We were visiting my grandparents who lived in rural Missouri, close to the Arkansas border. The small town was one in which McDonald’s caused a big stir when it staked its claim. Growing up, my grandparents were either raising cattle or renting their land for cattle. My grandfather served our country, our families, us in the Air Force during WWII. He didn’t talk about his service often (or maybe I didn’t ask the right questions), but he was proud to take part and be included when veterans were needed.   

I was almost two years old. My brother and sisters and I were in the basement. As the story goes, I was being watched by them. Loosely, perhaps. Unbeknownst to anyone, apparently, I took a swig of bleach. Somehow, my siblings were alerted, which meant my parents and all other adults sprang into action once they were notified. Due to the year and location, phoning 9-1-1 was not an option. Instead, my mom called the poison control center that gave her instructions before my parents carried me to the car and began the 30-minute drive to the closest medical facility. 

The doctor pumped my stomach and such and sent me on my way. 

Not to be dramatic, but I could have died that day. The reason I didn’t was because the Lord is sovereign, in control, all powerful, with purposes and plans. 

That is what I know. In the Bible, Job says to God, “I know that you can do all things, and that no purpose of yours can be thwarted,” (Job 42:2). 

Brave Reader, I don’t understand the ways of our Creator. Why this or why that. What I know is you are alive in this moment because our Father in Heaven is in control, with a plan that includes a purpose for you. What I know is Jesus wouldn’t give up the the ridicule, the mockery, the death of the cross because His eyes were on us and sovereign God.

Julie Johnson
editor in chief
editor@homegrownjournal.com

COVER My mom’s ever watchful eye on me as I swam without care at Jellystone Park in Branson, Missouri. Circa August 1979, two months before my second birthday.