Did You Hear What I Heard?

Don't just listen, hear the word of the Lord. The natural ear listens; the spiritual ear hears. I believe a Message or Word from the Lord can sometimes come through unusual and non-traditional vehicles. The following is a true story.

Several years ago, I was blessed to be in the presence of a dear friend and the family as their mother lie dying--the mother had Alzheimer's. This lady's "normal" state of reasoning and understanding had not been where it once was for many years, and she had long forgotten who her children and family were. Family members were standing around and sitting by their mother's bedside, feeling emotional and sad. Some were singing softly. Some were remembering good times and funny stories. And some were speaking of their sadness and loss, as they knew their mother and loved one was living her last days. The lady with Alzheimer's was nearing unconsciousness when she spoke these words, "Don't worry about me. I'm all right."

One of her daughters (who had been her primary caregiver) and I looked at each other with astonishment. The daughter and I had been the only ones in the room who heard those words. The others said they hadn't heard the words. There truly is a difference between listening and hearing. It's an old belief in the medical profession that one's hearing is the last thing to go. Well, that day, the mother heard her children too. And it doesn't mean the others in the room weren't tuned in to spiritual things. I just believe it was that daughter's time to hear those words (through unction of Higher Power) from her mother, and she needed a witness to what God wanted her to hear; there would be no doubt in her mind as to what she had heard. Even now, after all these years, this story brings tears to my eyes. In my walk, I want to hear what the Creator has to say, not just listen to the words that fall on my natural ears.