13-Year-Old Explains How Approachable Jesus Is

...I had a wonderful experience last night.  Denise Mendenhall, thirteen years old, spoke at Sterling's parent's home last night along with her Dad, Doug.  They have a couple of books.  (The second one needs lots of editing help, but overlooking its "weaknesses" it has a lot of powerful witnesses in it).  Denise went into a diabetic coma and was on life support.  Her doctors gave her no chance at all.  When she awakened after three days they pronounced her a vegetable.  Twenty-two days later she walked out of the hospital.  She spent those three days with Christ and came back with no veil. 

 

It seems a big part of her mission is to draw people to Christ.  They told of their last trip to Arizona, and passing through Florence, a town of several prisons.  There are signs posted everywhere DO NOT PICK UP HITCHHIKERS.  Denise started laughing at one point and told her Dad that Jesus was standing at the side of the road with his thumb out.  She laughed as they passed him by, "Dad you just passed Jesus." 

 

"Well, tell him to join us."

 

Denise burst out laughing again.  "Hey Dad, Jesus is running after us waving his arms."

 

The Jesus Denise portrays is one of good humor, compassion, wisdom, and most notable of all, he is totally non-judgemental.  Doug says that not only is Jesus Denise's constant companion, but he is her entertainment.  He tries to lighten her load as much as possible, for when one veil opens so does the other.  Denise sees not only the good guys, but the dark ones as well.  She tells of how last week Satan was outside her window turning himself into all sorts of grotesque looking creatures trying to scare her.  She said she just laughed at him.  Just before each of her speaking engagements he especially torments her.  Doug says they can always tell when one of the demons has latched onto her as her voice lowers and the light in her eyes grows dim. 

 

Denise made a most interesting comment.  Consider that her family are very active Mormons and have been cleared by the General Authorities to give book reviews.  She said, "Those Mormons believe that you have to be perfect and keep ALL the commandments to see Christ.  I don't keep all the commandments and I see him all the time!"  Of course she also sees how her weaknesses brings tears to the eyes of the Savior.  The point she was making was that in all of our human weaknesses and frailities He is there waiting.  We make it too difficult.  Denise claims our loved ones that have passed as well as angels we may not know are surrounding us, waiting for us to ask for their help. 

 

Denise acknowledges that she is still very much human.  Her father concurs saying that she can be a real pain sometimes, a regular thirteen year old.  Even with all of her gifts, she can be grouchy, rebellious a bit, and mouthy with her parents.  She knows she is loved by Jesus anyway.  She knows that Jesus may teach her a lesson because of her weaknesses, but he will never turn away from her, never judge her, and never leave her without help.  But she has to ask.  He will not trample on her or our free will. 

 

Denise mentioned there are really only two commandments we must obey to see Christ:  to love God with all of our heart, might, mind and strenth; and to love our neighbor.  Then we must be willing to turn our will over to Jesus Christ.  She portrayed it in a very cute way.  She said when you turn your will over to Him he starts rubbing his hands together and smiles, "What can I have them do for me?"  It can be a real test to do WHATEVER he asks and then to be able to discern that it really is Christ not Satan that is doing the asking. 

 

When I asked about TV psychics, Doug commented that many do not discern the difference between Christ and Satan and teach both.  Worse, many of them no longer acknowledge Christ and take credit for their gifts.  He mentioned, and Denise concurred, that John Edwards is approved by Jesus.  Denise told us that Jesus told her to watch his show Crossing Over.  He told Denise that John is doing a great work.  Not Mormon, he teaches of Pre-existence, non-judgment, a loving God, people's ability to communicate with loved ones and many other principles.  Most telling, Jesus told Denise that John only keeps enough money for his family needs and gives the rest away.  I do not believe that I have ever heard from John or from any media outlet that John does this.  I love to watch his show and have always felt like he was doing a great work.  It was great to receive a second witness of this humble man of God.  Denise said her crazy friend from Provo, Dave, commented to her one day, "Wouldn't it be great for you to go see John Edwards and give HIM a reading?"  She really glowed as she told us this.  I believe she will.

 

As Denise has turned her will to over to God, she is given daily direction by Jesus.  When Denise was told by Jesus she would no longer be going to an occupational therapist, her Dad wondered how they would stop.  "Don't you have to go to these people until they release you?"  Denise assured him that Jesus would take care of it that day. 

 

Usually Denise struggled a bit to read at her fifth grade level.  That day, however, she read a sixth grade level book faster than she had ever read making only two minor mistakes.  Her therapist was astounded and released her from further therapy.  As they left the office, Doug turned to Denise, "Hey, what was going on in there?  You can't read like that!" 

"I told you, Dad, that Jesus would take care of it.  He came inside of me and read." 

 

"Yeah, but you made two mistakes.  I guess that was to make it look believeable, eh?"

 

"Maybe.  Or maybe Jesus just made two mistakes."  Denise rolled her eyes.  "He makes mistakes, you know."

 

The Jesus she portrays is so much more approachable and real.  I have often contended that it is Satan who portrays Jesus as this perfect, stoic, bleeding, humorless Son of God that none of us could ever hope to emulate.  I am grateful that Jesus has allowed this personable child to teach us of Him.  I know this man Jesus whom I usually call Joshua.  I love him with all my heart.  I am grateful for his kindnesses, his laughter, his forgiveness, and his love.  He is a neat guy and VERY approachable.  Do not ever let anyone tell you otherwise.  He is waiting.  What are you waiting for?

 

Susan