When God Shows Up, Fewer People Die: Based on a True Story

By Laurel Black

What does it take for ordinary men and women to become heroes? We often see stories in the news where people find the courage and the strength to put their lives on the line for others in harm’s way, but sometimes there’s more to the story.

When God Shows Up, Fewer People Die shares a story of God’s miraculous intervention into a harrowing situation, where his presence and guidance helped one young woman become a hero. Inspired by a true story, author Laurel Black shares the dramatic narrative of an apartment complex locked down because of an active shooter. While authorities work to take control of the situation, it would be God’s hand that would guide a young woman to saving many lives.

It takes courage to become a hero, but it also takes faith and God’s great power and protection. When God Shows Up, Fewer People Die is a story of God’s presence in one of the worst circumstances, and it shows how God can make everything good for those who love him.

• Language: English
• Publisher: LifeRich Publishing
• Release date: Nov 1, 2018
• ISBN: 9781489718914

Laurel Black

Laurel Black has been a pastor’s wife for over forty years, and she finds Christianity not only a spiritual experience but a practical and exciting way of life. She has also spent many years teaching, preaching, and writing Bible studies.

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Copyright © 2018 Laurel Black.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or by any information storage retrieval system without the written permission of the author except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

LifeRich Publishing is a registered trademark of The Reader’s Digest Association, Inc.

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Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Getty Images are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

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ISBN: 978-1-4897-1890-7 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4897-1891-4 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2018957025

LifeRich Publishing rev. date: 04/18/2019

Dedication

I dedicate this book to my daughter Kitty, without whose experience there wouldn’t be a book. Kitty is the main character in the story. I solute her obedience to the Lord, her courage, character and her caring dedication. Without her, and without any of these qualities, many lives would have been lost in the incident that inspired the writing of this book. Her faith in the Lord is an inspiration to anyone who knows her.

CONTENTS

Acknowledgements

Foreword By A Beloved Niece

Introduction

Chapter 1     Shooter

Chapter 2     Safe Haven

Chapter 3     Tea Party

Chapter 4     Amy’s Account

Chapter 5     Evacuation

Chapter 6     Bus Ride

Chapter 7     Alec’s Story

Chapter 8     Fire Station

Chapter 9     SWAT Team

Chapter 10   A Wife’s Requirement

Chapter 11   Clean Up

Chapter 12   Finger Print of God

Epilogue

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

T here have been a number of people who have been encouraging and supportive of me throughout the writing of this book. Many of you have proof read and edited my work. Without your participation I couldn’t have brought this forward. I dearly appreciate all of you. I thank each and every one of you with all my heart. God’s richest blessings rest upon you.

FOREWORD BY A BELOVED NIECE

I t all started with my grandmother who dreamt of being a writer. Life got in the way. Being a farmer’s wife during the Great Depression with seven children to raise didn’t allow her the time. She hoped one of her children or grandchildren would fulfill her dream. There were several family members leaning in that direction. She would be pleased to know one of her daughters took up the torch.

Some people love reading fantasy books as a means of escaping reality. They may even deem reality as boring. This book is all about reality but it’s far from boring. It has all the action, mystery and personal drama that one would hope to find in a novel. It is written by my aunt, it is a story that just needed to be told. It is based on a true story, and testimony of God’s great power to protect. This is the story of how He can indeed make even the worst circumstances work toward the good of those who love him.

Whenever the champion of this story has shared this testimony with others, they often asked why they hadn’t heard these things on the news. After all it was a big story and she was right in the middle of it. The news media generally only reports the sensational. Although there is plenty of the sensational to this story, the real message is a spiritual one.

The author has been a Bible scholar and teacher for more than forty years. She taught her children the fear of the Lord and the power of prayer. Those teachings flow through this story weaving the miracles together.

Names have been changed to protect the privacy of those involved. The most extraordinary events in this narrative have not been changed or enhanced in any way. Even though there have been thoughts expressed by characters in parts of the story, these thoughts are not to be regarded as fact; after all this book is based on a true story.

This book is filled with action and drama. Each chapter brings a surprise. It would be easy to forget these are real people going through real trauma. This is a testimony of an eye-witness. It is the story behind the headlines of a showdown between a gunman and the police, she takes you into the private planning sessions of the SWAT teams. You will be privy to the personal history of a murderer. It is a cautionary tale about the influence of hate groups. It is also the story of one woman’s courage as she reacts to save her neighbors. This is an emotional roller coaster that delivers.

At the end of her life, my grandmother concluded each of us is writing a book with our lives. Here is one remarkable chapter in the lives of several ordinary people.

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INTRODUCTION

D eath hung ominously in the air. The steady drone of bullets pierced the silent night air. Fear seized Sabrina, as men in uniforms carrying guns encircled her, even though the guns were never aimed directly at her. Sweat ran down her face. Her heart beat as though it were a drum. She searched for a means to escape, but found none.

Sabrina bolted upright in bed, her heart still racing. ‘Oh," she thought, ‘it’s that night mare again.’ As she sat on her bed, she pulled her feet up close, and wrapped her arms around her knees. She began to rock herself and cry out, Oh God, I am so weary of this night mare. She sat a few more moments before reaching for her well rehearsed prayer she often said to comfort herself. She slowly but passionately said this prayer once again.

Heavenly Father, I’m so afraid of what this dream means. I ask you to give me peace and assurance that you will see me through whatever looms ahead. I believe you have a purpose to fulfill. Even though I’m afraid, I put my trust in you, for you are merciful, you are full of grace, and you will protect me from whatever is coming. I know you will walk with me, you will give me strength and courage to follow you through this danger, I believe you will be glorified. I believe you are faithful. You can and will stop the enemy from overpowering me. I trust in you. In Jesus Name, Amen.

Sabrina felt her heart slowing down, and breathing became steadier. Yet the reoccurring dream disturbed her. Though it was early, she knew it wouldn’t be too early to call her mother. Staring lovingly at the pillow next to her, where her daughter, Jessica, usually lay sleeping, she thought, ‘Since Jessica is with Ray this weekend, I won’t be disturbing her if I make a phone call,’ so she reached for the phone.

Her mother immediately wanted to know what was wrong. That dream again, Sabrina agonized. Her mother was sympathetic, and wanted to know what she could do to help. Oh, just keep me company for a little while. I don’t need the terror of this dream on top of these documents I need to complete for my custody battle for Jessica. Her mom listened understandingly. Well, mom, how are you progressing with the ‘Statement of Fact I asked you to type for my lawyer?"

Her mother answered, I should have it done later this afternoon. When I finish, I’ll call you and read what I’ve typed, if you approve I can fax it to you. How much typing do you have left on your rebuttal, of the papers Ray had you served on Friday?

I’ve been working on them steadily since I took Jessica to meet Ray yesterday morning. I’m over three quarters of the way finished. I should be able to start the rebuttal for article 28 about the time you’ve finished the Statement of Fact."

Is that the last article you have to refute before your court hearing? Sabrina affirmed it was. Her mother added. You’re such a hard worker.

Sabrina moaned, "I wouldn’t have had to do any of it, if Ray hadn’t chosen to have these papers served me, seven days before the hearing with the Judge. I won’t know until Monday if my lawyer has gotten Ray’s papers. If I don’t have this information ready for him beforehand, he might not have time to register it with the court. If that were to happen, he might not be able to present my side to the judge. What little