I remember praying at that time, "Lord, I would be willing to scrub toilets with toothbrushes if I could just be present at this event." You see, I loved Pres. George W. and Laura Bush when they were in office, and I love them even more now! It breaks my heart to see how they have been demonized and blamed for so many of our country's problems even now...more than 4 years after the fact! They have not tried to defend themselves nor speak against the current Administration, and for that, they have won my deepest respect.
I didn't agree with all of the policies of the Bush administration or decisions that were made, but I can honestly say that I prayed more for President Bush and his family than any other President before him (or after...which is convicting me even as I write it). And, it's amazing what can happen when you regularly pray for someone!
As much as I wanted to ask someone to please let the Coxes be involved...I even considered playing my "we've served for 25 years with Mercy Ships" card...but I felt from the Lord that I was NOT to ask.
Imagine my surprise when we received an email from the coordinator of the event asking if we would participate? Yipppeeeee!!!! "Yes, yes, yes, yes...!"
So, this past Saturday, April 6th, Wade and I made our way to the Ritz-Carlton hotel in Dallas to join the other Mercy Ships staff who were helping with this event. We had been told in advance to keep our expectations low when it came to the possibility of meeting or getting a photo with Pres. and Mrs. Bush. The invited guests would be getting photos, but the Mercy Ships staff would only do so if time permitted. So, once again, I went to my Heavenly Father, and submitted my request.
I was assigned to take purses and nametags at the table where the photos were being taken...the Secret Service required that no one carry anything in their hands when they got their picture taken. I was literally just a couple yards away from the First Couple as they were meeting and greeting the guests and saying "Cheese!" I was pinching myself and thanking the Lord for this amazing opportunity!
And then the word came that all of the Mercy Ships staff would be allowed to get a photograph with Pres. and Mrs. Bush! I felt like a giddy teenager going on a first date...nervous and excited all at the same time! As we got closer and closer in the line, the emotion came over me like a wave, and I started to cry. "Oh no, Sharon, don't cry," I chided myself. "Take a deep breath," my friend Carrie suggested.
Before I knew it, Wade and I were standing in front of this amazing couple, whom I deeply admired, respected, and had interceded for, and the tears were rolling down my cheeks. I don't remember exactly what I said to them, but I told them how much we love and respect them. And just like a loving father, President George W. Bush leaned over and kissed my cheek, and said, "Don't cry!"
I know that this will sound corny, but at that moment, I felt like the Lord was giving me a kiss, and saying to me, "I love you daughter, and I delight in giving you good gifts!"
Several have asked me if I have washed my cheek since then? Yes, I have washed my cheek, but I will NEVER forget that moment!
It was an awesome reminder to me that our Heavenly Father knows the desires of our heart, and he loves to exceed our hopes and dreams! Keep hoping and believing friends! You never know what the Lord might be up to.
p.s. The Bush's personal photographer took the pictures that evening and will be sending them to us when they are completed. I will be sure and post the photo when we have it! I don't think the photographer captured "the kiss" but we did get a photo taken with the First Couple.
