MY HERO

            As a child, I would visit you almost every day. When I needed to feel safe, you provided the peaceful shelter I needed.

            Then I had to return, either to school, or home.

            Over the years I continued to visit you whenever I could. You gave me the hope I needed, and your influence helped me live a decent life – most of the time.

            You gave me guidelines, and I felt like I had a ‘moral compass’; at least I believed that I knew the difference between right and wrong.

            Many days I would take a side trip, just so I could talk to you… or to talk to someone who knew you better than I did.

            Then, suddenly, there was no one to talk to. My life fell apart, and I was so scared.

            During that season I tried escaping my tortured feelings. Booze didn’t help. Jogging didn’t help. Eating and/or dieting didn’t help. And wild parties made everything worse.

            Until I ran into you, again. Literally. And our encounter was just in time.

            Mercy defines your acceptance of my love for you; and your love for me. That day, I couldn’t control my tears. So, I put on my running shoes, and headed for the beach. My fears were overwhelming, as my five children and I faced our first lonely Christmas.

            You responded to my cry for help… even though I had neglected our friendship for years. You entered my heart when I asked you to.

            My life changed at that moment! No longer did I have to go to a church to visit you. No longer was I desperate. 

            Ever since then I have delighted in the ability to talk to you whenever I wanted. I also enjoyed singing about you and to you.

Thank you for helping me discover that you do hear all my prayers, and you did answer them. Though, sometimes the timing was different than what I had hoped for.

            Yet, I have lived long enough to know that you are always there. I can depend on you. You have given me a model to live by, along with showing me what love really is.

            Thank you, Jesus, for being my hero.