As I mentioned in a previous post, I was blessed with other adults in my childhood that felt like aunts and uncles or even alternate parents.  When I was about 6, I remember calling one of these "other moms" my best friend.  She has a kindness and warmth of heart that is difficult to describe in words.  A few years ago, my mom told me a story of something that happened to her.  This story represents what I think we are capable of when we have a strong foundation of love and faith.  I called her last week and asked if I could share her inspiring story, she said "of course, especially, if it helps somebody."

One night a man appeared in the bedroom of this woman's apartment.  He had a flashlight in his mouth while approaching her in her bed.  It was difficult for her to understand what was happening.  It was impossible to see him with the bright light pointed in her face.  As he began to grab her she had a panicked thought, "if I resist or try to get away, he's going to hit me with the flashlight."  She suddenly said out loud, "the Lord will help us."  He fled the apartment.  I wonder who was more blinded with the light that dark night.  This man, who was known as "the flashlight rapist", was later caught and convicted.  My mom's friend was the only woman that had an encounter with him and was not harmed.

What strikes me in the simple sentence and it's power is that she said, "the Lord will help US."  I've thought about that statement and that event many times over the years and I have so much to say about it.  It has really been healing for me and a beacon.  Rather than imply my view of it, I hope you'll have your own reaction to it and that it inspires something healing and loving inside of you.

Disclaimer- I'm not advocating that this response would work every time.  I just think that it is remarkable that it happened in the way that it did.