She Surrendered to God Part 4

By Kay Heitsch

She Surrendered to God. Part 4

One Saturday before Christmas, I sat near the front of the church, taking photos of Ricky and Danyelle as each performed a piano solo in the annual children's program. Later, I gave each a photo album. The albums soon filled with photos marking various achievements and memories we made together.

In February 1990 (just so happened it was Feb. 6th), I received a call telling me that Ricky and Danyelle had not been in school for several days. I later learned that their mother had suddenly moved away with them. As the days and weeks passed, I was not sure I would ever see or hear from them again.

At first, I did not "wait on the Lord." I tried to take matters into my own hands, with no positive results. Finally, I turned the situation over to the Lord. Kneeling, I thanked God for the time I had been given with Ricky and Danyelle and prayed that, if it be His will, the children would return. But if they did not return, I would accept it as His will.

Eight long months passed!

Finally, I received a phone call from their mother. She began by apologizing for not sending the letters the kids had written to me. But there was more to her call than just an apology. She asked if Ricky and Danyelle could stay with us for an extended time.

That night over dinner, I told our family about the call: "Ricky and Danyelle need a place to live. How would you feel about them moving in with us? Without hesitation, they all applauded the idea.

That is how, on October 18, 1990, one day after we became foster parents, Ricky and Danyelle moved into our four-bedroom house. With them came their two teenage sisters, Tina and Nikki.

Incidentally, Nikki was pregnant. Two weeks later, I was able to be in the labor room with Nikki when she gave birth to a baby boy. We now have a total of 5 foster children.

For the next month, our household was hectic with seven children. While washing 12 loads of laundry a day, I found myself jokingly asking the Lord if perhaps He had made a mistake. But deep down, I knew there was no mistake because of the inner peace I had.

Later, the older girls and the baby were taken in with some relatives.

Then another foster child, Brock, came to spend the night and stayed for six months.

All in all, we have opened our home and hearts to nine children. Each child who has walked through our door has given our family and me the opportunity to express Christ's love.

One May, we loaded our two kids and three foster children into our family van and headed north to Michigan, where Todd is buried. I fought back tears as I watched the kids lovingly plant flowers around Todd's headstone. I was sure Todd would be pleased.

By surrendering myself to God, I have managed to turn a terrible loss into a terrific gain, a tragedy into a triumph.

88 ~ She Surrendered to God Part 3

 88 ~ Why I Praise Him! By Kay Heitsch

She Surrendered to God Part 3

My desire to move forward in a positive way after Todd's death led me to answer an ad in our local newspaper that was placed by a group called the T4C (Tuscarawas County Council for Church and Community). T4C, a non-profit, ecumenical agency, was looking for "positive" people to serve as boosters in its youth program.

A T4C "youth booster" assists children ages 8-12 who, for various reasons, need a positive role model in their lives. I answered the ad just one month after Todd died. Even though my husband Bill and I have two other children, Shannon and Brandon, I signed up.

At first, I didn't realize what a positive effect it would have on all of our lives. But I gradually became aware that by reading out to help others, I was also helping myself. And taking that step immediately after Todd's death was one of the smartest things I had ever done.

Our first booster child was a cute nine-year-old boy named Ricky. Tall and thin, he had blond curly hair and sad bown eyes. When I met him, he seemed quiet and shy. His mother said he liked to lie on his bed and listen to music. He didn't like to try new things.

Sensing that he was insecure and afraid of failing, I talked quietly with him on Saturday, when he was spending the day at our house.

"Ricky, I said, "in order to succeed, you have to fail. Failure teaches you how to grow and to succeed. Everyone fails. It's normal." Ricky just stared.

To alleviate stress, I began running. I asked Ricky to join me. At first, he was hesitant. "Come on, you have long legs, you'll make a great runner." I offered him a pair of my running shoes. They fit perfectly.

Minutes later, Ricky and I were running down the street together. It wasn't long before I was working hard to keep up with him. From then on, Ricky and I ran together on Saturday.

A few weeks later, Ricky and I agreed to enter a race in a nearby town. Ricky was one of 40 boys and girls who competed in the age nice-and-under category. In the first race of his life, Ricky finished first! He was ecstatic, eyes dancing, grinning from ear to ear. A miraculous change had come over this shy boy as he began to realize his own potential.

I encouraged Ricky to try other things. I suggested tennis lessons. Not long afterward, he came over with several prizes he had won at tennis.

When Ricky's sister, Danyelle, turned eight, I became her booster, too. One day, the two kids were at the piano, playing with the keys. I asked, "Would you like to take piano lessons?" To my delight, they both replied, "Yes!"

All summer, Ricky and Danyelle came over to our house to play and practice the piano. Our family began taking the two kids on our family outings and vacations.

To be continued...

87 ~ She Surrended To God Part 2

By Kay Heitsch

Since Todd's death in February 1988, God has given me many opportunities to exercise my faith in Him. As I continue to practice positive thinking, I show the Lord to others in a positive way by distributing Dr. Pealse's book and booklet. I regularly give them to friends and relatives, to my children's teachers, to kids going off to college, to residents in nursing homes, to inmates in the county jail, and I leave copies in waiting rooms throughout the community.

I carry booklets with me at all times, in my purse. Whenever I meet someone I feel will benefit from reading a booklet, I hand them one. Many times, people will say, "How did you know? This booklet is just what I needed."

When "In Loving Memory of Todd" was published in PLUS, I ordered 1000 copies to hand out. Almost every time I gave people copies, they asked for more so they could pass them along to others they knew who would benefit from reading the story.

What appeared to be the worst possible thing that could ever happen to me, Todd's death, has been turned into an outreach to others, sharing the positive power of Jesus Christ.

I have been able to speak publicly about my experience. At first, I was hesitant. Even though many positive things have happened as a result of Todd's death, the pain of my loss is still fresh. It is still difficult for me to speak of Todd without choking on the tears his memory sometimes brings. I knew I did not have the strength, on my own, to speak publicly about Todd. But I never said no. I left the door open for the right time.

Because Dr. Peale says that the Bible is a positive book, I decided to find out for myself. Over the past two years, I have spent every spare minute studying the Bible. I found some colored pencils the kids had around the house and started to highlight all the words that I felt spoke to me.

The more I read, the more I began to trust in the Lord. I began to see that He was not asking me to do anything that He would not give me the ability to do.

It was clear that God had a plan for my life in relationship with Him. As my eyes were opened, I felt confident that God had begun a good work in me and He would continue it. Once my focus shifted from my inability to His ability to work through me, I agreed to speak publicly and have shared my testimony many times.

To be continued...

86 ~ She Surrended To God Part 1

By Kay Heitsch

I'm going to start sharing "She Surrended To God," the second letter I was asked to write Dr. Peale. I'll share it in parts since it's long.

After the first letter, In Loving Memory of Todd" was published, Dr. Peale's staff called me quite often. They always wanted to know what was going on.

When Ric, the editor of Plus, called and asked me to write another letter, I told him that if it was the Lord's will, it would be, but I was swamped. I reminded him that I was not a professional writer.

We now had foster children who had moved in. They came in with scabies and pink eye. All were highly contagious. I washed sheets, towels, and clothes, and put cream on and eye drops in the kids ' eyes every day. I was also spraying RID on the furniture and van seats, on top of cleaning and cooking. Plus, we were planning to drive to Michigan and tend to Todd's grave on the weekend.

Ric was insistent and asked me to send my letter to Dr. Peale on Thursday.

I set up a typewriter in the bedroom on a card table, and when I had a spare second, I would come in and type a few lines of things I could remember that had gone on since "In Loving Memory of Todd" had been published.

It certainly must have been God's will because I did write my second letter to Dr. Peale and sent it off to the Peale Center on Thursday at Ric's request.

I will be writing this letter as I wrote it. When this letter was published, they changed it to the third person because of giving me the Norman V. Peale Award. I had never heard of it before I received it.

Three people receive the award each year. The year I received it, Angel Wallenda and General Colin Powell did, too.

She Surrendered To God By Kay Heitsch

Dear Dr. Peale,

It has been more than a year since the letter I wrote to you was published in Plus, titled "In Loving Memory of Todd."

What a year it has been! As a result of the article, I have received many phone calls and letters from people all over the United States. To say these calls and letters have been uplifting to my life would be an understatement.

One such letter came after the July/August 1990 Plus article was reprinted in our hometown newspaper in Dover, Ohio. As you know, the article told how I discovered your writing, how I shared them with my teenage son, Todd: how I drew upon them for strength and comfort, when Todd was killed in a car accident; and how I had begun using them to reach out and minister to Todd's friends.

The letter came from a young woman who had been a high school classmate of Todd's. She wrote that when she heard that Todd had been in a car accident, she prayed that "the Lord would do what was right for His kingdom. She felt the right thing would be that Todd would live.

Later, when the young woman learned that Todd had died, she was devastated. She could not understand why God had allowed Todd to die. Because of this, she almost lost faith in God.

Then, in the newspaper, she read the headline, Dover Mother Finds Triumph Through Tragedy." As she read the article, Todd's young friend realized that the Lord had answered her prayer.

Her letter made me do a great deal of thinking. How often have I allowed my faith to be shaken when I did not see the immediate answers to my prayers? I have learned to trust God more, remembering that He will do what is best for His kingdom.

85 ~ Little Country Church

By Kay Heitsch

I met many people when I shared my testimony at these county meetings. I didn't have to drive, which was great since I have no sense of direction. However, people were now calling from these meetings, asking me to share with their church or group.

This was way before GPS. Bill said he knew this must be God because I would agree to go even though I had no idea where I was going.

A sweet lady called, inviting me to share at her church. I wrote down the directions, but I found myself lost a few times. However, whenever I stopped, someone was always there to guide me.

I was starting to feel uneasy as I turned down one dirt road after another. I was out in the middle of nowhere.

Finally, I could see a little white-framed church sitting on a hill. I felt relieved as I pulled into the gravel parking lot. I whispered a little prayer of thanks and walked to a door that I noticed was open.

The ladies were preparing a potluck in the basement before the service. I could smell the delicious homemade food as I walked in. I noticed the men were taking off their farm boots and leaving them at the door as they came in to eat. I had to smile as this was something I had not seen before.

Everyone was friendly. Two little girls in cotton dresses approached me and asked, "Are you the speaker?" I smiled and told them I was. It was cute to see how excited they were.

This was an experience I will never forget. The love I felt from these people was amazing. The following Bible verse came to my mind. "By this, everyone will know that you are my disciples if you love one another." John 13:35

I've worshiped and shared my testimony in churches of all sizes and denominations, across various musical styles. One thing I know is that it's not the denomination, size of the building, or the music. It's the love of the people who worship there that brings a smile to God's face.

I praise God for showing me what is important. It's all about the love. I also praise God for helping me to start out not knowing where I was going.

"Write down for the coming generation what the Lord has done, so that people not yet born will praise Him." Psalm 102:18

84 ~ Hold Back Tears

By Kay Heitsch

When I began reading Dr. Peale's books, I had never heard of him. When they called to ask about publishing my letter in the magazine PLUS, I had never heard of it.

When I received the PLUS, I noticed it went to 118 countries. My Mom wanted me to be a missionary. When she told me that, it was the last thing I wanted to do. But now, maybe sharing my testimony was becoming a missionary. Just not like she had in mind.

I never thought about what would happen when this letter was published. In fact, I don't think it ever entered my mind.

I was surprised when strangers were calling me, saying they had read my letter. It made me happy to see people being helped by reading it.

Now, more people were calling, asking me to come and share my testimony. It wasn't getting any easier trying to control my emotions. I didn't want to cry and make people feel uncomfortable.

At first, I didn't write out my testimony. But I thought if I did, I could control my emotions better. I would watch where I needed to check my emotions and double up on holding back. Then, when I least expected it, I would start to feel overwhelmed and try to get a grip on myself again. It was exhausting!

I talked in several churches, which was interesting. God wanted me to see that not all churches are alike. However, all churches have true Believers who worship there. I learned a lot.

I started going around with a man who held meetings in several different towns. I shared with him how hard it was for me not to cry while sharing my testimony. He told me it was okay to cry because this gave other people listening permission to cry right along with you. I had never thought of that.

I praise God that He had this man help me know it was okay to cry. It helped, and I didn't feel so drained and exhausted.

"Write down for the coming generation what the Lord has done, so that people not yet born will praise Him." Psalm 102:18

83 ~ In Loving Memory of Todd

By Kay Heitsch

In Loving Memory Of Todd

Tonight I'm going to post the letter I wrote Dr. Peale. This letter was published in PLUS magazine and a book. It was also printed in the town's newspaper. I believe this is why people were asking me to come out and share my testimony.

Dear Dr. Peale,

I became acquainted with your writing strictly by accident. If I had known you were a minister, I would not have touched your books with a ten-foot pole. I was searching for something; I wasn't sure what.

During my search, I had gone to the psychology section of our public library and selected your book, You Can If You Think You Can. I was inspired by what you had written. Although I had picked up books by other authors, they left me cold. I returned to the library to find more of your books.

In the card file, your books were also listed under "religion." This was not to my liking. But I was so inspired by the first book I read that I checked out more books.

You see, I was brought up with a religion that had left me bitter; I wanted nothing more to do with it.

As I began reading your other books, I would skip all the Bible texts, feeling that the power of my own mind was enough. I typed pages of your tips from several books. After a while, I started to put, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me" (Philippians 4:13) at the bottom of my typed pages. This amazed me!

I showed many of these pages to my teenage son, Todd. He was also inspired and encouraged me to continue my reading and sharing.

Then, on a cold February day in 1988, one of my son's friends called. There had been a terrible accident. My son, Todd, had been killed.

I could not believe this had happened. Todd was so positive! He had goals. He loved life.

But it was true, my son was gone.

Because my husband, Bill, always worked long hours and we were transferred frequently, Todd and I had developed a close relationship. Todd had found that making close friends in a new town inevitably led to painful good-byes. So, he made it a practice to be casual friends with everyone. We had been in Ohio less than three years when he was killed. I remember wondering whether anyone would come to pay their respects.

To my surprise, the funeral home was packed. People were lined up outside in the bitter cold. These teenagers and teachers had loved Todd. They said that he was always happy and a friend to everyone. One teacher said he had never known Todd to have a bad day. This was because of you, Doctor Peale. Each morning, we read your book, "Have A Great Day."

At the funeral home, I felt as though I were the comforter. I told all of the kids, after giving them a big hug, that they could come over and talk anytime. Several of them told me that Todd had always said I was easy to talk to and that they should visit me anytime. I was surprised.

Kids started coming over to my home. They asked why Todd was always so happy, and I explained positive thinking. I even talked to them about the Lord, and I started buying copies of "Have a Great Day" for everyone. On the inside, I would write, "In loving memory of Todd."

I began seeing the Lord in a different way. However, this didn't happen overnight. It had been eight years since I first read "You Can If You Think You Can." I knew my strength came from the Lord, but I was still holding on to my own strong will.

Then one day, that all changed. It was just another day, but I couldn't muster up enough "positive thinking" on my own to face the day. I felt shaky and was afraid that I was going to fall apart. I knelt down and prayed. I finally admitted to the Lord-- and to myself--that He was the power, and I needed it right then. I felt such peace and love. This is exactly what I've been looking for! I felt as if He were saying, "What took you so long? I've been by your side all along."

Sometime later, the phone rang. When I answered the phone, I recognized the voice of a good friend of Todd's. She was having trouble accepting Todd's death and needed some answers. I told her I did not know how or why this terrible accident had happened, but that I would ask the Lord and get back to her.

That night, I held the Bible and prayed that I could help this girl find her answer. I asked the Lord to speak to me through His word. I told the Lord that I had totally accepted this tragedy. Now, with His help and guidance, I wanted to make something positive out of it. I then asked the Lord to please help me with this girl's problem.

I hadn't read the Bible in 20 years, so I didn't know where to turn for the answers I needed. Randomly, I opened the Bible to John 15:13. It read: "Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends."

Was this the answer Todd's friend was looking for? I called her and read John 15:13

There was a pause. Then she said, "That was just like Todd. This is something he would have done."

Shortly thereafter, the meaning of that Scripture became clear. Nick, the friend who was the passenger in the car Todd was driving, shared details of the accident I had not previously known. Nick said he remembered the day as very cold. Sections of the road were quite slippery.

All of a sudden, the car began to slide. Nick could see a tree coming closer and closer toward him. He remembered yelling. At that, Todd turned and looked over at him. Immediately, Todd turned the wheel with such force that the car turned around. This caused the tree to come through the window on the driver's side rather than on the passenger's side The tree forced Todd to the back seat, killing him instantly.

Gradually, John 15:13 took on greater meaning. You see, I, too, was Todd's friend, and he laid down his life for me that day also. If this accident had not happened, I would no doubt be going down the same road, relying on my own power.

I knew then why I had been typing the words, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me," months before Todd's death. The day I had knelt down and surrendered my life to Christ, I also had died. Now I have His power and not my own.

Nothing has been the same since I surrendered my life to God.

Shortly after Todd's death, an advertisement asking for positive people to serve as Boosters for troubled kids appeared in our local paper. My husband and friends urged me to respond. I'm so glad I called that number. I could write a book on the wonderful blessings that have come from my experience as a Booster.

I recently spoke to our church and community leaders, explaining how positive thinking had changed my life and the lives of the children I was working with. It has been a miracle. Several people, including me, were crying when I finished.

My son had been a cross-country runner, and in November 1988, the boys and girls decided to dedicate their season to Todd. They began training without a coach, so I gave each of them the condensed edition of "The Power of Positive Thinking." Both the boys' and girls' teams made it to the state finals! It was the first time in our school's history that either team had gone so far. I even entered a local running contest and won the "gold."

I began each day by talking to the Lord, thanking Him for another day, and asking Him what we should do with it. This prayer has led me to some unusual places.

Doctor Peale, I always carry several booklets you have written. If I believe that someone would benefit from reading one, I give it to them. I have heard some wonderful stories because of this!

I have distributed your booklets at our jail, the laundromat, doctors' offices, hospital wards, and group homes for troubled teens. I also visit a nursing home every Thursday night.

Around six months after Todd's death, my younger son Brandon (then three) began stuttering. You see, Brandon and I went for a walk each night, and about this time, we saw a dead, decaying bird lying on the side of the road. Brandon referred to the bird as being "dead, just like Todd." He spoke of Todd often, and many people suggested that he needed professional help to deal with Todd's death. I took the problem right to the Lord.

As I prayed about Brandon's problem, it seemed that the Lord was telling me to bury the bird. But I argued against this. After all, I did not wish to have to bury every dead animal we might see; I did not even want to touch this one!

Finally, I gave in. We scooped up the bird in a bucket and brought it home. We dug a hole in the yard, and we talked. I told Brandon to shake the bird and call it; I did the same. I then told him that only Jesus could wake the little bird. I quoted the Bible and told him that one day Jesus would come back and call with a loud voice, and all who loved Him would come alive again. I said we would see Todd the minute Jesus woke him.

The next morning, when Brandon woke up, he did not stutter, and he has not stuttered since that date--the six-month anniversary of Todd's death. A miracle? Yes, I believe it was, and I knew then that the Lord really did understand the problem.

Last November, our high school played the biggest football game of the year. It was dedicated to Todd, and, of course, our team won. The night before the game, I gave each player and coach one of your booklets in which I had written, "Believe, In loving memory of Todd Heitsch."

Because of Todd's death, hundreds of people have been touched by the Lord's positive power. I thank the Lord each day that he has seen fit to use me to reach others. Todd would have been a senior this year. In his memory, I am giving each of his classmates a copy of The Power of Positive Thinking.

Dr. Peale, I started this letter by saying that I had become acquainted with your writings by accident. We both know, now, that it was no accident.

Is there any doubt why I praise Him?

"Write down for the coming generation what the Lord has done, so that people not yet born will praise Him." Psalm 102:18