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The Break-In
Gloria Grant
Many times in my life I have been acutely aware of God's presence. Most recently, there was a break-in at my home. In all my life, it was a first for me. Two young thugs broke a bathroom window and entered while I had gone with an aunt to a doctor's appointment.
Although I have a home security system, I had failed to set it. I was gone for only a short while, but long enough for those thieves to trash my entire home - emptying drawers and going through closets. They had lined up everything they planned to take (TVs, cameras, jewelry,, purses, etc.) in the living room.
Fortunately a neighbor acted as my security system. After observing the thieves breaking the window and seeing them go inside, she called 911. She also thought I was in the house.
When I returned home, I was startled to see about 15 policemen surrounding my house with guns at the ready. Police cars and black SUVs lined the street. I thought they must have the wrong house. After I introduced myself, they explained the situation and told me the two thugs were still in the house. At hearing this, I began to hyperventilate and felt I would pass out. Neighbors took me to their home until I gained my composure. It took some time for the police to get the intruders out of my house. One came out when threatened with dogs: the other when threatened with tear gas. I saw both of them - strangers to me -- handcuffed as they were taken away, and they saw me.
Fortunately they did not get away with any material things, though they did break several items. However, they did steal my joy and feeling of security in my own home. As a result, I had great difficulty sleeping and feared leaving my home for any reason.
With much prayer and God's help I am getting better and am beginning to feel stronger. God was definitely in control throughout this entire ordeal.
I have felt, and do feel, His presence in many unexplainable ways. Things could have been so much worse. I could have been home at the time. They could have gotten away with all the items they planned to take. God's timing for everything did not allow this to happen. His plan was more of a warning. As a result, I have up-graded my security system and made other adjustments. For example, I never leave home, even for a few minutes, without turning on my security system.
Praise the Lord, oh my soul; and never forget his benefits! This is a paraphrased Bible verse that plays repeatedly in my mind.
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