It wasn’t my miracle, but it was my miracle to witness.
We were strangers, but because we have a few things in common, someone thought we should meet. We sat across from each other at a local coffee cafe awkwardly striving to make a heart connection. Honestly, the more we talked, the less likely it seemed that we would ever spend time with each other. We were both African-American, women, educators, who shared a distant relative. Beyond that, we were living very different seasons of our lives, and outside of the intentional rendezvous, we might never cross paths naturally.
We put in the prescribed time for an initial meet-up that’s considered polite. We put in the effort to spark an acquaintanceship. And we said all the words that expressed our good intentions to gather our families together in the near future. But to be honest, I didn’t think we felt an authentic connection to each other. The lack of spark didn’t bother me. We both seemed content to know that the other existed and that someone thought enough of us to bring us together.
We said our goodbyes and made well-intended promises to keep in touch. As we walked in opposite directions to our cars, something out of my ordinary happened. I felt an overwhelming sense to talk with her about her having a baby. Immediately, I pushed back, “Absolutely not! I don’t know her. She doesn’t know me. She will think I am one of those parking lot prophets. I will lose what little credibility I have with her. I have a doctorate — this is illogical. And prophecy 101 says never to prophecy about having babies!”
Months passed, and I could not quiet the voice encouraging me to talk with her. I could not escape the gentle push to contact her. I even tried to bargain and compromise. I told God, “When I see her again, I will talk with her.” But our life seasons did not afford our paths to cross. Over time, the gentle nudge grew into a pushy shove. So finally, I risked looking like a complete idiot, pushed my pride out of the way, and sent her an email. I simply told her the truth — that since the day we met, I was overwhelmed with a sense to talk with her about her having a baby. I told her that I had no idea why. And in the case that my email caused her discomfort, pain, or confusion, I concluded it with a pre-apology.
She replied immediately: What’s your address? My husband and I will be right over. It had taken half a year for me to reach out to her but only ten minutes for her to get to my house. When they arrived, I was extremely nervous. I still had no idea what I was going to say. Her husband’s protective stance was obvious and intimidating. They’d been exhausted by baby desires, wishes, prayers, and promises, but with no baby to hold.
We prayed together. In that moment, I had a vision of her full-term pregnancy, and I sensed I was simply to be their cheerleader until their baby arrived. I shared my intentions to cheer them to the finish line, and they went on their way. In the years — yes, years — that passed, she shared with me one negative infertility report after the other. At times, I was frustrated with God. Why did you nudge me into such a difficult position? Why did you put me in proximity to their pain? I was deeply perplexed. I had to wrestle with my own doubts and insecurities so I could do the one thing I knew I was do to: cheer!
Ultimately, the obstetrician gave the most daunting prognosis: “It would take a miracle for you to conceive!” When I heard the news, I was oddly overcome with joy. It felt as if God’s language was spoken — miracle!
“Okay, then, a miracle it is!” The words leaped from my mouth with assurance. The prognosis was simply the established beginning of a miracle in the making. The doctor’s words aligned with God’s intention and sealed the deal.
As a monument of faith, I set aside our cherished basket bassinet, the one our babies had slept in nestled next to my bedside. I knew I would one day gift it to the new mom. As a cheerleader, I needed to hold space for the victory. So when the time came to give away all our past-the-baby-stage stuff, we kept the bassinet to hold space for the miracle. When we moved to another city, the bassinet moved with us, still holding space for the miracle.
And when the couple conceived, the doctors were astonished. My pregnant friend told me, “Doctors can’t write ‘miracle’ on the chart, so they recorded the miracle as a ‘spontaneous conception’!”
I have no idea why I was given the privilege of witnessing their miracle, but I am forever grateful for this divine disruption. I learned so much about how love can show up:
- Desperation can be the seed for a miracle.
- To serve you, God’s love will disrupt and inconvenience the lives of other people.
- So that you can courageously move by faith, God will recruit cheerleaders to encourage you, pray for you, and hold space for your victory.
- You are not alone in whatever situation you’re in.
What do you have the privilege of cheering for today?
How have you been encouraged by encouraging someone else?
So that you can courageously move by faith, God will recruit cheerleaders to encourage you, pray for you, and hold space for your victory. -Lucretia Berry (@brownicity): Click To Tweet Leave a Comment
“Divine Disruption” is the perfect term for this. I’ve been called to pray specifically at times, and it’s a gift, but it’s also a weight as we enter into a three-way carrying with God. It’s so tempting to dismiss those nudges, and I’m grateful that you not only listened and acted, but also for your sharing it here for the encouragement of others who receive the prompting to pray.
“Three-way carrying with God.” I love it!!
It brings me joy to know that you and others are encouraged by this story. I continue to receive lessons and inspiration from the experience.
Thank you for reading and sharing!
Shalom
LCB
Lucretia,
“Spontaneous conception.” It’s kind of sad that, in today’s world, we can’t admit that miracles still happen. Praise for the prophecy that God laid on your heart! Though not with “babies,” God did tell me one morning when having coffee with a writer friend of mine, to share with her that she was going to be a well known and loved author one day. Like you, I kind of backed my way in opportunity’s door – leading first with a “disclaimer apology”. She was a fellow blogger like me, so what made me think I could don my Isaiah prophecy-cape and give her a peek into the future? It was made even more difficult by the fact that the dream I was going to share with her had/has been my dream as well. Could I cheer her on to a dream I’d like to realize, myself? I felt a sort of slap on my back by God in order to coax the words out of my mouth. “One day you are going to be a well known and loved writer/author, and the book inside you is going to be a ministry to many when it’s published.” There, I’d said it. She blushed and accepted my gushing praise. Six months later, this struggling blogger is on the Proverbs 31 “Encouragement for Today” writing team. One reader remarked, in the comments, that my friend had quickly become one of her favorite writers. I have no doubt, that one day she will write “that” book, and probably several others. It is a rare opportunity when God allows us to be a witness to a miracle, but it happens more often than we think or allow. We need to get in the “miracle mindset”….stop excusing our nudges and prefacing our God-nudges with, “I’m really not a quack, but…” I know I have many cheerleaders here and I am so thankful for those of you who are praying me through my prayer requests. I know that no prayers go unanswered. Loved this, Lucretia!
Blessings,
Bev xx
HI Bev.
I think its funny that “spontaneous conception” is the medical term for miracle. And I think its interesting that the doctor is the one who called for the miracle to occur! I love it!!
And you are right! If only we would see ourselves as Isaiahs moving in the confidence of being God’s mouthpiece. Serving as the cheerleader holding space for a victory definitely cultivated a miracle mindset in me.
Thank you for sharing about your nudge and dreams.
Praying for you!
Thank you for reading and sharing!
Shalom
LCB
I chuckled when the medical team wrote down “spontaneous conception”! Thank you Lord for stumping the medical professionals and giving them something to really think about. I also have gone through infertility treatments and finally conceived after almost 3 years of treatments. I know how badly that woman wanted a baby and how protective her husband was over her and her well being. I used to be a cheerleader growing up and God continues to use me as a cheerleader.
Please pray that my brother, Rene (who was diagnosed a couple months ago with his second battle of lung cancer) would be healed completely. They are starting immunotherapy on Thursday. I can only pray that it was God who brought this into my brother’s life. He was scheduled to have surgery in another state but while his doctor was on vacation another doctor told him if he had the surgery there was a good chance he would be lying in bed on a respirator for the rest of his life since he would only have 1 partial lung left. My Mom learned of this immunotherapy the week before from a family friend who was going through it himself. Thank you Lord for this new plan of action. Please help me to be a great cheerleader for my brother and help put the words in my mouth. Amen
Amen Amy! Yes my brother in law is starting immuno therapy also.. after many chemo treatments. His lung cancer is nearly gone & 2 years of therapy is amazing miracle in my eyes! Prayers for Rene. Please pray for my brother today is my last day to visit from across the country.. he is dying from pancreatic cancer and is not responding only diminishing
We have told him the plan of salvation for years but he’s not interested.. maybe today.. please pray for soft heart & open ears.. blessings xoxo
Prayers for your brother, may his heart soften, his ears open to the truth, and may God give you and your family comfort.
Sadie,
I pray that your brother gets to know God’s love here and now. I pray for your family’s peace.
Thank you for reading and sharing!
Shalom
LCB
Hi Amy.
I pray for Rene’s complete recovery; for all healing instruments, including his body, align with the plan for wholeness; that God breathe afresh new life into Rene’s lungs; that mercy and goodness follow him.
And I pray, Amy, for your endurance as a cheerleader. May you be comforted and inspired as an encourager. May you be strengthened by our All-Powerful God to hold space for the victory.
It brings me joy to know that you and others are encouraged by this story. I continue to receive lessons and inspiration from the experience.
Thank you for reading and sharing!
Shalom
LCB
Amy
Praying for your brother. God is still in the miracle business. He doesn’t quit. We need to be cheerleaders praying & prophesying God’s word. The world doesn’t want that. They don’t care about God only what is happening today. May God bring about a healing for your brother. Peace & comfort as you all pray for him.
Blessings 🙂
Lucretia, this was beautiful. Thank you for sharing your story.
Isabella,
You’re welcome!
It brings me joy to know that you and others are encouraged by this story. I continue to receive lessons and inspiration from the experience.
Thank you for reading and sharing!
Shalom
LCB
My prayer is to conceive this year. My heart longs to become a mom. My husband & I have been waiting a long time. I pray that our miracle is on the way. Thank you, Lucretia. “Desperation can be a seed for a miracle.”
Hi Graham.
I too have had to wait for a time beyond my understanding to conceive. Once the time came for us to conceive, I realized that my body had been healing from emotional, psychological, and physical trauma. And my husband had experienced deep growth as well. Like a seek planted beneath the soul, in our waiting, we were being cultivated. Growth beneath the surface was happening.
I pray that time and purpose align for you to conceive.
It brings me joy to know that you and others are encouraged by this story. I continue to receive lessons and inspiration from the experience.
Thank you for reading and sharing!
Shalom
LCB
Lucretia,
Yes, Miracles do happen! I’m so happy that you shared this story with us. As Bev mentions, it’s not often we hear of miracles. It’s even less common to acknowledge a miracle. I’m grateful, that you finally gave in to the nudging. Even after years, you continued to ” cheer” this family on. You are a beautiful person.
I believe in miracles and prayer. I’ve been ” brought back” to life several times because of prayers and miracles. I consider myself a miracle. I was given 3-5 years in 2005. February will be 15 years fighting a life-threatening rare disease with no cure. I’ve picked up several other complicated diseases along the way. I’m fighting each day. But God is for me, not against me. It’s not been easy, but he never said it would be.
Jen!
Yes! God is for you. His creation is for you! I am cheering for you! You are many miracles! Thank you!
It brings me joy to know that you and others are encouraged by this story. I continue to receive lessons and inspiration from the experience.
Thank you for reading and sharing!
Shalom
LCB
What an incredible story! Way to go, obeying the nudge to talk to her, to jump out of your comfort zone and be her cheerleader.
April.
Thank you!
It brings me joy to know that you and others are encouraged by this story. I continue to receive lessons and inspiration from the experience.
Thank you for reading and sharing!
Shalom
LCB
Praise God from whom ALL blessings flow!
God bless you all for sharing your heart’s desire and sharing what God has done for you.
Thank you Miss Lucretia!
Debbie!
You’re welcome.
It brings me joy to know that you and others are encouraged by this story. I continue to receive lessons and inspiration from the experience.
Thank you for reading and sharing!
Shalom
LCB
I failed to trust lord that i was called to be a prophet i failed to trust him and now lost cant do it anymore for thinking wrong and twisting scriptures i was sick and afraid in my mond
Amazing story, Lucretia! Thanks for writing, sharing, encouraging, and believing! Wow! With warmest thanks, Patricia
Thank you Patricia!
It brings me joy to know that you and others are encouraged by this story. I continue to receive lessons and inspiration from the experience.
Thank you for reading and sharing!
Shalom
LCB
I loved this, Lucretia! It just gives me chills when I hear about miracles straight from God!
Courtney, I feel the same way. That’s why I feel so fortunate to have witnessed this miracle.
It brings me joy to know that you and others are encouraged by this story. I continue to receive lessons and inspiration from the experience.
Thank you for reading and sharing!
Shalom
LCB
I love the concept of a “monument of faith” and have used it in several seasons of my life. Most recently I recently bought a six-pack of diet Dr. Pepper (something I would never drink) that I’m keeping on hand in hopes that an estranged family member will accept one of my frequent invitations to visit. It reminds me of the saying “Hope prays for rain; Faith brings an umbrella.” Thank you for sharing this important story, which I know I’ll think of the next time I feel one of those nudges. I am getting better about acting on them, and less shy about saying “I know this sounds crazy, but God has been telling me to talk to you about…”
Texas Aggie Mom (I love that!)
I wonder if I will ever get over the awkward discomfort of delivering a message from God. Simply typing that sentence feels intimidating. But I am determined to respond to nudges and promptings more naturally and immediately. I look forward to hearing about how you served Dr. Pepper to your family member.
‘Hope prays for rain; Faith brings an umbrella.’ I LOVE IT!!!
It brings me joy to know that you and others are encouraged by this story. I continue to receive lessons and inspiration from the experience.
Thank you for reading and sharing!
Shalom
LCB
Hi Lucretia,
Great story… Your tagline caught my attention because I too am desperate for a “miracle” from God. Thank you for being an obedient servant of the Lord and sharing this awesome testimony. Be Blessed! Charisse 🙂
Charisse,
May your seed of desperation yield a bountiful miracle.
It brings me joy to know that you and others are encouraged by this story. I continue to receive lessons and inspiration from the experience.
Thank you for reading and sharing!
Shalom
LCB
My husband and I suffered through infertility for five years. Two women came into my life the last year of our infertility journey and were my cheerleaders. They encouraged me, prayed with me, and offered advice as they had both been through it. They were the first people I called with our good news after treatments worked! We are the proud parents of two girls, now teenagers. I never would have made it without these special women.
Melody,
Thank God for cheerleaders!
It brings me joy to know that you and others are encouraged by this story. I continue to receive lessons and inspiration from the experience.
Thank you for reading and sharing!
Shalom
LCB
I tried to comment on another one of these things but it did not work. So we will see what happens. I just want to say that sometimes these answers take years. I think me sharing this will help someone today or more than one. So its the principle…. not necessarily that you will relate to my situation.
Now a days people are thinking they will get a ” 700 Club answer ” . I do like that show, but more often that not, people don’t get their answers to pray immediately or real fast, like we wish.
We have an adult son that we haven’t seen since 2005. Part of it was he is living on the opposite side of the country. He was an unofficial roommate, so we could stay with him, and the cost of flying and hotel prohibited us. Also for 14 years, the airline never had availability to use our frequent flyer miles. We could not give him tickets, because his ID was expired. My husband said, he had to make some effort…
Then things looked up and his lifestyle and choices were improved.
My husband went through two crisis of health.
Now we moved out of state.
We haven’t talked to him since Christmas, but right before we moved away, 2 people gave us cash when we reunite. I know eventually something will break through. Why would one good friend and one acquittance give us that , after, all those years.. if he was done with him ? Its really hard to wait, and how often do we think or feel, that he will never come back to faith…. What a gift they gave us. They believe God still has a plan, long after everyone years ago, forgot him.
Sue,
Yes, God sees him, loves him, and knows his name even when you, his parents, don’t get to spend time with him. Time is a man-made measuring instrument that can not adequately determine how and when something should manifest. We are always growing, even while it feels like we are only waiting.
It brings me joy to know that you and others are encouraged by this story. I continue to receive lessons and inspiration from the experience.
Thank you for reading and sharing!
Shalom
LCB
Great story, Lucretia! Thank you so much for sharing, encouraging, and believing. Thanks
Dale,
You’re welcome!
It brings me joy to know that you and others are encouraged by this story. I continue to receive lessons and inspiration from the experience.
Thank you for reading and sharing!
Shalom
LCB
Thank you for sharing! We need to hear more stories of miracles like this because they are real and they happen!! God bless!
Hi Maliana.
I agree. i think that our faith expands when we hear about miracles!
It brings me joy to know that you and others are encouraged by this story. I continue to receive lessons and inspiration from the experience.
Thank you for reading and sharing!
Shalom
LCB
This was just what I needed to read today! I have been struggling with having sustained faith in prayer when I don’t see any fruit for so long. I start second guessing myself and God. Thank you.
Hi Ashley.
I can relate completely.
I’m glad to know that you were encouraged by this story. I continue to receive lessons and inspiration from the experience.
Thank you for reading and sharing!
Shalom
LCB
Lucretia,
God is still in miracle business. Lest we forget we need to keep on praying & cheering for those around us. I volunteer for Relay for Life (Cancer society). We get to witness miracles all the time. People diagnosed with what looks like cancer. Then people pray. The next scan cancer all gone. Doctors are stunned. We aren’t! God was working all the time! He healed that person to be a witness for Him. I was a witness to some miracles of sorts. When mom’s dementia got bad she was bedridden for two years. During that time dad read the Bible daily. He talked to my pastor & long story short got baptized at 83. (raised Methodist got sprinkled as baby). He started coming to church with us some after mom died. My pastor will be forever known as the man who got dad all wet. My dad’s dementia got bad enough he had to be hospitalized (geriatric psych). Tough times. I prayed for him to die if that was all the life he was going to have. God had different ideas. He allowed him to live “semi” normal for 1 year. He was finally able to go outside & take car/bus rides. Like God graciously gave us 1 more year with dad. Then his dementia came back hard again. He was hospitalized & died there. God is still in the miracle business. Let’s keep praying, cheering & prophesying.
Blessings 🙂
Thank you Beth!
It brings me joy to know that you and others are encouraged by this story. I continue to receive lessons and inspiration from the experience.
Thank you for reading and sharing!
Shalom
LCB
thank you! i loved this!
Hi Karyn!
You’re welcome!
It brings me joy to know that you and others are encouraged by this story. I continue to receive lessons and inspiration from the experience.
Thank you for reading and sharing!
Shalom
LCB
Thank you for posting this! My husband and I were diagnosed with infertility 9 years ago. The Lord told my Dad that I would give birth, others told me that I would have a child, and God told me to ask him for a miracle. We’re foster parents in the middle of a traumatic story with foster kids that have been reunified to a bad situation right now. God has said they will be ours. My Dad bought me a maternity outfit years ago in faith that god would fulfill what he said. I am almost 46 and God has promised much that hasn’t happened yet. So grateful for those who continue to walk alongside us through this difficult time. I believe that God will be faithful to us, but the waiting is hard . . . Thank you for the encouragement of this testimony!!!
Nicole,
You are welcome. I will join in praying for and anticipating your miracle.
In my own pregnancy story, I remember having to overcome by own misconceptions about my age in relation to conceiving and birthing a baby. In my wait to get pregnant due to healing from uterine fibroids, I was being snarky with God about not being able to have babies until my late thirties. I was not happy about it. But during our first pregnancy, the doctors talked about how healthy my body was. What I thought was a delay, was an opportunity for my body to become more healed and healthy for the journey I would take during pregnancy and motherhood. Nothing is wasted in God’s economy.
Shalom to you!
LCB