Coney Island Miracle

It was a beautiful day in July, perfect for an outing.

My husband and I decided to take our children—four-year-old Etisha and three-year-old Jaime—to the amusement park on Coney Island, New York.

We invited a family friend to come along. The children’s excitement upon learning that they were going to Coney Island was exhilarating, to say the least.

Shrieks of joy filled the air. The thought of riding a train added to the excitement. When we arrived about an hour later, we decided to take the children on a few rides. We walked around for a while as we enjoyed the sights and sounds of Coney Island.

Then came the time for the special treat of an ice cream cone—a moment of sheer pleasure for the children. While they waited to be served, they admired their surroundings. Many vendors displayed their wares of beautiful things just waiting to be bought. Suddenly, the question was asked, “Where is Etisha?” Our world came to a halt as the search began. Panic and desperation immediately followed this question.

My husband and our friend went in opposite directions in search of our daughter. I stayed at the ice cream parlor just in case she returned.

During those crucial moments, I prayed for God’s protection over her, trying to avoid the negative thoughts that vied for my attention. God heard my prayer.

Etisha had wandered off as she was admiring the beautiful things all around her. She told us she realized she was lost, and then she heard a voice that said, “Go back the other way.” She obeyed. It was then she saw her dad running toward her with open arms. She was safe. God sent His guardian angel that day to protect a little lost girl.

Sometimes we wander away from the loving care and protection of our heavenly Father. We are distracted by all the “beautiful things” around us.

Yet our Father is constantly watching over us and whispers, “Come back.” May we not only hear but also listen to the still, small Voice that says, “This is the way; walk in it” (Isaiah 30:21, NIV).

Merita E. Joseph-Lewis