then made a request that seemed a bit unusual, even for me:  I prayed that the Lord would lock the doors of my car, (or, on second thought, simply prevent someone from being able to open them.) I cannot give any sort of a reason as to why I prayed the prayer that I did. 

As I said, I do not normally lock my car, but I suddenly remembered that I had inadvertently left a somewhat inexpensive, yet completely irreplaceable, item of jewelry in the console of my jeep.  One might think that recalling such an act of brazen idiocy would have prompted me to rise from the bed, remove it from my vehicle, and then lock the doors....and I suppose that under a normal circumstance that is exactly what I WOULD have done.  There really is no explanation for the action I took, other than the belief that my prayer was not truly my own, and I think this was God's way of making Himself known.

At 2:30 in the morning I heard an enormous ruckus outside of my home.  The first sound was that of a muffled scream, followed by running, stumbling, and the squalling of tires.  Whoever was outside was trying to get away in a frantic, terrified frenzy!  As a matter of fact, I did not hear the door of the car close until AFTER hearing the sound of the tires, revving of the engine, and clinking of metal dragging the ground as that vehicle pulled away.  My only thought was one of thanksgiving.... and "Way to go, God!"

This morning I sent the girls out to the car ahead of me while I locked the doors and turned off the lights.  I hadn't thought about my restless night's sleep, nor my urgent prayer since having gotten out of bed.  Wouldn't you know God never lets us down.  (Get ready for goosebumps!) My oldest daughter, Stephanie, came back into the house this morning to get the keys to the car.  The doors that I never lock had been secured during the night.    Think about this: A door I always leave open had been locked!  ALL the doors on my car were locked!  

I don't know whether or not the would-be thief ever tested the lock on the front door of the house, or found the allure of opened windows appealing.  The only thing I know for sure is that whatever prompted this person to leave had to have scared them beyond mention!

Never let it be said that God does not have command over all things.  Every thing, great and small, all answer to His mighty call.  Even when we fall short through our own lacking, oversight, or intentional neglect; He is faithful to protect, love and care for us.

Take Care and God Bless, Lorelli