The Prayer Of Frankenstein

This was my eleventh Halloween as a mother. I have, in all previous years, held firm to a NO scary costume rule. The kids have been lions, pumpkins, Redskins, Little Red Riding Hood, the Big Bad Wolf, cave people, Buzz Lightyear, etc, etc... I've ultimately been able to munipulate their final costume choice to fit my liking, until this year. None of my "original" and frugal ideas suited them. The boys were determined to be something hair-raising! This past Thursday night found me scouring the internet for a suitable compromise. The article, "Last Minute Costumes for the Slacker Mom!", was really inspiring.

Finally, late that night we decided that Frankenstein and a mummy would appease both sides. I know that my thinking is flawed, but somehow the "classics" don't seem as vile as Jason or a chainsaw killer. Even less frightening was the fact that all I needed for Frankenstein was a milk jug, a little bit of faux fur, and Wayne's suit coat. The mummy was made out of my beloved flannel sheets....I'm really going to miss them! A lot of stress, a tons of cake make-up, some screaming, and a few safety pins later.....My little nightmares were born!

Ethan and Sam October 2010


But it all came down to one moment. A few nights ago, as we were driving home from some place, we passed a house fire. Firetrucks and police cars were coming from all directions. Wayne and I prayed out loud for the family and rescue personnel. Then, on Saturday evening with a mini van full of anxious trunk-or-treaters, we past an ambulance with it's siren blazing. Phoebe said, "Pray Mommy!" So, I prayed. Then she said, "Pray Daddy!", and Wayne prayed. She was quiet for a few minutes before she said, "Pray Frank! Pray!" I never knew that Frankenstein was a praying monster... His prayer was beautiful and heartfelt.


That little cheerleader helped her mama put things into perspective. In my effort to please my sons, I became frazzled and a little bit mean. The fun of the evening ahead was lost for me. I was sitting in the passengers seat with my arms crossed when we passed the ambulance. Phoebe's requests broke the ice around my heart and quite possibly saved some one's life. Over the past few months, countless people have told me that they were praying for Wayne on July 17. I am so grateful that the Lord heard those prayers. Such a simple thing, to lift up a prayer, even a monster can do it!


And whatever you do in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus!  Colossians 3:17

The effective fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.  James 5:16