The worship production team and I are attending a conference in Orlando to learn how to better utilize the technology we have available and to also see where the “future” of church media is headed.
Brad, Josh, and I took a little time on Monday to have a bit of fun before the conference began and visited one of the Disney parks. A family in front of me in line had on “Make a Wish” shirts. I noticed their daughter who appeared to be between 3 – 4 years old.
“Make a Wish” is a non-profit that creates life-changing wishes for children with critical illness. I knew that the young girl must be facing some significant health issues and could only imagine the burden the parents must feel on a day to day basis. So in the moment I prayed for them.
I prayed for God’s peace and strength as they endure whatever situation life has them in. I debated in the moment telling them that I had prayed for them. But I had great reservations how that would come across so I just kept silent.
As we approached the ride the dad turned around and said hello. After a brief exchange I decided to tell them that I had prayed for them.
That was completely out of my comfort zone and I really felt sort of “weird” saying that to a complete stranger in an amusement part line. But . . . I remembered the whole “daring you” to make a difference and I believe prayer makes a difference, even if we don’t know how.
The most interesting thing was the words he used when responding. “It’s been prayer that has carried us through this journey. We feel God’s peace and strength.”
It was crazy but those were the exact things I’d prayed for . . . weird how all that works.
Their daughter suffered a stroke at birth, then a few years later started having life-threatening seizures. She now functions with 1/2 her brain because the only way to treat it was to separate the two brain hemispheres so that the seizures would stop.
She laughed, held up her arms, and had the best time on the roller coaster.
When the ride ended they called her their little miracle. And they thanked me for the prayers, they said it made their day.
I’m not writing this to say “look at me.”
I’m writing it because I was hesitant and afraid to share with them my spiritual thoughts. Yet they were received and it made a difference.
My “gut” told me to say something. My human fears told me not to. I followed my gut and it mattered.
Where can you dare to make a difference today? Even if it makes you step out of your comfort zone.