Devotional 12-19-07

Psalm 61:
Hear my cry, O God; attend unto my prayer. From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I.

The Monday after Thanksgiving in 1970 was a dark and dreary day. I was sitting at my desk looking at list of names. This was supposed to be a special list with surprises beside each name – a list to take as I began my Christmas shopping. Today I could not concentrate on the paper or have the joyous feeling I always have this time of the year. Only two weeks earlier the tragic Marshall University air crash had taken the lives of 75 victims.

Minutes after we heard the devastating news of the plane crash, I received a call to come to Gullickson Hall at Marshall University. I was President of the Marshall Faculty Wives Club at that time. When Phil (my husband) and I arrived, the gymnasium was filled with grieving, hysterical students. Phil helped carry cots from a nearby dormitory for the students, many of whom were receiving medical attention. We stayed until early morning, helping where we were needed, and when we returned a few hours later, I was asked to open the North Parlor of Old Main (remember that room?) The members of the Faculty Wives Club were to provide meals during the evenings, when the MU staff would be working around the clock, and to be present in the North Parlor when family members of the victims arrived. Later that day a member of the club suggested that a fruit basket be sent to each grieving family. I contacted many grocery merchants who generously donated the baskets, which were taken by Marshall representatives to each family who lived in town or were taken by a representative who would be attending an out-of-town funeral. Soon the services were over, but the sorrow and aching remained.

As I sat at my desk that gloomy morning, the telephone rang. A vice-president of Marshall University called with a special request. The owner of the then - Baltimore Colts, a professional football team, had donated a sizeable gift of money to be used to buy Christmas gifts for the 70 children of the victims of the plane crash. Would I buy these gifts for the children, (whose ages ranged from one month to those in their early 30’s)? Of course, I answered, “Yes.” I put down the phone and walked to the center of the room and stood quietly. Tears filled my eyes, and I closed them as I prayed.

“Dear Lord, I want to do this, but I don’t know how. I need your help. Please tell me what I should do.”

As I stood there quietly, a bright light suddenly hit my eyes. In that instant I knew exactly how to go about this new shopping. When I opened my eyes, sunshine was filling the room. I hurried to the phone and called Jean Douglass (whose husband was a Professor in the MU Chemistry Department.) I almost shouted, “We’re going shopping!”

The next morning we headed to downtown Huntington with a list of names and ages. Jean and I were guided with every purchase. As we studied each name, we knew exactly what we wanted for that child, or, if first we saw a gift that we liked, we agreed instantly on the name. We knew we had divine help as we shopped.

On Friday of that week, my living room was filled with the gifts. Each gift was delivered personally by alumni, faculty members or other friends. I never shall lose the memories of that week. Jean and I know God was with us each day, helping us to decide for each child and to see not just a name, but a surprised, happy face. I always will give thanks to Him for his guidance.

We thank you, dear Lord, for being beside us daily. We are at our best when we let you know our needs and let you guide us. Amen

Jean Modlin