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Look What God Is Doing!

Alone in the Darkness

By Faye McBroom as told to Beverly Casey

I loved listening to the choir every Sunday morning. All my life I wished I could sing like that. There was nothing wrong with my speaking voice—it was clear and pleasing, though soft. But when I tried to sing, the sound was squeaky and scratchy. I used to envy people with beautiful singing voices, but I don’t anymore. I only need to remember the time God used my inability to sing to supernaturally care for me and reassure me that I was loved and safe.

I had gone to visit my aunt in a nursing home about an hour from where I lived. I went early in the day to avoid having to drive home in the dark. While I was there, my aunt became deathly ill and was sent to the local hospital for treatment. I didn’t dare leave her all day while she was in this state.

Between 9 and 10 p.m. my cousin arrived to relieve me. I was free to go home, but it was well after dark. I was almost nauseous with fear and apprehension at the thought of the long drive home in the dark with my poor vision. I put on a brave front, telling my cousin I could make it. But as I started across a snaking 2-mile levee, I felt panic and desperation sink in. There was dark black water on each side of me and I could barely see the road. The glare from each headlight I encountered temporarily blinded me.

“I can’t do this, God! Please help me!” I prayed.

Immediately the thought came to me that singing hymns might dispel my fear. Of course, I can’t sing, but I figured that alone in my car at night, it wouldn’t matter in the least what I sounded like. I began the first lines of an old hymn expecting to hear my scratchy little voice. What came out of my mouth so amazed me that I gasped and stopped singing. Was that me? The singing was beautiful; the tones firm and clear, melodious and pleasing to the ear.

I started singing again and was amazed at this new-found ability. In fact, I was so excited I forgot to be afraid! It seemed the most natural thing in the world. Maybe I had talent I just hadn’t realized before. I sand God’s praises, song after song, all the way home with no trouble at all. I whispered a prayer of thanksgiving as I safely turned into my driveway.

The next Sunday I could hardly wait to get to church. I wanted to sing again. I opened my mouth to enjoy my newly discovered talent and was sorely taken aback to hear my familiar little voice come forth.

Tears began to roll down my face—not because I couldn’t sing, but because I realized what God had done for me that night alone in the dark. He had given me, albeit temporarily, the ability to make beautiful music for Him—and not just in my heart. He took away my fear and brought me safely through the dark night. Even though I still can’t drive at night and still can’t sing worth a hoot, He has assured me that He loves me and will go with me anywhere. I don’t have to be afraid!

BEVERLY CASEY is a retired postmaster, mother of two children and grandmother of three. A widow since 1989, Beverly’s dream is to write stories of God’s love and faithfulness in her life and the lives of those around her.