Bikers For Christ

2:15am
The house is quiet, dark and locked up tight because daddy is out of town. A wild-haired little girl shuffles her feet into my room and begins to whimper "Mommy, he's gone. He doesn't listen to me!" My eyes opened to see the most angelic little face peering over my mattress. 

"Did you have a bad dream Annabelle? Are you alright?" 
"No Mommy! I talk to Jesus but he doesn't listen to me!" 

A few weeks ago, when Annabelle first met her 'motorcycle friends',  they asked her a bunch of questions to get to know her a little so we can plan the best event possible. They asked Annabelle, "What do you like to do?" She piped up and exclaimed, "Go outside and ride my bike!!" They smiled so proudly, wearing their leather vests and told Annabelle, "Oh really? Well.. we kinda like to ride bike's too...... " She was absolutely blown away that these awesome men also like to ride bikes, she asked them if they have a really little bicycle or a big bicycle. They made a promise instead "How about we bring some more friends next week and visit you again, we will bring all our bikes and you can check them out, how's that?" Oh, the excitement that tore across her face was priceless. She spent every day for the next week telling everyone about her motorcycle friends and their bicycles. The evening we expected them, our family waited outside for their arrival. Minutes before they made it to our road, I received a text message from a friend, "HOLY MOTORCYCLES! I DONT KNOW IF THEYRE FOR ANNABELLE, BUT ABOUT 20 LOUD HARLEY'S JUST ENTERED OUR NEIGHBORHOOD!!!!!!!!" We could feel the rumble as they turned the corner and pure adrenaline and love absolutely burst from my heart as I watched my little girls faces light up at the show arriving in front of their home.

AK got to meet the Guilty Ones MC and we were both honored to meet those from the Bikers for Christ MC. Bikers for Christ is a Christian ministry for motorcyclists that have many chapters / organizations around the country and around the world. We opened our doors that evening and invited everyone into our home for dinner.

The Minister with Bikers for Christ, as all the rest of the riders, were very kind, honest, genuine and open. They asked questions about our little girl but didn't pry too hard. They asked how AK and I are managing and I gave them the honest answer to what a marriage looks like when you're told your child may not survive. We talked for 2 hours around the journey Annabelle has taken us on, the doubts we have had in our faith, the bitterness and anger in our home from time to time and above all - the fears that flood our family because of Annabelle. I walk around every day on the verge of breaking into tears and that evening was no different. Only this time, I couldn't hold them back. With tears streaming off my chin and my husband by my side, I shared some of the darkest questions we have within our family and relationships (those with one another, with our children, with ourselves and with our God).

In the Bikers For Christ pockets, all the guys carry trinkets to share with kids or anyone they wish to share Jesus. The girls were both given a handmade bracelet. They were also both given a metal cross. Simple, shiny, but also dull, grey and lightweight. It sat in their hands perfectly as they stared at it. The Minister spoke to them just as they would be able to understand, "You know what that cross stands for?" Annabelle piped up, "JESUS!". He said "That's right! Any time you are scared, frightened, if you are worried about your sissy Madelynne, or if the boo-boo's inside your body are hurting Annabelle, you can just hold this cross and talk to Jesus. You can tell him anything and he will listen to you. He is always here and always listening to you. He loves you very much, always remember that." 

The evening was more powerful than words can describe. As the clock continued to turn - I knew Annabelle needed another feeding, but more importantly she wanted to see the Motorcycles parked outside, so we began to wrap up the night. Before we did though, the Minister asked if he could say a prayer.

He keeled to the floor and said to Belle, "Im going to get down on your level, OK Annabelle?" She said "No sir! This is my level!!!" And pointed all the way down to the ground. They both sat down on the ground. As he keeled, he held one hand with Annabelle and his other with Madelynne. Slowly, quietly, intently, the rest of the bikers in my home began to form a tight circle around one another. Placing one hand on the shoulder of the kneeling man in front of him, they all bowed their head. He spoke the most honest words to Jesus, he prayed heavily for Annabelle, for the doctors and her care givers, he then prayed for Madelynne. I peeked thru one eye and caught her reaction, she jerked her head straight up out of curiosity for why he just mentioned her name.. she found me in the crowd and I winked to her as she dropped her head back down and closed her eyes. He prayed for Madelynne, he prayed that she enjoy her little sister and always remember to play and cherish the fun and not-so-fun moments with her, he prayed that she not have to worry about more than her little 6yo mind should, he prayed that she remained focused on school and herself but still have patience and discipline even when mommy and daddy have little. Finally, he prayed for AK and I. He prayed for everything we need to continue fighting this journey with our little girls, for ourselves, for our family and for our faith. The prayer was so humbling and honest, I struggled to mumble "Amen" at the end. I was speechless as if the air had left my lungs - but my eyes were too dry to allow another tear to fall. The night closed perfectly.

Outside Annabelle asked if she could see the bikes, they laughed "Oh Annabelle - PICK A COLOR!" The fleet of motorcycles in front of our home, gave both of us a heart attack. I've never seen so much money parked in front of my house, and Annabelle has never seen so many toys to choose from :) Both girls climbed on the bikes, one after another, picking their favorite color and the most comfy seat. Annabelle liked the big red one - Mady liked the white bike and named it Snow White.

 

 
Two days later.. at 2:15am
"Did you have a bad dream Annabelle? Are you alright?"
"No Mommy! I talk to Jesus but he doesn't listen to me!"

She's holding two metal crosses in her hands and she's trembling. "My motorcycle friends told me that Jesus will listen when I talk to him. My boo-boo's hurt mommy and Jesus is gone - he can't hear me anymore!"

Oh sweet girl, Jesus always hears you, and he is helping you right now. Jesus is very special and he is talking back to you, but we can't hear him. He is working lots of miracles around you everywhere that we can't even see. Just like your motorcycle friends, your dance friends, our neighborhood friends, family and lots and lots of people - they are all loving and praying for you, together we are all making the boo-boo's go away and get better. I promise. Keep telling him what you need sweetheart, he will listen.

... she begins to whisper ...

"Jesus, I think I need some candy."