'Thou art there'

The year my mother took Primary class instruction in Christian Science, my parents arranged for my three brothers and me to stay with family. Mom’s brother had three girls, and I stayed with them. My brothers stayed with one of our aunts, who had four boys. Separate vacations! Could a teenage girl ask for more?

I was looking forward to swimming, playing the piano, going to the movies, and pleasant conversations about everything under the sun.

This was what I call the BCP era: before cellphones. But it was comforting when Mom said, “I’m only a phone call away.” And then she said something that’s stuck with me ever since. During the two-hour drive to my uncle’s home, Mom asked me to take a look at Psalm 139, verses 7–10. She assured me that she would also be praying with these verses, knowing that I was perfectly safe and cared for every minute.

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