FROM TRADEGY GOD BRINGS GOOD
PATSY MCKIE*
My world changed dramatically the day my son was shot and killed.
Until then I dealt with any ups and down in my life, a life centred around church, work and family. Having attended church since I was a child, I liked to believe I'd always been a Christian. But it was only just before my son died that I finally and truly developed a deeper relationship with God. I still didn't understand as much as I do now but finally I could talk to Him and hear Him. I had a hunger in my heart for God's Word and that hunger cemented our relationship.
Yet when grieving, with tears pouring from the innermost core of my being, there were times when I wanted to die. But the Lord answered many of my questions and I trusted Him. He spoke to me through my pain. He helped me to pray in tongues so that I was in the Spirit.
You do not raise your children without purpose and I believe that you do not lose one of them without purpose either. I realised God had plans for my life and by tackling those plans, I could see God in His fullness.
Violence has affected many families in Manchester. Sometime after my son's death I met with a group of mothers who were all concerned for their children living in a gun culture, and Mothers Against Violence was born.
We work with young people affiliated to gangs, offering practical support to families and mentoring young people. Volunteers go into schools and prisons, run workshops and talk to young people, exploring where they are and mentoring them. And, most importantly, we listen to our youth.
I see my mission as showing others the love of God. God was everything to me when I lost my son. His wisdom was profound.
The Lord told me He would bring me before great men and, although many people I have encountered over the last few years lack Christian faith, meeting them has meant I have learned to think differently about what is going on. People without a faith are always looking for answers. If only they realised that God is the answer.
As I have matured so my faith has developed. God has guided me to places I didn't want to be and for a while I tried to fight my way out but eventually He delivered me from the situation. Once I had a real relationship with God my faith grew in leaps and bounds.
My belief and trust in God has given me confidence. God gives us free choice so we make our own decisions. And I know He rewards all who diligently seek Him.
The death of my son has brought me to the point where I can ask any question and God will answer. I lean on Him. I hold on to Him. No matter what happens I know God is with me and will work all things for the good.
For more information on Mothers Against Violence, visit www.mothersagainstviolence.org.uk
*Article
written by Sandra Smith
Source: Prayer for Today
