It’s a God Thing

When disaster is avoided, we nod our heads and say, “It’s a God thing!” But what about the rest of the time?

Lt. Kelly Stoots works for Roanoke County Fire and Rescue in Virginia. On July 28, 2024, he was off duty when he heard a huge outcry coming from a nearby swimming pool. He rushed to the scene and saw that a 3-year-old boy was in trouble. His lips were blue, he didn’t appear to be breathing, and he had no pulse. His parents thought he was gone — forever.

Stoots, a father himself, knew that he needed to help this little kid. Working for a fire and rescue organization, he was trained to provide CPR, and so he did.

A few minutes later, as though touched by the hand of God, little Toby (not his real name) started breathing and became responsive. It was a miracle, his parents said, sobbing, their faces red and moist. Lt. Stoots agreed.

“It’s a God thing,” he said. “God puts strong people in the right places at the right time for events to happen and I’m fortunate that I was there.”

In Rockford, Michigan, a 17-year-old girl had been missing ...