Throwback Thursday / Josey Lois Zavala

This is one of my favorite pics of Josey. She has always had such a heart for Jesus even when she was very young. After she graduated, she went to Mexico as a missionary, and came home with a fiancé preacher, Ernesto Zavala. After they completed his paperwork so that he could come to the United States, they were married. They now have two beautiful little girls, Britsadie and Analise.

While in Mexico God supernaturally gifted Josey with the ability to speak Spanish fluently. She uses the gift to interpret at their church, and also at her job with Telfair County School system as Parent Engagement Coordinator, Special Education Administrative Assistant , and Interpreter.

Josey has such a giving, loving, like-Jesus heart. She's always had a close relationship with Jesus and is a mighty Prayer Warrior. Since this weeks theme has been on prayer, I thought I'd share a poem that she wrote for me when she was 18 years old.

On The Wing of a Prayer

As a toddler I waddled around,

Never worrying about tumbling down:

I didn't know what caused these things that make me cry,

I only liked when Mama kissed them goodbye.

What kept me from falling off my bed?

What kept me from bumping my little head?

What stopped the aching in my scratched knee?

What took away the sting from the bumble bee?

As a young adolescent I ran around,

Never worrying too much about falling down;

I began to wonder who I should turn to for help,

Who with the circumstances of my life dealt?

What kept me safely crossing the street?

What kept me from falling over my feet?

What caused me to stay a top my bike?

What protected me through long, stormy nights?

As a teenager, I drove around,

Not very worried about crashing down;

I realized that God protected me,

But the importance of prayer I did not see.

What kept me safe as I drove in my car?

What kept me from roaming way too far?

What caused me to stay away from bad boys?

What kept me from tolerating "worldly toys"?

As a young adult I hurried around,

I knew God could help me when I was down;

Even though I knew that this was true,

Going to God was something I didn't remember to do.

What kept me afloat during dark hours?

What kept me sane when my troubles did tower?

What gave me strength when I used all my might?

What gave me the victory after the long, hard fight?

As a young adult I began to realize,

Someone's prayers were being lifted up to the skies:

Why was my troubles disappearing in life,

When I'd forgotten to pray in the middle of my strife?

One day it was plain to see,

Someone had been praying for me;

In that hour when I needed love and care,

They prayed that God would be with me there;

In moments when I didn't sense danger near,

They whispered a request only God could hear.

I wondered for months whose prayers were being heard,

I knew I hadn't spoken a word;

I realized you had prayed for me mother,

You remembered me and loved me like no other.

So mom, I would like to say thanks for keeping me there,

Securely seated on the wing of your prayer;

I can now soar with the eagles high above,

All because you guarded me with your Godly love!

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Thank you Josey for being such a JOY to parent! I love you dearly!

#ThrowbackThursday #JoseyLoisZavala #OnTheWingOfaPrayer #MamasKeepPraying