Yesterday I had a somewhat harrowing experience breaking down in rush hour traffic downtown Birmingham. I was in just about as bad a spot as I could be--I say just about because there was one spot that would have been an absolute disaster--a one-lane ramp connecting two major freeways. The car seemed like it was going to die right there, but I prayed desperately, "Jesus, don't let it stall! Jesus, don't let it stall!" THANK GOD I limped up and over and that ramp and then completely stalled in another spot that had no breakdown lanes.
THANK GOD too that Mark told me to take my cell phone that morning. I hardly ever remember to take it and Mark must have received divine inspiration to remind me. If I hadn't been able to call out, I don't know how long I would have sat there with traffic whizzing by on both sides of me. Mark called AAA who said they'd send someone pronto as well as the police to block a lane, but in the 20-25 minutes I was there, no one showed up. Who did show up were 2 guys from our auto repair place (where I was headed). They came up behind me in a pickup truck and one of the guys risked his life getting out and taking the driver's seat while the other guy pushed my car down the freeway and down the next exit ramp--with no brakes. I told the guy, "It's just like Speed--you're Keanu Reeves and I'm Sandra Bullock!" (I get silly when I'm highly agitated.) Thank God--yet again--there was no traffic at the bottom of the ramp as we sailed through a stop sign.
The car (our only car) is deader than dead. But do you want to know something funny? Just the night before we had been talking about home repairs, improvements--or getting a new car. We decided to start a novena for God to show us what we should take care of first. Boy, are they right when they say "Be careful what you pray for"--I could have done with a much less dramatic sign!
God protected me and the auto repair guy, and actually worked it so a very nice affordable used car is coming available next week--and I even got a rather incredible rate on a rental car for a week. (Two of the guys at the Hertz downtown Birmingham actually passed me as I was stuck on the freeway. One said, "Was that you?! I drove by you and said 'Man that's bad! This is gonna be a mess!'") Mark and I are so grateful to God--but my nerves are still a bit jangled.
That's enough about me. I don't want to make it sound like it's the worst thing that ever happened to anyone. The point of the story was supposed to be a great big thanks and praise to God for getting me through it in once piece--and actually having a nice replacement car all ready for us.
Now for the requests: I'm just going to list here what I have and try to put it all in order later on.
1. EWTN employee Chuck Meachem underwent major surgery today to have his bladder removed because of cancer. He has also been having problems with repeated blood clots in his legs. Pray that all went well with the surgery and that he will be restored to good health soon.
2. Angela D. has asked me to put her on the prayer list. She is experiencing difficulties in her life right now and would appreciate your prayers for her.
3. My sister's husband Charlie has been sick for 2 months now and was finally diagnosed as having pneumonia. Please pray for his complete and quick recovery.4. Congratulations to two EWTN employees who just got married last weekend: Daniel and Jordan Shivers. Praying that Saints Louis and Zelie Martin bless their marriage.
5. Please pray for my nephew, David, on his birthday. He's a rather troubled soul and could use your prayers.
6. Even before the car blew up, I was going to ask prayers from you for Mark and me to make wise financial decisions as we've had a lot of medical expenses and some things really need taking care of around the house.
7. DB in San Diego would like us to pray for a young couple, Nathan and Meghan Leon, who are working on a new pro-life feature film. If you'd like to read more about their work--and maybe donate to the cause--check out their website: Visionary Film Productions.
Think that's everything...
Oh wait--how could I forget? You'll never believe what's happened with the San Diego Pro-life Sidewalk Counselors I often tell you about. The last report was that the abortion facility now has aggressive escorts who do their best to keep any of the counselors from speaking to women coming to the clinic. They'll shout them down and tell the women, "You don't have to listen to them!"
Well those yellow-shirted escorts got the surprise of their lives when they discovered that a pregnancy resource center has moved into the same building as the abortion clinic. RIGHT NEXT DOOR! This is going to be a game changer, for sure.
If I could add a thought balloon above their heads, it would say, "Huh?!"
Is that awesome or what?
God bless!
Celine
