One Little Thumb

I was thinking.

Dangerous.

🤪

It’s been a while since I’ve put my heart out there for you all…

When I was little, I sucked my thumb. I’m sure it was cute as a toddler—blue eyes, blond bangs, and thumb in mouth.

Somewhere along the way, it became something more than a way to fall asleep. It became a habit that controlled my life, and though it drove my family crazy, I couldn’t quit.

I have memories of the solutions, tried and failed, to help me quit…

I had a brace invented and fitted that would not allow my elbow to bend, yucky tasting polish, a sock fitted over my hand, and as a last resort, one teacher offered me a sticker for every half hour I could go without my thumb finding it’s way to my mouth (I got 1 sticker—in case you’re wondering).

It drove the adults around me to distraction!

But it had to be my desire to quit, and honestly, I knew I didn’t have it in me.

Summer 1984, I was about to turn 10, and I knew in my heart—it was time. That night, in bed, I prayed a childlike prayer, “God I don’t want to suck my thumb anymore.”

I fell asleep, and when I woke in the morning, I knew instinctively that I hadn’t put my thumb in my mouth, the desire was simply gone. I felt so happy, and I knew it was a miracle. Truly.

That was it, I never again sucked my thumb. And it changed my life…

From that day on I knew God heard me, loved me, healed me, and wanted to be a part of my life. I’ve been a Jesus girl all my life—because He reached me when I needed Him most.

But the God who reached for me then is still reaching for me…

“This is too wonderful, deep, and incomprehensible! Your understanding of me brings me wonder and strength. Where could I go from your Spirit? Where could I run and hide from your face? If I go up to heaven, you’re there! If I go down to the realm of the dead, you’re there too! If I fly with wings into the shining dawn, you’re there! If I fly into the radiant sunset, you’re there waiting! Wherever I go, your hand will guide me; your strength will empower me. It’s impossible to disappear from you or to ask the darkness to hide me, for your presence is everywhere, bringing light into my night.”

Psalms 139:6-11 TPT

As I tell this story, I know I am loved, but it’s not “unique” to me. I am loved in the ways I need, and God loves you in the ways you need. Don’t hide from it, let His love change you like it did me. You are loved.

_{Photo by Sean Foster on Unsplash}