God Bless,
Kathy
God's Grace on My Family Part Three
I believe this is right to share. The Lord brings back events from the past, where God's grace is evident and abundant toward Papa, Maman, therefore Francoise and I.
The first event is about Papa. It took place in the 30's. He was a plain clothes detective for the Paris police department. He and a small team of other detectives were in pursuit of a criminal. The criminal got in a car and as the car started moving, Papa jumped on the running board of the driver's side, holding on to the car. Papa tried to stop him as the man pointed point blank a revolver at him. His finger was on the trigger. One of the detectives saw it and aimed at the man and fired. The criminal's finger on the trigger was hit. Papa's life was spared. The Lord's grace was with Papa. He had other things for him to do as World War 2 was approaching.
The second event took place during the war. As Papa was leaving our apartment building he noticed a group of men, He knew they were there for him. He had no other exit but the big double doors leading to the street. They were between him and the door. His heart in his chest was beating very hard, but his only choice was to keep going, maintaining a normal pace and a control and composed appearance. He got closer and closer to them and slowly passed in their midst. He reached the street directing his steps to the right towards the entrance of the Metro. Slowly going down the first few steps and accelerating as soon as he knew he was out of their sight. The Lord would not let those men harm him, again his incredible grace was evident.
The third event pertains to Maman. It was 1946, I was six years old in the first grade. Papa took her to the doctor. The doctor told Papa: "She needs an operation, and I don't mean next week--tomorrow." Maman had cancer, she had to have a hystectomy. The mood was somber and it was a very sad period. Francoise and I had been sent to live with our Aunt and Uncle who lived in the same apartment complex as we did. I remembered how worried I was about Maman and depressed, longing to be with her, missing her hugs and kisses. It is from that time that I started fearing loosing Maman. School was very hard because I knew Maman would not be there when I came home. At that time children did not visit grown-ups in the hospital. It was endless weeks before we were finally back home all together. The Lord's grace was on Maman in 1946, when at 42 she had the surgery. God kept her alive 50 more years, giving her salvation; first just born again in 1970, then the Lord brought her to Water of Life, where she learned the truth about what the gospel is and obeyed the apostle and prophet by reading the psalms, Isaiah 52 and 53, and the new testament everyday. She was reading, praying and giving thanks. She was also baptized in the Holy Spirit, one of her favorite psalms was psalm 86, one of Papa's favorite was psalm 37. Maman went to heaven the same day the Lord called Doyle's dad home February 28, 1996.
In the 80's she had become an American citizen She had mastered the book in English, giving to the future citizens to study. The lady who interviewed her on this special day was amazed and delighted at her dedication to learn American history and her enthusiasm at becoming an American. She knew all the answers without any hesitation. Maman always loved history and I took that after her. Francoise was with her that day--what a great day it was.
The second incident concerning Maman took place in the metro. It could have been fatal. I must have been 8 or 9 years of age. We stepped in Francoise and I alone with other people--Maman did not have time and the automatic doors closed, leaving her hanging. She was holding on to the handles of the 2 doors--outside--(Maman was 4'11, and I'm sure an angel held her up, because there was no place for her feet) the metro was moving and the entrance of the tunnel was approaching. I know I was crying and terrified. I know that Francoise must have been too. I kept my eyes on Maman. Several men tried to pry the hydraulic doors open to get her in. It took several of them before entering the tunnel to get her in--what a fright and what a relief. Now I know, one of those men was an angel--strong and mighty minister--God's grace protected Maman that day--his love and care for all of us, his mercy on our family was tremendous.
I thank God that he gave Francoise and I parents who were honest, hard workers, with integrity and principles that they lived by and taught us to live by as well. Respect for others and showing reverence to elders were not optional. God made both of them selfless and unselfish. Neither of them liked to call attention to themselves. Papa turned down the French government highest award after the war and simply said, "I just did what I had to do." The commendation from General Eisenhower was never displayed. Papa was not after the honor of men. I thank God for the way he made Papa.
God Bless.
God's Grace on My Family Part 1
God's Grace on My Family Part 2
