Sweet Home Ellabama : Week 63: Usher

After dinner on friday we were deciding where to tract (knock on doors). There is SO many places to go....so how does a girl decide?!? Looking at the map I had a very subtle idea/thought to go to Usher Rd. Sister Crandall randomly spun around and pointed to a place on the map. We were shocked to see her finger had landed on the exact same spot!!!!! We figured we must go there, so we did.

The first door we knocked on we met a sweet lady named Sheryn, who let us in, probably only because it was freezing outside. The walls of her home were covered with crosses and a variety of religious quotes-wow, the faith of these southern folk still amazes me. We soon learned her mother is about to pass away, so she is struggling. We read from the Book of Mormon, when the prophet Alma is teaching the people about what happens to us after this life. The "righteous are received into a state of happiness, which is called paradise, a state of rest, a state of peace, where they shall rest from all their troubles and from all care, and sorrow". When we die our spirits go to the spirit world, a place of learning and preparation. This brought great comfort to our dear friend Sheryn. We all held hands and prayed. When we opened our eyes Sheryn was crying, you could tell she was touched. She thanked us profusely and asked us not to leave quite yet...she ran back to the room and came back with 2 little metal heart charms. She clasped them in our hands and hugged us. What a tender mercy.

We figured she was the reason God had inspired us to go to Usher Rd, but we kept knocking doors. Nothing too exciting was happening, and we were about ready to head home when we decided to knock one last door. A beautiful mom from Mexico and her sweet family let us in. They are looking for a church and want to get back with God. We taught them about the gospel, left them with a Book of Mormon, and are going back to visit this week. Of course it was another miracle, God just does not stop!

I know Heavenly Father is aware of each of us. Just like our dads, He wants the best for us. He knows when we are sad and need help. We could have gone anywhere in Huntsville, yet God knew Sheryn and the family needed us. I know God works through our weaknesses and inspires us. His marvelous work is not one of chances or quincidences. We are truly called by a prophet of God to share the truth we are all searching for. I've found it and I love it!

Love from Alabama,

Sister Ella Rae Madsen