The Red Dress

When I was four, I was my big brother’s little shadow. He was five, so he was older and braver than I was. He hated our big sister’s red dress, and he was determined to destroy it. One day when my brother and I were alone in our house, he found daddy’s matches, opened the closet door, and lit that red dress on fire.

Mesmerized, we watched flickering flames spread to the other clothes in the closet. Smoke filled the room. My brother ran to the kitchen for a pan of water to try to put out the fire. I raced next door to Grandma’s house to get Mama. I had to tell her what we’d done.

Before I reached Grandma’s, Mama was running toward me. Smoke filled our yard, and we saw flames through the windows. I was relieved when my brother ran out of the house. As smoke billowed into the sky, neighbors arrived and asked how they could help. Someone called the fire department, and someone connected a water hose to Grandma’s house and began spraying the fire.

We lived in the country far from the fire station. The water hose was useless against the raging fire. By the time the firetruck arrived, our home was in ashes. All our family had left was each other and what we were wearing. Since we had no insurance on most of our belongings, it would take years to replace what we had lost.

We had suffered a tragedy, but we had reasons to be thankful. We were alive, and we were blessed by the compassion of others. Many people we met that day became close friends. One family, the Raffas, bought a new pair of shoes for everyone in our family. Other people gave us bags of used clothing so we could search for items that would fit someone in our family.

The Bible says, “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28 KJV

The following year I was five, and the Raffas had a Good News Club in their home. That’s where I first heard the gospel. I knew that I was a sinner, and when Mrs. Raffa explained that Jesus had died for my sins, I understood. I was glad Jesus didn’t stay dead. He came back to life and conquered death and sin. I realized that I couldn’t be good enough to pay for my own sins, so Jesus paid the price for me.

When Audrey Raffa led me to the Lord, I received the most precious treasure I’ve ever been given, and I’m eternally grateful.

The Bible says, “And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works.” II Timothy 3:15-17 KJV

Do you know that you’re a sinner? Do you believe Jesus died to take the punishment for your sins? If you’re not saved, are you willing to repent and receive Christ as your Savior? If you’re already saved, are you living for the Lord?

Dear Lord, help us be thankful for all you’ve done for us. Help us live for you and help us remember that sometimes the tragedies in our lives are for our good and for your glory.