Gò0dNews for Life
God’s Glory
W
by Tammy Madden
hen I was a child, I remember playing outside.
I know this is a scary time for everyone, but God has
The best memories were running outside,
used it to bring families back to dinner tables together. He
playing tag or red rover, or counting cars. It was
has used it to bring people to Him, and the people who
a simpler time. We didn’t have cell phones or PlayStation
never knew Him are running to Him with open arms,
or even Nintendo. We only had three channels. But life was
saying, “Here I am, God; use me!” In my own home, we
simple. We connected. Kids rode bikes with no helmets,
have been struggling because my husband was laid off like
and we stayed outside with neighborhood kids until the
many other people, and we have had people bring us food,
street lights came on. There was no fear back then. Everyone
money, snacks, and many other things out of nowhere.
helped each other. When someone was sick or in the hospital, family and friends got together and brought food or helped them with whatever they needed. I have been saddened because my own daughter was never able to experience such a sweet life. So, when the coronavirus entered our country, I thought surely things in today’s world would only get worse. But I soon learned that once again, God had other plans. He knew before this horrible plague came what His plans already were. He had set things in motion that would surprise all of us. Genesis 50:20 says, “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.” I see this verse all over right now. As my husband and I pulled into the local park the other day to eat our lunch in
They just leave it on our porch and go. A friend at church
our car, we began to see how God was using this horrible
made us an amazing lasagna dinner one night with garlic
plague for HIS glory.
bread and all!
We saw a family of six get out of their car and lay a
What better way for God to say, “Look up; I am right
blanket on the ground for a picnic. Before they ate, they
here, waiting for you with open arms!” than to take a
all joined hands in prayer. What a beautiful sight! We
tragedy such as this and turn it around for His glory! So
saw a couple holding hands, just enjoying the beautiful
in this time of sickness and being scared, know that He is
weather, walking through the park, and talking. Talking
there. He is trying to show us we will be okay if we just let
and laughing. Not on their cell phones. We saw little kids
Him lead the way. Let Him be the one we turn to during
swinging on swings and playing tag and being kids. What a
this time, and when it’s all over, let us all remember how we
beautiful sight to see how God can take the worst scenario
spent this time with our families, and let’s continue to do
and make something beautiful out of it. As we drive through
this. Prayers to all.
ball, and not just children. Parents are out in the yard with their kids, laughing and playing.
22 // June 2020
About The Author
town these days, we see people cooking out and playing
My name is Tammy Madden. I am 52 years old and live in the beautiful foothills of North Georgia in Chatsworth. I am married for 35 wonderful years to my amazing husband, Gene and we have a beautiful 17 year old daughter named Megan.
