If you’ve ever checked out my About page you know how much I love stories. As far as books go biographies and autobiographies are my favorite. I got to listen to Heidi on a podcast and knew I wanted her books. She was kind enough to share one of her stories here! I hope you enjoy and check out her award winning book Servie’s Song.
Written by Heidi Tucker
It was not an uncommon request. Missionaries live in the back end of my home and so I am frequently asked to accompany them on a visit to teach. A visit to serve. A visit to bless and inspire others.
Except this day I would be the one who was taught … and inspired.
Servie was a new convert to the church and was pacing in the front yard when the missionaries and I pulled up. One hand on her hip – the other shading her face against the bright desert sun. Looking, searching and calling out for Penny to return.
Pig finds itself on my Easter dinner table every year, but in this home Penny the pig is a treasured pink pet. A pink pet that has no business wandering the Arizona desert. A gate was accidentally left open and she was off.
This little piggy went to market.
Servie grabbed at her heart. “Thank goodness you are here!” We all spread out – frantically searching the yard. Surely in this desert landscape I would notice a pink pig running through the cactus and shrub.
Searching the house just in case – this little piggy stayed home.
Where do pigs hide? Under beds? In closet corners? Nothing. Servie had already called the neighbors. No answer. “We need more help,” she said. I could hear the urgency in her quivering voice. “Hurry! Come with me and let’s drive to the main gatehouse and get support.” The missionaries piled into her car.
I would follow in my own car. Perhaps I could slowly trail behind and watch for a sign of anything … pink.
I started my car. My mind raced through images of all predators in the desert who would love to find Penny first. We must hurry. Servie’s car was blocking my exit. Why weren’t they moving? Then I noticed. Bowed heads and closed eyes. They were praying.
Praying for a little pink pig.
I quickly bowed my own head and opened my heart. “Heavenly Father – I’ve never prayed for a pig before. But today we need to find Penny.” I dug deep into my soul and hoped that I could replace fear with faith.
We learn about prayer from parents and from teachers at church. Told there is no prayer too small. We understand the connection to a greater power. Scriptures and prophets testify of its potential. We believe and we hope. And we muster all the faith within our soul as we make reverent requests.
They sped off down the road. I slowly followed along for a bit. Eyes fixed on the landscape.
Believing that He had heard.
I made a turn around the bend then noticed something in the distance. Squinting to focus on the impossible. Three missionaries dressed in skirts sprinting up the road toward me.
Chasing a little pink pig.
And this little pig was screaming – wee, wee, wee … all the way home.
We came to teach Servie. As a new member of our Church, she was interested in learning more. She moved to Arizona from Zimbabwe, Africa and was baptized shortly after arriving.
This day the tables turned. We sat in her home and listened as she taught us.
She pointed to her heart and explained the pain that she was feeling earlier. Desperation. Fear.
Servie bowed her head and wiped a tear. “Then I saw your car.” A tender mercy. She was sure that we had been sent by God to help. She knew missionaries live what they teach. Service – prayer – unwavering faith. Servie recognized that hope was real.
“What is the date?” Servie asked the missionaries. “I will write this in my journal so that I will never forget this miracle.”
I nodded my head. Yeah … I’ll write this up too.
Prayers and a little pink pig. A nursery rhyme come to life.
With a little help from above.
Heidi Tucker is an award-winning author and speaker. She won a 2018 Illumination Award for her new release Servie’s Song. She also won a similar award for her first inspirational book Finding Hope in the Journey in 2017. Her passion for writing and speaking about light and hope has inspired thousands. Heidi is known as a great storyteller who believes that every story not only teaches a gospel principle, but can make you feel it. She has inspired many to rise up, cling to their faith and position their hearts to recognize God’s hand in their life.
When Heidi isn’t writing her next book, or speaking at a conference, you’ll find her spending time outdoors with her husband, four grown children and nine grandchildren. She loves sunflowers, hiking and ice cream … not necessarily in that order.
Servie’s Song is the true story of one mother living in Zimbabwe, Africa who encounters a devastating loss leaving her unable to care for six children. In a heart-wrenching sacrifice, she surrenders to a desperate plan to leave her children and find work in the United States to support them. It is a door which feels impossible to walk through. But perhaps, the only door which holds any promise.
Servie’s Song takes you on an emotional journey of tragedy and heartbreak to an inspiring path of hope. This touching story is complemented by gospel principles which will teach and motivate you to grab onto your faith and move forward trusting that you are never alone. God always hears your prayers.
