On December twentieth, some friends of ours sent us a check for two thousand dollars. Our car had passed on and they wanted to buy us a car for Christmas. Furthermore, they said that if we had any money left over that we could keep it for other expenses. I am still waiting on Social Security and my wife was hurt at work three months ago now and we've had zero money coming in save that which we can generate by selling the few things we have left. So, to the point, any extra money would be wonderful. My wife went looking for a car on craigslist immediately and I went to talk to my HP. My HP said, very clearly I might add, WAIT. So when my wife came to me and found this $4000 vehicle for $2000, I entertained the notion for a moment that we could buy the car, flip it and have four thousand dollars but when I checked in my HP still said, WAIT. So we waited.
Two days later she found a great car for $1500. That would leave us with $500 cash, which we desperately needed. I spoke to HP who said, "Wait." Okay, reported back to my wife who trusts my HP almost as much as I do and so we waited.
Two days later she found one for $1000. It was perfect. No wonder my HP had me wait! So I checked in again and asked, "This is the one right?" HP said, "No, wait." Angel replied, "You have GOT to be kidding me!" But we waited.
Three days later we found it. $500 and it was immaculate. The folks said that they had bought it at a government auction for $500 years ago and it had served them well and they simply didn't want to make a dollar on it - just get their money back. "Thank you, thank you, thank you, HP!" I cried. "I am so glad you had me wait. I'm going to call them now, okay?" HP said, "Wait." I said, "Are you nuts? I think you need a meeting." But I waited. Didn't have to wait long.
Fifteen minutes later the phone rang. It was a church four hundred miles away. Here was the conversation:
Them: Is Angel there?
Me: This is Angel.
Them: Angel, my name is Carol and I have a really weird situation that I'm hoping you can help me with.
Me: Sure, what can I do for you?
Them: I have a letter here that just came to the church here where I am the secretary, I should probably read it to you:
Dear Carol,
I put my car up on craigslist last night for $4000. During prayers that night, God told me to take the ad down. So I did. He didn't say why. That night I had a dream and in it I watched as I re-crashed a car that I had stolen many years ago while I was drunk, before I got sober. That person died before I had the opportunity to make amends. It seemed clear to me that I was suppose to give it away to someone who needed it more than I. Do you known of anyone?
Carol: I didn't know anyone but set the letter aside and opened the next piece of mail on my desk. It was from a parishioner asking for a prayer request. They said that they had some really good friends who needed a car. I called her up and she gave me your number. Do you still need a car?
We took the $2000 and paid three months rent and $100 for bus fare to go pick up the car. We caught up on our overdue bills and are now 'broke' again - that is, if you still believe that I am in charge of our finances. If you believe as I do, then you know that we are rich beyond measure and look forward to the time we can be an instrument going the other way.
Now, of course, this post is for any and all, but I'm really waiting on Pappy to get here and read this before I'm back offline for another hiatus. Come on Paps, where are you?
Angell...that is exactly how HP works. HP does great plans and manipulations and I know that from experiences with HP myself. That; what happened for you and your wife is what indeed is called a miracle and while it was in progress...you were told to wait. You got itchy and concerned and you did what was requested and there you have it...you got a car, was a part of some other drunks 9th step, while in the process of 12 stepping the church secretary and allowing your wife to practice trust. I'm sure there is more as I know that HP sometimes is much more than my feeble mind and faith can deal with. "Are you crazy!! I think you need a meeting"!! LOL...I've done that a bit more rude in my journey and rude doesn't throw HP off. Happy with you...glad you brought that miracle here cause we all can get it when we work for it. LOL...loved the narrative.
I do trust my HP unequivocally, though I've had have my moments when my head has a moment of doubt and I have to turn everything over to my heart...or vice versa. As many gifts as my HP has given me along the way, I did learn something this time that I've never realized before. At each juncture, after listening to my HP, I could have stopped listening and considered myself blessed.
The situation began before the money was sent. The car died and I didn't panic. If we need a car, HP will provide. Shortly after this, the money was sent and we were gifted with the money to buy a car. If I hadn't checked in with my HP again, I would have talked about the miracle...and I would have been right. But I did check in and was told to wait. So I did and then at each car we found cheaper, we could have stopped checking in with HP, declared another miracle and bought the $1500, the $1000, or the $500 car. I'm reminded of the saying, "Good is the enemy of the great." I have free will; I could have stopped checking in with my HP at any point and taken good, really good, really really good or even amazingly, out of this world good. But HP had GREAT waiting for me. Begs the question, how many times have I shortchanged myself by accepting good because I took control back fifteen minutes before the phone would have rung and great was on the other line?
Okay, I should drink coffee before I post but I'm about to lose internet again and didn't want to get cut off before I wrote this. Love to all.
Hi Angell, ... Super story ... and it just goes to show that faith, even the size of a mustard seed, can change lives ...
I became a part of a 'prayer vigil' for a dying teenager years ago ... this boy, in his young teens, was dying of cancer ... it was incurable ... after a year of treatment, his doctors prepared the family for the worst ... only a few months left for him ... they got in touch with a group call 'Caring Bridge' ... which sets up networks of people to pray for those in need ... I gladly participated ...
Long story short, I saw this young teen on CBS news last week ... the kids name was Spenser Wilson ... he is a part of his high school basketball team and made a 'mid-court' shot just before the final buzzer, to win the game ... it was truly amazing ... and just 4 years ago, the doctors had lost all hope of saving him ...
Prayer works ... and it works even better if we'll look and listen for the responses to them ...
Love ya Angell, and I pray God's will be done for you as for the rest of us, God Bless, Pappy
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'Those who leave everything in God's hand will eventually see God's hand in everything.'
Miracles abound Pap....and if we are open minded and patient we can find out that often they are more usual than not. I've had my share and currently am living on borrowed time and have been since I entered recovery. HP has intervened often in spite of me to keep me here as a helper. Ain't gonna complain about that just staying ready for he next call.
Thanks for your posting Angell. What is that expression about "God is everywhere?" I have heard in the rooms and seen on this board about evidence of His existence and for me, I don't need any other proof.
I have been down on my luck financially and have blamed God for my circumstances. I am trying not to blame Him anymore but rather pray and ask Him for guidance. I feel like in time, by staying sober and working the steps (even the ones I am scared of and not crazy about), He will provide.
