Miracle Moments
Brought to you by: Molly Maid of Birmingham, www.mollymaid.com/birmingham
“You came near when I called You, and You said, “Do not fear.” You, Lord, took up my case; you redeemed my life.” Lamentations 3:57-58
I remember one time when I was a little girl, I was at a friend’s house, and we were out on a lake in a canoe. She told me if you make a wish and let a feather go floating across the water, it will come true. Now, I don’t believe in wishes coming true- but I like to think that day I was sending up a prayer. I’ve never told anyone this story, but that day I wished for a dad.
I came to Big Oak Ranch a few days after my 12th birthday. Prior to that, I grew up with a single biological mother and an older brother. My brother and I have different biological fathers. Mine was never in the picture – I have never even heard the man’s voice. My twelve years of life before I moved to the Ranch looked like many days spent living with families other than mine. I remember my biological mother in and out of rehab programs. My brother and I lived with relatives at times and with friends of our family other times. Looking back, I am so grateful for each person who took us in and loved us. Drug addiction is a vicious cycle. It leaves the ones you love wondering why they are never enough. Some nights I woke up alone having no idea where my mother was. I remember the stove being on to heat our house. Necessities were sold. Messages were written on our front door when money was owed.
I longed for a dad, but I did not realize until I came to the Ranch that I longed for much more. I did not just need a dad but a mom too. I needed a support system. I needed someone to hold me when I cried. I needed someone to cook me a meal every day. I needed structure. I needed someone to pray over me. I needed a chance to simply be a kid. The Ranch gave me those things and so much more – it gave me my parents. My parents were always there for me and still are to this day. The Ranch gave me a huge family – a super loud and sometimes annoying family, but I love every single one of them. As a result, I graduated high school. I purchased my first car. I made lifelong friendships. I was encouraged to have a relationship with Jesus Christ. I was taught how to be a hard worker. I learned how to be humble and thankful. I was taught how to be honest and how to be a loving parent. Growing up at the Ranch gave me a chance to rewrite my story. I have been married to my husband, Max, for 10 years, and we have four amazing children. Our days are spent raising our kids and just doing life with them. I pray that Max and I take the things I learned from living at Big Oak and apply them to our everyday lives. Because of the Ranch, my life was changed.
-Jessie Anthony
