Katie Johnson
Presented February 1, 2004
Almighty Lord, please hear me as I ask for your tender hand on my head while I speak to this amazing congregation today.
Good Morning, My name is Katie Johnson and I am honored to speak to you from my heart today. Ever since I can remember, my life has been filled with unusual events that have shaped me. As they happened, I didn't realize they were so unusual. Something deep inside me stirred early on, telling me that I was special. I was made tough, quick thinking, full of spirit and above all able to move forward. I knew those events would set me apart from my peers. I knew I would get sympathy from others - even a little leeway. I was told early on that things that don’t kill me would only make me stronger. The stronger the wind, the stronger the tree.
I have learned through my relationship with God that it is no small coincidence that I was being prepared through life's experiences for future events. God knew about me being here before my mom and dad even knew. God knew my life’s plan then and God knows what is in store for me today. God gave me my mouth and put the words here for me to share with you. In Psalm 139: 3,4 David sings out to the Lord, "You chart the path ahead of me and tell me where to stop and rest. Every moment you know where I am. You know what I am going to say even before I say it, Lord."
God has made sure that I have made some very lasting relationships with many creative and inspiring women. Women with faith, finances, visions, time to listen – I have been blessed with many great friends. I am so grateful I have connected with them. God knew I was not only going to need my own strength for what I would encounter - God was placing people around me to support me. About a year and a half ago, I found out from the doctors that my child was suffering from a rare brain disease, I knew then it was time to ask questions, gather facts, know my options and accept the support from my friends and family.
I didn't stop to ask why me? I knew why – God had been preparing me all along the way. I felt ready. I became pliable and soft - ready for reconstruction - becoming fortified in a way only God is able to rebuild. I became more aware, more compassionate and more tolerant than before.
I have also learned from God through my husband that a human breaking cannot be compared to material damaged goods. Yet for many years I confused any weakness or breaking down on my part as incompetent. I was concerned I would appear weak or unable to fulfill the tasks at hand. But NO - God has made me aware that by breaking down and showing my vulnerabilities I am beautiful and whole. I am able to accept help from others in God’s Kingdom to help set me back up again. Let go and let God comes to mind.
God knows the plan.
I am human.
I know God's promises.
I know God will be there for me and will provide that tender support that only God can unconditionally give. I’ve done my homework. I've read about God's love in the bible. I've been told about God's unselfish and forgiving love by the faithful. Yet no knowledge of God can compare to knowing God through a personal relationship. A relationship completed with spontaneous prayer, specific in detail and a promise to myself to take that long journey inward and hear that sweet voice of God.
As I wrote these heartfelt words, I was reminded of a poem written by a 14-year-old girl called "Footprints in the Sand", by Mary Stevenson.
Footprints in the Sand
One night I dreamed I was walking along the beach with the Lord.
Many scenes from my life flashed across the sky.
In each scene I noticed footprints in the sand.
Sometimes there were two sets of footprints,
other times there was one only.
This bothered me because I noticed that during the low periods of my life,
when I was suffering from anguish,
sorrow or defeat,
I could see only one set of footprints,
so I said to the Lord, "You promised me Lord,
that if I followed you,
you would walk with me always.
But I have noticed that during the most trying periods of my life
there has only been one set of footprints in the sand.
Why, when I needed you most, have you not been there for me?"
The Lord replied,
"The years when you have seen only one set of footprints,
my child, is when I carried you."