Lake Deaton at Home

Name:  Don Van Dorn

Which Service do you attend: Saturdays, 5:00 p.m.

Word: Healing

Scripture: Revelation 22:1-2: “Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb down the middle of the great street of the city. On each side of the river stood the tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month. And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations.”

While in my mid-thirties and on the way to work one day, I had what some would call “that moment”.  I always considered myself a Christian, I was raised in a Christian home, went to church every Sunday, sang in the church choir.  Everything was fine as I hopped from one job to another always seeking more money and more title. But then I had “that moment” on the side of the road and everything changed. As I became reacquainted with Jesus my old relationships began to fall away including my job, many in my family, and my marriage. The divorce proceedings became particularly acrimonious when I decided to fight for custody of my two children. Against all odds I won custody. 

Ultimately, I moved to a new state and married Susan, but the acrimony from the divorce followed like black ink seeping under the front door. When my son DJ turned eighteen, he decided to leave. Over the next twelve years we shared nothing more than a phone call once every couple of years. I prayed several times a day for healing during all those years but there seemed to be wall between us that nothing could break down. The low point came when he called to tell me he was getting married, but “Dad, you won’t be invited to the wedding.” A few months had passed, when the phone rang; it was a reluctant call from DJ and his fiancé Vanessa where she nervously asked if I had any pictures of DJ as a child that I could share. Of course we did, and Susan & I set about collecting dozens of photos of DJ and sent them to the soon to be newlyweds.  Healing had begun. Over the years since the marriage, there have been many visits and almost daily text messages. DJ and Vanessa serve their church as leaders to a young adult group. Two granddaughters Camille, now 7 and Shelby, now 6, are being home schooled and I get to quiz them weekly on what their mom has taught them. My relationship with DJ has never been stronger.

When I think about praying for healing and praying and praying some more, I’ve come to realize that it was me who needed to be healed first. Rather than talk about God’s grace, I needed to come home to Jesus and accept His grace. It’s through his grace that walls can be broken down and real healing can take place. And by the way “that moment” all those years ago while driving to work one morning, as I flicked thru different radio stations I settled on “Softley & Tenderly Jesus is calling”. That moment changed my life’s path and ultimately led me to understand grace and healing.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, I pray for the healing of my heart so I may offer grace and healing to others. 

Action: This Advent and Christmas season, encourage others who are estranged from a child. Seek God’s grace and healing.