There’s a slogan attached to a world-wide convenience store that says “Oh Thank Heaven for 7-11”.

Today is July 11 – the ole’ rhyming 7-11. The day millions will flock to the 7-11 store to get their free Slurpee.  The day millions will smile as they repeat the words of this slogan “Oh Thank Heaven for 7-11”.

I can’t seem to jump on the band wagon of this rhyming day. Although I AM so thankful for Heaven!!! There’s just no longer of cheerful tune on repeat in my head over this rhyming day.

Three years ago today my baby girl  had surgery to remove her brain tumor.

In her hospital room early that morning the atmosphere was thick and heavy. The kind of thick you could cut with a knife.  Tension so fierce it became nauseating. Family and friends were stepping in and out of her ICU room offering hugs and support. Our dear pastor and his wife offering up prayers and words of Truth.

So much love filled that space ❤️

I sat in a chair across the room directly in front of her bed – trying to keep the fear I was feeling on the inside from escaping to my face. I didn’t want my sweet girl to notice.  I watched her and listened as each person approached, nothing but peace radiated from her. Nothing-but-calming-peace!

How could this almost 13 year old not display fear? 

It came time for each of us to give and get one last hug and “I love you” before they wheeled her away for surgery and these are the words she spoke, “Don’t be scared, God has me”. 

Don’t be scared, God Has Me!

Ahhh, for all the years prior to this, I was the teacher. The one who filled my children with Truth, supported and guided and directed them as they grew. Not this day. This day, this 7-11 day (and many times after this), my-brave-almost-13 year-old became the teacher to all who were present. The Holy Spirit filled her with peace and gave her the strength she needed. She became the voice … the messenger of Hope and Truth!  And let me tell you, it was loud and clear!

Since that day, I have reflected on those precious moments in that ICU hospital room more times than I can recall! These simple – yet such powerful words my girl spoke that day have carried me through many painful moments. I’ve needed this gentle reminder time and time again.

“Don’t be scared, God Has Me”.

I am so thankful God Has Me.

My Precious Rock, Thank You for always having me. For holding me in the storm, carrying me through the valley and for the strength to trust in Your perfect plan ~ Amen