Serving the High Plains
Serving the High Plains
Religion Columnist
“…Pray one for another, that ye may be healed…” James 5:16
On the journey to Amarillo the road meanders up the caprock onto the flat plains of the Panhandle. This portion is my favorite part of the trip as I look forward to the interesting and uneven terrain. As you climb upward there is a little knoll on the left side. What makes it special is the there is a cedar tree protruding at an awkward angle hanging on for dear life. It isn’t until you get right upon it that you notice there are actually two cedar trees, one under the other.
While it looks as though it will topple over at any moment, those who made the trip for over 50 years claim it was always there in the same position. I even talked to one who claimed they always looked for it when they were a small child because it reminded them of a buffalo.
I had an opportunity to observe it going and coming every day for eight days as we traveled back and forth to the hospital in Amarillo. My mom was a patient there after being flown from here in grave condition. While the doctors first suspected a stroke, all the tests came back negative.
It was on that first trip that I noticed the two trees. I thought it strange I never saw that before, but I know now it was a message of hope that we weren’t hanging on alone. We didn’t know what we would face in Amarillo and even if Mom would still be with us. All I could do was cry out to the Lord. Psalm 121:1-2 says, “I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh my help. My help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth”.
The next few days I received numerous calls and texts on my phone (that is a story for another time) from people who were praying for her and encouraging us. Each one was like a soothing balm for my soul as I felt their prayers lifting me up.
On the third day, our pastor and his wife came to see us. Mom was still unresponsive and unable to move. We circled around her bed and held hands as he prayed for her. The prayer gave me great hope no matter what the outcome.
An hour later, Mom opened her eyes and began to talk. She was able to slightly move her arms and legs. I quickly called the nurse in who could hardly believe her eyes. Even the doctor was unsure what happened. I knew. It was definitely a miracle.
Mom is back in Tucumcari and making a slow, steady recovery. I am still praising God for the miracle and thank all who prayed for the entire family during this difficult time. I am also thankful for all who are caring for her so she can return home soon.
Like those two trees, I knew others were underneath us and lifting us up in prayer so we could hold steadfast during the crisis. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 states, “Two are better than one; …For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow…” How comforting to know others were lifting us up.
Debra Whittington is a longtime resident of Tucumcari. Contact her at: