There are some things that just stick with me . . for years and years. Even though I keep religion and politics off the blog for the most part, this one is religion related. If you don’t believe in God, or appreciate Bible talk, you’re welcome to keep reading but please don’t leave negative or sarcastic comments. We’re all entitled to our opinions and we should all be able to speak what we’re thinking but good manners are nice too. Sometimes I need a hug and I don’t need to hear that you disagree with me.
It seems like every now and then when I get to a point that I really need to just trust and wait for the Lord’s guidance, those are the times Norman surfaces. Today was that day.
I remember like it was yesterday when I was driving my two tone brown Nissan Maxima (even though it was a Datsun Maxima back then) down the road listening to a Focus on the Family show and I met Norman! That story really touched me. I couldn’t wait to get home and call Focus on the Family to order the tape.
A Man Called Norman
Since getting this tape in 1984, I have lived in at least 15 different houses. Whether I’m packing myself or we have movers packing, I make sure I dig Norman out of it’s hiding spot and I put it somewhere so I can find it easily. I don’t listen to it often but I always know exactly where it is.
This morning, I felt a need to listen to Norman. I retrieved the tape and, just my luck . . I could not find a cassette player in this house. There’s one in my car and my guess is that’s the last car I’ll have that comes equipped with a cassette player.
The thought occurred to me . . iTunes. Yes, it was there. For $1.99, I now have Norman in my music/podcast library. I can listen to it anywhere.
There are so many lessons to be learned from listening to this story. I believe in God, prayer and faith, but it’s also hard sometimes to trust and it’s often hard to put aside “me” and say “if this is where God is leading, I will follow.” This story about Norman is the reminder I need just to let go and trust that where God leads, is where I need to be.
I’m so thankful I heard this story 32 years ago. I’m so thankful for it’s message. I’m thankful that even though I lose everything, I’ve been able to keep up with my Norman tape. I’m thankful it’s on iTunes and I no longer have to have a cassette player in order to hear it. This old cassette is one of those “why did she keep this thing?” moments Chad will some day have, when he come across it as he goes through my stuff. He till toss it without even listening to it. Even though I may no longer be able to play the cassette, the old relic means a lot to me and no matter how much clutter I may part with, I’m betting this stays with me til the end . . the cassette and the message it has played for so many years.
pattilynn9 says
Judy, thank you for telling about Norman. I listened to it on YouTube just now. I totally needed to hear that today.
It’s in 4 parts, but one follows right after the other. Here’s a link if anyone else wants to listen there. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rigeTsJNd8o
cindy says
don’t know about Norman, but I definitely believe God leads us if we allow Him to do so. I am now in Indiana instead of Texas because I believe that God led my family and me here. My son and daughter in law had talked about moving and in a conversation it came up again. I said, well I don’t have anything keeping me in Texas now that Mom and Dad are gone so we will pray that God leads us, but for me to think it is a realistic possibility i listed several things i felt needed to happen and the kids added a couple of things. When everything on that list fell like dominoes within two weeks (with no work on our part), I said, alright God, I got it — we are moving to Indiana. Still don’t know why, and may never know, but I believe that He has a plan and He will work it out. May God continue to lead you.
Carolyn says
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for sharing Norman. It was just what I needed today.
Liz in Calgary says
Thank you for sharing Norman. I too had to listen to youtube for the story! God does indeed lead us to where we should be, sometimes its so hard for me to let go, and trust in that but what else can a person do. I hope and pray that what you are going through right now leads you to see God’s glory and His plan for you.
roccagal says
I must agree with the other readers. This was just what I needed today. Thanks Judy. What a lovely inspiring story.
Liz N says
thank you for sharing Norman. I remember listening in 1984 and will do so again via youtube, (thanks to Pattilynn). Are we not to lift each other up, bear each other’s burdens? Consider your self hugged.
Paula Philpot says
So glad you posted this and I plan to listen too. Some of us were talking about the people that come on Focus on the Family at our sewing day yesterday. Paula in KY
Cindy F says
I heard this years and years ago and forgot about it. Thank you for the reminder and thank you Pattilynn for the youtube link. My husband and I enjoyed hearing it again.
Cheryl says
So loved “Norman”. Thanks for sharing Judy!
Jeri Niksich says
Judy, thank you in advance for Norman. I haven’t yet ordered it from ITunes but I’m sure it’s right up my alley. We lost our Son in Law to a self-inflicted gun shot July 27th at the age of 33, he left behind our daughter as well as their Son 4yrs and daughter 2yrs. I can’t describe the pain and loss we are all feeling but I have the deepest feeling that Norman’s story is going to ring true for me and I’ll in turn feel compelled to share it with our daughter. I have faith that Norman’s story will touch her heart as well. Thank you again in advance, before I can even get to hear it before I pass it on to her to have and remember. Thanks for all you do for we followers.
Jeri