Gò0dNews for Everyone
The Veiled Provider by Sheneka Land
I
t was mid-December of 1990 as I drove my
her teddy bear. That Christmas was to be my last spent
clunker across town in disillusionment, anger,
with Candace. On February 13, 1991, she succumbed to
and disappointment. Hot tears burned my eyes
liver transplant complications, and my maternal hopes
and rolled down my cheeks as I made my way to the
were dashed as I watched her lowered to the dark
Department of Family and Children Services as a
earth on a cold and rainy Sunday four days later.
recipient of the Empty Stocking Fund. I had returned
Many Christmases have passed since that dark
to my hometown that spring as a divorced, single
day, and I’ve known the waves of sorrow that wash
mother with my toddler son, Cole, and my seven-
over a broken heart that feels trapped behind a veil
month-old daughter, Candace, who was in desperate
of pain and suffering. Yet, I’ve also experienced
need of a liver transplant. Candace had received her transplant in July, but life remained full of struggles with no relief in sight. Following her surgery, Candace required twenty-two doses of medicine daily and constant care. Most nights there was little sleep for either of us. On this cold and rainy morning, I was physically and emotionally exhausted. Finally left alone to myself, I was flooded with humiliation, and I angrily lashed out at God. Why have you allowed rejection to rule my life almost since the day I was born? Do you even care at all? Where are you? Arriving at the distribution center, I was directed to a table where I would receive two gifts
the miracles of God’s goodness and provision that
for my children, a frozen turkey, and a bag of
are wrapped in divine mystery. No matter the
groceries. Returning to my car, relieved and somewhat
circumstances of our lives, God remains sovereign,
thankful that I now had gifts to give my children, I still
and His purposes cannot be thwarted. Those who have
bore the weight of embarrassment and self-pity as the
found Jehovah Jireh behind the veil of broken dreams
hot tears returned. God, why aren’t you providing for
can testify of the God of hope.
us? Deep in my spirit I heard, “I just did.” My pride
“May the God of all hope fill you with all joy
instantly melted, and I was changed by the warmth of
and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may
God’s love.
overflow with hope by the power of the Holy
On Christmas Eve, I baked my Christmas turkey
Spirit,” (Romans 15:13, NIV).
Cole was ecstatic over his gift, and I’ll never forget Candace’s big smile and twinkling eyes as she hugged
26 // December 2021
About The Author
with thanksgiving and joy. On Christmas morning, Sheneka Land is an ordained minister and a graduate of the Pentecostal Theological Seminary. She enjoys speaking and writing and is co-author of From Rejection to Validation (pathwaybookstore.com). Sheneka pursues opportunities in care ministry where she can spread the news of hope and transformation to the suffering. She is mother to four sons whom she homeschooled for twenty-four years. She and her husband, Jon, currently reside in Cleveland, Tennessee. www.thethreadsofgrace.com
