Home > Letters to Delilah

Letters to Delilah

Dear Delilah,

Tonight, while I should be doing my math review for finals, I need some best friend advice or I know I won't be able to concentrate.

My best friend, Sammi—or as she likes to be called now, Sam, and I have always been a bit different, kind of like yin and yang. We've always had different views, such as views on simple things from subjects or books to more serious things like religion and death. It's always been fine though, always seeing the others point of view and never putting the other down. However, today seemed a bit different.

Today, I brought up a mini memoir that my English teacher from last year said I should enter in the scholastic contest. I mentioned how I thought it was cute that when my little brother was around two, he thought my grandmother-who died a month before he was born-being gone meant she "went out to the store to get milk." Sam asked me, quite blatantly-something I'm used to-why he would ask something like that. I simply replied that he was two and he didn't know the concept of death; I barely knew the concept of death when my Me-maw [grandmother] died and I was seven.

After talking for a long period of time she basically shot down all my ideas like they were nothing while I agreed on some of her points and mentioned some of mine to go with them. It wasn't only with just this, lately it's been getting more and more. It's hard to start conversations with her and you must be the one to start it or else it'll just be unnerving silence. Now, I'm no good at small talk so half of what I say sounds like I'm complaining, like stating "I'm tired" or "Ick, I have a math test today" and then I get blown off.

I've always been the follower when it came to her, we met when we were in second grade, but lately I've finally been standing my ground, my beliefs, but never once being rude about it. She doesn't like a lot of my other friends, stating it quite obviously if I bring them up and she seems to get jealous of a lot of my friends if I go to talk to them. It's never been bad, though, until-like I said-today.

I thought it was just like any day when we somehow got talking about these deep conversations and I shrugged it off a bit. It wasn't until we were in the locker room [we have gym together] changing to head off to our next class-for her lunch. I always wait for her while she gets dressed because she normally takes longer then I do. So it's normal that if I take longer she'd wait for me. She happened to be done before me and simply picked up her bags and walked out of the locker room without looking back. I hurried up, feeling abandoned and almost betrayed for even if I was slightly upset with her, I'd wait for her. I hurried out to her and we didn't really speak. When the bell rang, we walked out to go to our classes—her lunch—and as she left to the cafeteria I said "See ya later," like I always do and she completely gave me the cold shoulder.

That made me want to cry, but be extremely mad at the same time. Because of that, I could barely concentrate on math [much like right now]. So, basically, there has been some falling out with my best friend and I needed to tell someone. Is there any advice you can give me on my whole situation? If so, I'd appreciate it so, so, so much!

With much love and gratitude,
Alix

Dear Alix,

I have to admit, I have probably cried more tears over the heartbreak of a friendship with my girlfriends than I have over the heartbreak of an ended love relationship with a guy. Why? Because there is an unwritten code that says girlfriends don't betray you or attack you, they are supposed to be understanding and committed to the friendship no matter what...but unfortunately, that is not always the case.

Maybe Sam is going through a tough time at home, maybe she is struggling with some issues that she can't express, maybe she doesn't even realize what is going on in her heart, but it is making her put up walls that keep those that she loves shut out. I am good at putting up walls that shut even my close friends out when I am hurting deeply, not that I don't love them or care about them, but sometimes I get so caught up in the stuff going on in my head that I forget to reach out to those that love me. Does that make sense? Or maybe she is just maturing into a jerky person, someone that you would never have guessed her to become? Who knows why she is being hurtful, but it sounds like she is not honoring the friendship you have long enjoyed.

You can do a few different things, keep your feelings inside and let them bother you...you can ask her if she can spend a little time talking about how it feels when she invalidates you by disagreeing with you. I disagree with a lot of things other people say or do, but I still love them despite their views or beliefs. Or you can walk away and wait for her to come back to your friendship. A hard thing to do given how much you care...

And finally, take good care of yourself. I cried a lot when I was your age over friends that "dumped" me, and to be honest, I have cried a lot the past year over a dear friend that decided she didn't have the time or energy to continue to be my friend, so I know how you feel. More importantly, God knows how you feel. He loves you and is there for you; He knows what it feels like to be betrayed by a friend. He had a dear friend that traveled with him, ate with him, spent time with him during the toughest days of his earthly life, and that friend betrayed him unto death. He KNOWS how your heart hurts, so cry your tears and ask God to get you through it...

With an audio hug,
Delilah

Hi Delilah,

I have been dealing with this for the past six years, a falling out with my parents. Growing up, I was never good enough; I blame it on the fact that I was the middle child in a family of five. I married at a young age after I graduated from college, maybe half the reason, to get away from home. But I truly thought he was the one. After a year into our marriage, we had a daughter. In the same year after her birth, we grew apart. I stayed for the sake of my daughter but kept the unhappiness to myself. After 10 years of marriage we separated.

The thought of divorce didn't sit well with my mom; saving face, she disowned me. Till this day she relives the anger and I know deep down she will take it to her grave. Because of this situation I have only seen my parents twice in six years. Whenever she sees my older daughter, as at her graduation, my mom breaks down in tears and reverts back to tell my daughter all that I've done that was "bad." My parents still talk to my ex and believe that he was not at any fault that our relationship failed and it was all my fault.

Within six years time I grew my family and have added three more little ones, much younger 6, 4 and 16 mo. They have not seen or met my parents so they know nothing about them; not sure if they ever will. My 6-year-old asked me a couple of months back about my parents; where they lived.

How do you get past the fact that a parent can disown their own children and treat others better than blood? My dad and my children are more of the victims in my situation because they cannot get to know each other. Is it right to have come to the resolution that my kids and I will never have any relationship with my parents and that they have no place in my life? Knowing that it may never happen ever again, I think I am okay with that.

Regards,
Mei

Dear Mei,

My dad disowned me when I was 21, he never could get past the fact that I married someone of a different race. I only saw him a few times before he died, once at my brother's funeral. Neither he, nor his parents, (my grandparents) would speak to me or allow me to come and visit.

It hurt. It still does sometimes. But I got over it and moved on. You can't change your mother's opinions and you can't try to make her understand. You can only invite other people into your life to fill that role who love you and nurture you. I "built" a family out of good friends and a few people from my church that were like parents to me. You will have to do the same, and stop expecting your mom to fulfill a need in you that she will never be able to fill. She is the broken one, not you.

Close your eyes, and in your mind, place her in God's loving hands. Ask HIM to soften her heart and give her wisdom, and then let it go. Either she will realize what a fool she is being, or she won't. But there is nothing you can do to make her see things in a sensible way.

Good luck and God bless you,
Delilah

In our country alone, the number of children waiting to be adopted or placed into a foster home is staggering! Some of you may know the pain of growing up without a forever family, or growing up in several different homes. Some of you may know the joy from finding a forever family. And some of you may be interested or know someone who is interested in becoming a forever family for child in need, so keep reading:

Dear Delilah,

I love children and have three wonderful children of my own plus two step-children, however, all are grown. My husband and I have thought about being foster parents or adoption. I have read that you have several adopted children. How come I always hear how there are so many children in foster homes that need real homes, yet I hear the adoption process costs thousands of dollars? I would love to share my home with a child, but unfortunately don't have thousands of dollars to do that… maybe you have some answers for me.

Thank you so much for your time.
Lisa

Dear Lisa,

In most states, adopting a foster child is not only not expensive, but the state will fund the process. Call your state agency that handles foster care. Ask if you can sign up for their classes if they offer them, ask about the foster program and how to adopt. When you start the process you will get a state case worker, this person will walk you through the process.

My state requires a home study, which they will pay for and provide. Also classes to learn how to deal with foster children, a first-aid class and a CPR class… they will usually pay for these classes or refund you the expense. The process can be long, but once you have your foster license, it does not take long to identify children that are legally free to adopt!

There are over 500,000 kids who will go to bed tonight without a forever family. Less than five percent will ever be adopted out of foster care. If you have love, and time to share with a child, DO IT!

Good luck and God bless you,
Delilah

Hi Delilah,

I am the one that you so graciously sent five Wal-Mart gift cards to share with those in need. First of all, thank you so much for this most generous gift and allowing me to make others' lives a little less stressful in these tough economic days. My intention was for my daughters and I to decide on five families that could most use the certificates and send them anonymously to them through the mail, or better yet, buy $100 worth of groceries and leave them on their doorstep. I intended for no one to know it was from me. However, the Lord had other plans for at least one of these families.

Sheila walked into my office this morning to say hello and wish me a blessed day. As we sat and talked, she began telling me about her great niece, Victoria, a nine year-old child that she has had custody of for the last year. Victoria's mother is addicted to drugs and has been for many years, and her father has been in prison since Victoria's birth. As a result, Victoria was passed around from family member to family member since she was 3 months old. The last relative to have this child decided that she no longer wanted the responsibility, so Victoria ended up with Sheila and her husband a little over a year ago, at the age of eight. Shortly after Victoria's arrival to Sheila's home, Sheila's husband decided, after 32 years of marriage, that he no longer wanted to be married, and just left. Sheila expressed to me that even though it was the most devastating thing that had ever happened in her life, she believes that God sent Victoria to her at that particular time, knowing that her husband was going to leave, and that Sheila would need Victoria in her life as much as Victoria would need her. Throughout our conversation, Sheila expressed her desire to be a good role model for Victoria and to be able to help her learn everything she needed to know to be a happy, smart, healthy child. I asked her how she was able to support both herself and Victoria now that she was retired and her husband was not contributing. She said that she lives day by day and that God is always good to help her with what she and Victoria need. Sheila never stopped smiling as she spoke to me and this really touched my heart. As I got up to hug her before she left, I slipped the first of the gift certificates into her hand and whispered that I love the person she is for giving this little child a new start in life.

I wish I could have done this anonymously because I want no thanks, however, I felt that she needed this immediately. I can't begin to tell you the joy it gave me to be able to do this for her. I believe and pray that this is a "pay-it-forward" opportunity, and that Sheila will be able to do something kind for someone in her life, like she is doing for Victoria. Delilah, thank you again for allowing me this opportunity to help others. I wish I could do this everyday!!

Have a wonderful day!
Cecilia

Dear Delilah,

I heard you talking about Earth Day on your show the other night. I was driving my daughter home from piano lessons and she said, "Mommy you should call and tell her about the tree we planted." Two weeks ago, my daughter and I were at the nursery buying flowers and tomatoes for the garden. She saw this beautiful tree. She asked if we could go home and plant it in our back yard so it could grow big and tall and shade her swing set, so we did just that. I didn't have the heart to tell her that by the time it was big enough to shade her swing set she would have outgrown it. But it was a great suggestion from a 7 year old. I thought I would share this Earth Day related story with you.

Sincerely,
Beth M.

Dear Delilah,

Since Earth Day was just a couple of weeks ago. I wanted to tell you what my college roommates and I have done to try and make the world a little greener. We changed out all our light bulbs to the energy efficient ones that are supposed to last 7 years. We also decided to now carpool to our classes or ride our bikes if the weather is nice. I know these are small things, but every little bit helps. I love your show and my roommates and I listen to it while we are up studying at night. We love the Jason Mraz song, "I'm Yours" maybe you could play it for us sometime.

-Jessica

Good Evening Delilah,

I was listening to the radio on my way home from work and heard that you and your producer like to hear about practical jokes, bad or good, that people do to each other. Here's my story:

A couple of years ago my twin sister (Lynda) and I helped our little sister (Ranee) move from Boise, Idaho to Seattle, Washington. We spent a couple of days there, after the move, to visit and do some sight-seeing. Just before Lynda and I left Seattle to head back home to Boise, Ranee received a package in the mail. It was one of her first pieces of mail in her new place. We soon discovered it had been sent from our step-mother's step-mother, who also lives in the Seattle area. Ranee was very excited. She opened the package. Lynda and I watched, equally excited, wondering what was inside. Within seconds we were all looking at a painting of a tiger, mounted in quite an interesting frame. Lynda and I looked at each other and hesitantly said, "Ohhhh… Ranee…. that's…. so….(long pause)…. nice…." You see, the picture had been painted by this relative who apparently was just learning how to paint. Bless her heart for trying but as soon as Lynda and I saw the painting we both thought it was hideous. We didn't want to rain on Ranee's parade, having just got her first package at her new place, and all. So, Lynda and I tried our best to be positive and yet, we both knew it was something that Ranee wouldn't really like. Sure enough, Ranee promptly said, "I…. don't like it…." We all laughed for a couple of minutes about it and wondered what to do with the painting. Ranee couldn't bear to hang it on her walls. She considered keeping it in a closet and hanging it only when this relative came over. But, that wasn't even an option. Odds were that this relative would NEVER go to Ranee's new home.

The painting was soon forgotten about. Last month was mine and Lynda's birthday. Lynda came over to my place to visit and work on a project. We had a nice visit and completed the projects. Just before she left she told me that there was something out in her car for me; a birthday present from Ranee. I said, "OH…Wonderful! I LOVE presents!" Guess what Lynda brought in. YUP! The painting! I moaned and said, "OH NO!!!" And then I laughed so hard I just about fell off my seat! And so it was passed on from Ranee to me.

A couple of weeks ago I learned that my son and his wife, who live in San Diego (he's stationed there with the Navy), were painting the walls in their apartment. I recently spoke to my daughter-in-law about arranging for her to get new window coverings. I told her about some ideas I had and promised I would get her some samples so she could pick out something that would work for them. Today, April 1st, I prepared a package for my son and his wife, took it to the post office, then sent my son a text message. Here is what it said: Steven - the things you asked for, the wood blind samples and a special something for your newly painted walls were sent today. It should be there in 2 days! Love you, Mom.

And now the interestingly framed tiger painting is going to it's new home. I only wish I could be there when they open the package. I'm sure my son and his wife (who will be graduating next year from design school) are going to wonder if I've lost my marbles! :)

Love the show,
Debbie

Dear Debbie,

Good for you!! I am so proud of you for not letting a bad painting go to waste! It should be used to bring smiles to the faces of those you love, even if at first the smile is a grimace! There is nothing that says "I love you" quite like a practical joke…my nine year old son Zacky and his older sister Tangi got me last night when they short-sheeted my bed, and I was able to "get" my farm-hand Todd good as well! I told him I wanted him to milk Gypsy, our milk cow, directly into an ice tray, squirting the warm milk directly into the individual trays, and then slice a piece of fruit into each square and freeze it for a special frozen milk treat! He didn't believe me, but my friend Joni did and actually went out late last night to the store to try to find ice cube trays with big enough squares to fit half a strawberry in!!! I'm just recovering from a bad flu bug and I laughed so hard I put myself into a coughing fit and ended up on the floor when they called me from the grocery store saying "Are you SURE you want these big ice cube trays?"…

He didn't believe me, but my friend Joni did and actually went out late last night to the store to try to find ice cube trays with big enough squares to fit half a strawberry in!!! I'm just recovering from a bad flu bug and I laughed so hard I put myself into a coughing fit and ended up on the floor when they called me from the grocery store saying "Are you SURE you want these big ice cube trays?"…

I LOVE APRIL FOOLS DAY!!! One of my co-workers was sent to deliver a stool specimen from her dog to the Department of Homeland Security, and another was dispatched to come and watch my five young kids and all my grandkids so I could recuperate from this flu bug…neither fell for it but it was fun hearing their replies! Please send my love in the package with the bad painting!

God bless,
Delilah

A Whole New World

Delilah. I love her. She makes me cry every night.

My last year of college was pretty rough and I always felt consoled by Delilah each night while I took a hot bubble bath. Her show, as silly as this sounds, helped me through a lot of things. If anything, it made me sleepy and I was able to sleep through the night - something that was hard to do in 2004.

So a couple nights ago, I'm driving home, and a woman calls in to the show and gives her story. It was sad, yes, but the song she requested kind of threw me off guard: "A Whole New World" from the Disney movie, Aladdin.

"That's a strange request," I thought to myself.

The woman wanted to hear the song because she was turning a page in her life. In essence, she was viewing life now as "a whole new world." So, Delilah played the song and of course, I cried.

But here's what struck me (and herein lies what makes me weird).

The song could be a conversation between you and God, especially during the early stages of salvation.

And now you're thinking, "What the crap?"

But just look at the words and how I pictured them in my mind and then tell me if I'm crazy.

God:
I can show you the world
Shining, shimmering, splendid
Tell me, princess, now when did
You last let your heart decide?
I can open your eyes
Take you wonder by wonder
Over, sideways and under
On a magic carpet ride
A whole new world
A new fantastic point of view
No one to tell us no
Or where to go
Or say we're only dreaming

A new believer:
A whole new world
A dazzling place I never knew
But when I'm way up here
It's crystal clear
That now I'm in a whole new world with you
Now I'm in a whole new world with you
Unbelievable sights
Indescribable feeling
Soaring, tumbling, freewheeling
Through an endless diamond sky

God:
A whole new world
Don't you dare close your eyes
A hundred thousand things to see
Hold your breath - it gets better

A new believer:
I'm like a shooting star
I've come so far
I can't go back to where I used to be
A whole new world
Every turn a surprise
With new horizons to pursue
Every moment red-letter
I'll chase them anywhere
There's time to spare
Let me share this whole new world with you

God:
A whole new world
That's where we'll be
A thrilling chase
A wondrous place
For you and me

Cassandra
Taken from a blog post: http://cassandrawebb.blogspot.com/2007/07/whole-new-world.html

Team Delilah

At my job, I have the opportunity to listen to the radio. I work with a lot of guys (they outnumber the women 3 to 1) and the guys always turn the station to you. I find it ironic cause the guys I work with try to act tough, but they are softies.

Every summer, my work place hosts a golf tournament for the community to raise money for the United Way. In the summer of 2007, four guys I work with started "Team Delilah." It's still going strong today. These guys are the highlight of the golf tournament and actually they've inspired others to enter the golf tournament.

These guys also made shirts that have you pictured on them. I wanted to share the pictures with you. Stacy

Dear Delilah,

Loved your note in the loyal listener newsletter about "new" spectacular things. My mom had a gift for seeing these things and passed along a few to me. My most favorite simple pleasure is hanging linens outside on the line all day and bringing them in to make the bedroom smell like spring. I too live in the country after a stint in New York City and embrace sitting outside listening to the horses eat grass. And is there anything better in the world than seeing a newborn foal running around the pasture for the first time? Or touching his nose to your cheek? (It's better than puppy breath.)

Thank you for making me think of these things and be grateful for the simpler things in life. Keep up the great work!

Bella

Dear Bella,

Yes, there is one thing better than seeing a newborn foal running around the pasture, and that is seeing one run around the pasture while chasing my grandson around the yard at the same time!!! Thank you Father for saving my grandson Micah last week when he had pneumonia. Thank you for all the times you saved my daughter's life when she was young and in the hospital, thank you Lord for the lives of all the children you have blessed us with, watch over all of them and keep them safe.

God bless you, I shall continue to enjoy the simple things so long as I am here on this wonderful planet!

Delilah

Hi there Delilah!

I love your show. My mom and I always listen to it at home or when we're going somewhere. It always calms us from the long day we had. The reason I am writing is because I would like to dedicate a song to my mom. My parents were divorced a year ago and she is trying so hard to pay bills, keep us fed, and take care of us. My dad left our family because he didn't want us anymore and he isn't helping very much. So my mom is doing the best she can.

I would like you to play a song to tell her how thankful I am for her, what a blessing she is in my life and that I lover her. Please pick a song out for her Delilah.

Thank you so much.
Sarah

Dear Sarah,

I'm sorry your folks went through a divorce and that your father is not there to support you and help you. I doubt if your father "didn't want you anymore," but suspect he is suffering from depression or some sort of addiction or something that would cause him to lose his way in life. Praise God you have a loving mother who is strong and determined and is going to make sure you are well loved and cared for. I'm also a single mother, I have ten kids, five who still live at home, and their fathers are not very involved in their lives either, so I know how your mother feels. God bless you, I shall continue to enjoy the simple things so long as I am here on this wonderful planet!

But I also know that you and your mother have a WONDERFUL man in your lives, and that is God!! He will never leave you nor forsake you, and that is something that only God can promise! He is there for you, and for me and my kids too! So don't lose hope, and continue to be the loving daughter that you are for your mother.

God bless you,
Delilah

Hey Delilah I'm a big fan!

I am 12 years old and I am in the seventh grade. There is another girl in my homeroom who is very mean. What type of mean? Well she cyber bullies me all the time. I try to block it but she is high-tech and hacks it so she can still instant message me. It's horrible. So me and a friend thought we'll kill her with kindness! We tried and she started making up rumors that we were in love with her! Some people even believed her! Lately she started a rumor that I shot someone but nobody believed her so that was okay. Also she said I kissed my BFF Haley on the lips. EW! No I did not. She lies about me all the time. Delilah, I listen all the time and I think you can help even though you aren't really an advice columnist you are a love connecter (haha). Well if you think you can help please email me back.

Thanks!
Joy

P.S. I told my mom and she just said ignore her, but I feel like I can't show my face at school.

Dear Joy,

I had to learn a LONG time ago that I can't worry about what other people think or say about me. When I was your age, I was chubby and not very pretty. I wore braces on my legs so I could walk, because my leg bones were crooked ... and everyone made fun of me. To make things worse, my last name was "Luke" so everyone called me "Puke" ... and it hurt.

It hurt when people would start rumors and say mean things, and it hurt when girls would insult me and talk about me like I wasn't even there. When I was older I married a black man, and boy did people insult me and make fun of me then!! I gave birth to a son who was half black and half white, and people would stop me in the store and insult me and my baby, because back then people were a lot more racist and cruel. My own father disowned me and my grandpa called me dirty names…

But you know what? God loves me just the way I am. He loves you too, and because of that you have to ignore this mean girl and hold your head up high. Pray for her that God would change her heart or take her out of your life, maybe move her to a different school or something.

The funny thing is, the things that hurt my heart are the very things that made me the strong, successful woman I am today. If I had had an easy life, an easy childhood, I might not have become so strong and determined. I might have given up when I was bullied or fired from some of my jobs. I might have given up when I was divorced and a single mom. I might have not had the strength to stand up under some of the mean things people have done to me when they tried to take advantage of me or control me. But because I went through stuff as a young person, it taught me to be strong and courageous.

So thank God that you are going thru these tests and trials, because the Lord is allowing these things to happen so you will be a strong young woman, a leader in the future! He trusts you and He knows you will succeed.

God bless you,
Delilah

Delilah,

You spoke with a young girl (12 years old) today that is in a foster home and separated from her siblings. Can you tell me what state she is located in and if you have any information about possible adoption?

I am a mother of 4 (oldest 21 and youngest 4). Two years ago I had a miscarriage. I know that I am too old (40) to do pregnancy and be healthy but still have the need to love and care for children. I watched a show last week about a young boy raising his three brothers and cried for several days wishing I could go to Africa and bring all four of them home. Then I heard her missing her siblings and broke down again. I don't know what God is telling me but I know that it he has a plan for me and that I know have tons more love to give.

If you can release any information I would appreciate it.

Anonymous

Dear Tender Hearted One,

He might be telling you to care for children.

He might be telling you that millions of children have no forever families, no food, no home, no hope…

He might be asking YOU to love them, hold them, raise them and give them hope for a future.

Go get a foster license and find a sibling group that needs a mom. Get a home study done so if God opens the door for you to go to Africa and bring home a child or two you will be ready to go.

I am 49 and just adopted my last two last year. You are never too old to love and raise children!

Call your local DSHS or go online and find out how to get a foster license. You can look up "adoptable kids" online as well in your area if you do a Google search. Your life will be forever changed when you decide to open your arms and your home to a child or children who did not come from your womb, but came to your heart.

Just a thought,
Delilah

Delilah!

I love yI clicked on the stream tonight and when it came on I couldn't believe what you were saying. You spoke of something higher than us. Something much more than career and all the things we try to entertain ourselves with. The way you said it was almost exactly the way I said it to a very dear friend today. She is going through a very difficult time and has some life-changing decisions to make.

Thank you so much! I can tell your heart is being refined which is a never ending process. God is good and He has an awesome way of confirming that our hearts are going the right direction.

Hugs and thanks.
Randy

Dear Randy,

God is sooo very good and just when we need most to hear from Him, He speaks in a way that we understand and recognize. I am always amazed when someone will call, or write, or come to one of my book signings and say "There was no way for you to know what I was going through, but when I needed an answer, I turned on your show and you were saying EXACTLY what I needed to hear." When that happens I just smile and thank God for allowing me the honor and the privilege of being used by Him. Mother Teresa is credited with saying "I want to be the pencil God uses to write His love letter to the world."

Well, I want to be the voice He uses to speak His words of undying love.

Delilah

Dear Delilah,

How many times have I wanted so many new "things" thinking it would make me happy or content? 

This weekend I was fortunate enough to spend time with my sons, Tim and Kyle. Tim is my youngest and has two young children and a wonderful wife. Tim will be leaving all too soon for Iraq and this was a "family" weekend to spend with lots of hugs and plain old "family" time. I realize that God will keep my son safe for I have prayed for his safety and after this weekend I KNOW he will be ok. While Tim will be gone for a year there is e-mail to keep in touch and his wonderful wife Heidi has assured us we will be able to see her and the grandchildren.

I said I got to see two sons and indeed my middle son, Kyle, and his girlfriend were also with us. How great was my heart to know two of our three sons could be together. We played games and just plain "hung out" together.

The time we share together is important and I realize it is so much more important than a new bauble or clothing. I have clothes to cover me and baubles. Our oldest son Tony called and we all got to talk to him even though he was miles away.

How blessed I am to have a wonderful family and the time to spend with them. I also have my health to be able to make the trip to see them. How stupid I was to feel sorry for myself that I almost didn't make the trip. What wonderful memories I would have missed out on.

My son leaves from Texas in just a couple of weeks. I learned that I must put others needs first and quit worrying about my troubles and trust that God will work everything out. I know things will all work out now because I have put all the troubles in the "Trust Jesus" box. I still can sweat the small stuff but now the big stuff is all taken care of.

Thanks for your February newsletter. It put a lot of things in perspective and I realize simple can be learned. I listen to your show as I come home from work each night. You are a wonderful person and your voice is so soothing. I thank you for all the wonderful advice you have and even the "sappy" love songs. It's just nice to listen to you.

Thank you again.
Annette

Thank you Annette for your kind words.

I am happy to hear that you were able to soak up the love of your family and that my loyal listener letter inspired you all the more!

Each time I go to Africa (I've been to the camp to work 10 times now) I am humbled, and I come home in awe of what I have missed out on my entire life. I lived over 40 years of my life thinking "This is it. This is the world," and yet I had no clue what the world at large was like.

I was not rich growing up, and yet when I see how the people in West Africa try to just survive every single day, I realize I was rich beyond my wildest dreams. I have ALWAYS had fresh water running out of pipes in my kitchen and bathroom, ALWAYS had lights that turned on at the flick of a switch. ALWAYS had food in the fridge, clothes to wear… And now that my eyes have been opened to what life is like in other parts of the world, my heart breaks at my own gluttony and selfishness.

I don't go back again and again just because I felt led to serve; I go back because I have fallen in love with people. People who are a part of my heart and soul, people like Chris Amuzu, who runs my tiny little office of Point Hope in the camp. He commutes for several hours a day on terrible roads with insane drivers, to go to work in a cinder block office that is cramped and sparse, so that he can bless the refugees. Dr. Joe, Dorothy from the social welfare office, Mr. Mense who is the assistant at the refugee camp, and so many other wonderful people who work so very hard for so very little … I love them all.

I love many of the residents in the camp; the neighbors outside the camp who are almost as impoverished and destitute. I have to confess, there are those I not only dislike, I loathe them. There are hundreds of men who lay around all day, expecting the women to care for the children, to earn money and to provide food and water. I want to kick them when I walk by and see them watching a soccer match on a rickety TV set plugged into a generator that is wasting precious fuel while they drink cheap African beer and sweat in the hot sun. There are dozens, hundreds of young girls, some as young as 11 or 12 who are pregnant. Most of them have been raped by men who pray on the vulnerabilities of the girls when they have to go outside the perimeter of the camp to relieve themselves since there are no restrooms. The men who do these horrible things are not punished or brought to justice, and the girls have no one to assist them with these new babies.

I am hoping to build a clinic-orphanage-school for the most destitute of children in this area of Ghana this year. And if God is willing, we are hoping to be able to help care for kids who otherwise will not have a future. Thanks again for your sweet words. May you be blessed as you spend time with your family members and invest your heart and soul into them!

Delilah

Dear Delilah,

Tonight, February 15th, I drive home, hours after I tried to call your show. I am not complaining just acknowledging the popularity of you and your show. I was coming home from visiting my granddaughter Rayna Brielle. In three days she will be 8 months old. Tomorrow/Today she will be in the Pediatric ICU for three weeks after a liver transplant and four more subsequent surgeries. I have already spoken in my own heart to God putting her into the hands of so many puzzled doctors and asking Him to guide them as he sees fit.

I was calling as Grandma Diana for you to choose a song for my precious granddaughter, her parents and her 3-1/2 year old sister Bella ... something you would choose to uplift all of us in a way only you can do. I didn't get through so this letter is just to say the words, cry the tears and thank you for an unbelievably wonderful show and all the pleasure it gives me. Thank you for listening/reading.

God bless you.

Diana … a grandma praying

Heavenly Father, precious Lord,

I lift this tiny baby Rayna Brielle up to you and I pray your healing hand would be upon her tiny body. Please God, reach down from on high and touch her and heal her. Make a miracle happen that will astound those around her, and grant her a long and healthy life. Be with her family, her sibling, her parents and grandparents and give them strength to get through each difficult day. Be with the doctors and nurses and give them great wisdom as they care for this precious little one.

Thank you Father for saving my grandson Micah last week when he had pneumonia. Thank you for all the times you saved my daughter's life when she was young and in the hospital, thank you Lord for the lives of all the children you have blessed us with, watch over all of them and keep them safe.

Especially be with this grandmother as she faces each day, give her faith and give her joy unspeakable even in the midst of these trials! Amen…

God bless you my friend.

Grandma NayNay (aka, Delilah)

Hi Delilah,

I listen to you every night at work. I work 2nd shift, so I get to hear your entire show M-F. I love listening to it. Here is a picture that was taken of my son last weekend for a costume contest. He is 1yr old, and his name is Tyler.

Thanks again,

Jessica

This is an exchange after a request from Douglas came in asking for donated items to support a Walk for Autism raffle event…

Hi Douglas!

 

I have a package being sent to you. Inside is an autographed picture of me, Kimberly Locke (American Idol, Season 2 runner-up), and one of my Christmas CDs with the song “Light a Single Candle.” The melody for that song was written by my friend Jim Brickman, it is sung by Anne Cochran, and the words were written by me! This song is, by far, our most requested song at Christmas time and this CD is the only place you will find it. I pray that these items bring you as much as they are capable of.

 

God bless you and your giving heart.

Delilah

Delilah,

 

Thank you very much and I can assure you the parents and children appreciate this. I consider myself very fortunate. My son is autistic and we did not draw from the money but used the resources and support group to get him moving in a very positive direction. When we started he could not speak sentences; he is now 9 years old and still has some issues but every day God makes us see him making steps forward. He is in half regular ed classes and half specials. He still needs speech therapy but God has truly blessed us with his improvement. He loves to build stuff, loves trains, and NASCAR. He could tell you how a train works, tell you about the weather, or recite just about every NASCAR driver’s number. This therapy I truly believe helped us break down that barrier and put him on a recovery path. If you look at the website, http://www.walkforautism.org/, you will see some of the kids, and I have seen amazing changes in them over the past five years. It is truly worth everything.

 

Thank you again.

Douglas

Hi Delilah,

I was driving home and laughing about your barn story. It's a story only a horse person may fully appreciate—as some days on the farm are just crazy.

Here's my story tonight. I am driving home from the barn where we train and show horses. It's "horsin' around week" at the barn. That's where I have the kids come out and experience a work day at the barn in exchange for riding. Needless to say I am exhausted—mucking stalls, sweeping, cobwebs, painting fences, pulling weeds, planting, turn-out, feeding, lessons and riding—but was happy to have many helpful hands with the projects. On my way home while driving into town I decide I am too tired to cook so I get a vegetarian style taco salad for dinner. I stop to snap a picture of my latest project, a painted horse statue. In my town there is a downtown display of 82 painted foal size fiberglass statues and artists were selected from all over to design and paint them. All the proceeds are going to a local charity called SMILES, a hippothery program that provides therapy thru horseback riding to the handicapped. As I was snapping my photo, my 120 pound dog "Roc Z" sat on my taco salad. That actually made me laugh even more, my day at the barn is now complete. Roc Z and I opted to eat ice cream for dinner tonight.

Enjoy the rest of your evening!
Roc Z & Whitney

P.S. Attached is a picture of my painted horse statue. It is covered in handprints of children with words of love and inspiration towards horses and riding placed inside the handprints.

Dear Whitney,

Wow, what a great story!!! I can just picture your dog sitting his big bum on the salad after an exhausting day! Are these horse statues being auctioned off to people in other cities? If so, I would love to bid on yours!

I spent the entire afternoon in my barn and on my horses yesterday, and it was a joyful day. One of my newly adopted daughters, Angel, has fallen in love with the horses so I am starting her out in the round pen. She has a natural connection to animals and I believe she will enjoy a lifetime of bonding with horses. She grew up in a refugee camp and had never even seen a real horse before, and now she is riding them and handling them as if she was born around them!

God bless you for what you do, especially for the children.

Thanks for listening,
Delilah

Delilah,

I'm an avid listener to your show, 7 p.m. till.... You had a lady on Sunday night 8:10 p.m. that was brought to the USA by her mother twenty-some years ago and throughout her discussion with you, all she could do was thank her mother for her upbringing and becoming a professional, etc.... Not once did she thank the United States of America, hard working citizens or possibly the vet's that provided the conditions for her to have a great, prosperous life. Just a little something that got under my thick hide. Still a dedicated listener.

Dave
USN Retired (1995)

Dear Dave,

Every night when I go to bed I thank the Lord for my blessings. For my children and their good hearts. For my family, my friends, my home, my career, my health, my faith. Do I remember to praise Him for the men and women who fought that I might live without fear in this wonderful land? Do I remember to thank Him for those brave young men and women who are putting their lives on the line today, fighting in wars around the globe, so that others might live a better life? Do I thank Him for my grandfather who served many years ago, patrolling the coastline for submarines? Do I thank Him for the leaders, the volunteers, the wives and children and husbands and parents who are at home, praying for their loved one who is serving?

I am ashamed to admit, most times I don't. But because of your note, I will tonight. And hopefully tomorrow night, and the nights that follow. Thank you for caring for me, a complete stranger, when you enlisted years ago.

God Bless you,
Delilah

Greetings Delilah,

As I work this evening after hours, I have my radio tuned into your station.

While listening, I was thinking of a time about a year ago when I was serving jail time on work release for an alcohol offense. While spending my time at "summer camp" as I called it, I had a small radio and always closed the night by reading a BIG blue book, said some prayers of thanks, and listened to your program for comfort and to quiet the noise around me.

It was a long summer, but by the grace of God, support from family and friends, and a new program that I am working on, I got through it. I always wanted you to know how much I found comfort in your program, your words of encouragement and your soothing voice. Thank you for sharing from your heart and bringing some serenity into my life.

Tonight I heard a mother call in about her son asking you to play "Somewhere Out There" and she was hoping her son will seek help for his addictions. It brought me back to last summer and how thankful I am for all the gifts God has blessed me with after turning to Him through a wonderful program, and to the people that perform His will. Tonight I stop for a moment to say a prayer for the still suffering such as the young man and his mother, and for those people, including you who have helped me become the person I am becoming in His grace.

Thank you,
Brad

Dear Brad,

Thank the Lord you found "summer camp" and the big book! I was just reading some of my devotions from "One Day at a Time" and was reminded that I don't have to know the solutions; I just have to know the God who has the solutions!!

I'm glad my voice was there to comfort and give you strength. I hope a multitude of others who are struggling with their addictions will find their way to quiet nights and that same blue book. Our nation is plagued by addictions, and I always hope and pray people will realize that life without drugs, alcohol, behavioral addictions and such is a much more exciting, fun-filled life!

I see photos of famous singers and performers who are dying from their addictions and I want to reach out to them and hold them and tell them they are precious to God, and they have so much worth and value, that they can live life fully without their addictions. But for now I will reach out with my words and my music via the airwaves, and rejoice that God has allowed me to be here.

God Bless you,
Delilah

Dear Delilah,

I am a 15-year-old girl that has never met her dad. I feel so incomplete by not knowing him. I live with my wonderful aunt who tries to shield me from the hurt of my mom and dad deciding they didn't want to take care of me and my four other siblings. It is really starting to take a toll on me. What should I do? Should I try to find my dad and tell him how I feel or do I go on with my life pretending I don't have a dad? I am really confused. I know that I have a whole lot of time to think about this but I want answers now. Please help me Delilah.

Sincerely,
Amanda

Dear Amanda,

To pretend you don't have a father is absurd; if you had no father, you would not be alive. You very much have a father, a man who, along with your birth mother, created life through their union. What you don't have is a "dad," a man who is there to raise you and love you and care for you. I have 10 children now, I just adopted two more little girls. I am a single mom, and none of my kids have a "dad," a man who is here day in and day out to love them and care for them. Two of my children have a biological father who sees them once or twice a month, but he does not take them to baseball practice or to Sunday school. He does not interact with them except when it is possible to do so since he lives in a different area.

But what my kids DO have is a mom to love them, care for them, protect them and pray for them. It appears you have that in your aunt, a woman that God has placed in your life to meet the needs of your heart. Instead of longing for what you do not have, I would suggest you thank God for what you DO have and learn to be content with that. Someday your mother and father might realize what a gift they were given in you and your siblings. They might stop doing the destructive things they do that cause them to be unable to care for you, but then again, they might not. Instead of longing for that day, and missing out on all the blessings that God has given you, try to focus on the many good things you have in your life, and thank God for the people who love you and who are there to care for you.

In the end, love is all that matters. And you seem like a very loving young girl, so don't let the mistakes your parents made steal your joy or make you feel unloved. You are very much loved, by your aunt and others I suspect, as well as a loving God!!

Bless you,
Delilah

Hello Delilah!

You are such a ray of tranquil sunshine for so many people and you really do change moods, lives and spirits for the best. I'm a married mom of four precious young children. Kohlton is 8, Lukas is 7, Erica is 4 and Matolyn is age 2. How is it that God sent me pieces of my own heart as gifts that He calls children? I recognize these blessings and truly do try to appreciate every moment, even in the midst of the chaos we sometimes have with our daily running and keeping up with our lives.

You do manage to slow us down and keep things in perspective, although there is not one night that goes by listening to you that I'm not in tears at some point. (I'm a sappy, hopeless sentimental and the thing is, I'm insanely in love with my children.) They have brought a joy to us that only a loving parent could understand. As you well know, it is beyond words and I'm unable to even articulate it. I can barely see my computer screen through my tears as I think of my love for them. If you come up with a way to freeze them in time so they don't forget all of the special moments they have with us while they're little, please let me know. I think my biggest fear is the loss of this purity, innocence and unconditional love that they have for my husband and I now. It's like being with the love of your life and all the while knowing that someday they will fall out of love with you and the love they once felt will be forgotten. (I really am sane...I promise). I'm just a certifiably sentimental mom.

I just want to preserve it all and so many of the songs you play are just so on target for the feelings and love I harbor for my blessing of a family. For Valentine's evening, we will be listening to you and dancing around our kitchen as we so often do. On behalf of all of your listeners, may God bless you and your family. Thank you for all you do.

Best Regards,
Carolyn

Dear Carolyn,

Thank you for your letter, your words went straight to my heart as I was upstairs earlier, laying on the bed next to my young son who was crying because he had a bad day. I cut his peanut butter and jelly sandwiches with a heart-shaped cookie cutter, and wonder "Will he remember these when he is grown and on his own?"

But unlike you, I have grown children who I talk to often, and they remember...my oldest bio child, the only one I raised from birth, remembers the bedtime stories and the silly words we used to communicate. He remembers the time he was in the car seat and a cop used the bull horn to pull me over, I was speeding and had the music cranked so loud I could not hear his sirens! The "music" was a silly kids song tape that my son made me play over and over and over again..."Itsy Bitsy Spider" blaring from the speakers drowning out the cop!! Funny, that child is a police officer today, and LOVES to remind me of that time, and the TWO tickets I got as a result!

He remembers, and he is a wonderful young man today, in part, because of the love that was poured into him when he was a child. That, combined with God's love in his heart and the goodness God placed in him has created an amazing young man. I pray my young children will have as many precious memories, and will remember the lyrics to the silly songs I write for them and sing off key.

May God bless you and your children this Valentine's day and always. May tragedy never enter your home, may they grow to be strong and wise and true. May you always feel this blessed....

God bless you,
Delilah

Dear Delilah,

I was listening to your show last night and heard you mention you were looking for stories about how everyday people are helping the environment. I wanted to share my story with you. A couple years ago my friend began work on turning his energy inefficient ranch home into a high performance energy efficient home for him and his family. Throughout the process I helped him do as much work as we could before bringing in the specialist to install solar panels and radiant floors. We planted over 40 trees and 50 shrubs along his property, installed bamboo and cork flooring, and added extra insulation to the home. During this process we did so much research that we wanted to find a way to share with every homeowner how they too could save money while also helping the environment. We decided to create a website to share our knowledge and help others do the same. The website www.greenandsave.com is designed for individuals that want to take baby steps to going green or even jump right in and go hardcore. I hope that you find the site interesting and that you share it with your friends and listeners.

Thanks for doing what you do.

Brian

Hi Delilah,

For 41 of my 50 years of life my father and I lived together. My younger years in his home and after my mother passed in 1986 he came to live in my home. My father had such a love for life, for people, animals and mother nature. When you live with someone that long you get so used to each other you really do not realize how special someone is until their time comes.

My father fought under General Patton in WWII. Growing up he never spoke of the tragedies, only the joys of life so we never learned about the war until he got cancer. That is when he opened up and told us the stories of his pride as a soldier and being side by side at times with General Patton. My father was such a strong and proud man, but a lover of all things good, and his emotions showed his love. We were lucky in one way to know his time was near as we helped him accomplish his bucket list. It was a joy to see his eyes light up just like a child again fulfilling his dreams.

My father loved working in the yard and one of his favorite things was my dogwood tree. Every year he had me take a picture of him in front of it when it bloomed. Early last year my father passed away. I remember that dogwood tree did not have one bloom on it last year after his passing. It was not until this year when it was full of blooms again did I realize that tree must have been grieving his loss as he loved and cared for it so much. I attached a picture I took this year of my dogwood tree full of blooms; the only thing missing is my father standing in front of the tree like in the past.

Could you please play my father's favorite song "Wonderful World?" I am sure he is looking down watching over me and his favorite tree since he could not be here to celebrate Father's Day with us this year.

Thank you for such a wonderful show!
Karen

P.S. My father was crazy about you and your show too. Whenever we went someplace behind the wheel he would ask "Where is Delilah?"

More sounds