The Pieces of Purpose

Fresh Seed

...My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life. John 10:10

On March 10, 2024 my daughter and I attended Transformation Church in Tulsa, Oklahoma. That Sunday I witnessed the unquestionable value of a strangers faith.

Keija battled seizures for several years, but 2023 and 2024 would prove to be her most challenging struggles with them.  From August 9, 2023, to March 7, 2024, she had 17 seizures.

On February 28, 2024, recovering from a seizure from the night before, Keija began watching Pastor Michael Todd’s sermon entitled “What Happens with a Word." 

For the first time since January, when Keija came forward about what she was enduring at school, she allowed herself to break. 

It was after that sermon that Keija decided she wanted to go to Transformation Church in Tulsa for Spring Break.

The week before Spring Break began, Keija had two seizures. She was worn out physically, mentally, and emotionally. As soon as we were past Midland, TX, Keija came back to life. The trip allowed her to let her guard down for the first time since October. 

When we arrived at Transformation, smiling faces and warm welcomes from parking attendants quickly melted away frustrations brought on by the enemy’s attempts to derail our road trip. The love that literally poured out the doors of Transformation Church moved my heart. Less than three steps in, tears began rolling down my face. Keija squeezed my hand and said, “It’s ok, momma.” It was an overwhelming feeling of being home, of being welcomed by strangers, yet somehow you knew you belonged there. 

I was already experiencing church, even though the auditorium doors had not yet opened. However, I had no idea what God had in store for the two of us beyond those moments. 

A story was about to unfold that would change my life. One that many may find somewhat unbelievable, but God gave receipts for this miracle. 

On March 10, for the first time since Keija was little, she was fully engaged in praise and worship. The young lady standing beside me had no reservations about who she was in the body of Christ. Her hands were lifted, and her voice was raised. She was praising God with confidence, and it was absolutely beautiful. 

Words will never fully encompass what God did on that day. 

One minute, Keija was dancing, singing, and praising God; nine minutes later, she was tapping me on the shoulder because she felt a seizure coming on. I used her Valtoco inhaler to stop the seizure, something we had done before, but this time she completely blacked out. 

I wanted to ask for help, but I couldn’t find my voice. In the middle of an auditorium surrounded by strangers, it was just her and me. 

She was completely unconscious. Supporting her slumped head and body while looking around for help, I was trying to communicate with my eyes what my mouth could not say.

A woman behind me went to get help, while a gentleman crawled over the row to assist me. Within seconds, another man appeared. 

We were catered to; I didn’t have to think; fear diminished as the organization and preparedness surrounding my daughter and me came together. The chaos resembled a well-rehearsed scene. 

If you were present, you witnessed a lifeless body being lifted by two men, carried from the middle of the aisle, down the stairs. You heard Pastor Michael Todd pray without pause, without fear, without judgment or contempt, that his service had been interrupted. The audible prayers of the congregation played in my ears like the sweetest melody. The fear that wanted to take over my body was being pushed away by the peace of God and the love and compassion of His faithful children. 

At one point, I remember security saying that only family could go beyond this point. Subconsciously, I laughed because I knew it was just Keija and me. When I turned around, I saw a crowd following, not because of the chaos; these people weren't being nosy. The people who surrounded us were praying for my child, praying without knowing any of the circumstances, except what they saw. 

Beyond the doors in the private room, my daughter and I were surrounded by God-fearing, courageous, strong women. Over the next couple of hours, these women prayed continuously for both of us. 

Drowsiness is a normal side effect of the inhaler, but Keija remained unconscious until after 1 pm. The timing may seem excessive; however, I firmly believe God was working during that time, healing both of us. 

His faithfulness has no worldly parameters, so it’s time I extinguish mine. 

Today, I share His love and faithfulness, the power of prayer, and God’s ability to heal. I wasn't specifically seeking healing for myself that day, but God knew I needed it. 

1 John 5:14

Special thanks to Abby for the prayer that she spoke over my daughter and me. Hearing God’s ordained words spoken over your life gives you a hope and peace that cannot come from man. Abby closed the prayer by affirming something that only God knows. 

I am thankful that Abby allowed herself to be a vessel for God’s promise that day. God bless the obedient. 

I would also like to give special thanks and praise to God’s beautiful servant Nana. She sat by my side for the entirety of our stay. Her spirit is kind, loving, and patient. God placed her specifically to care for my heart.