Following His Voice: Merri’s Story of Hearing God

Nov 25

My name is Merri, and my story begins when I was born into Jewish family and named “Merri Lou Masterman,” meaning in Hebrew, beloved, renowned warrior of the sparkling sea. This would hint at part of my unfolding story...but I had to grow into that.

As a young adult, I went off to sea, to sail on Tallships in the Caribbean Islands. There, as crew, I met my first husband, the ship's bosun at the time. He was almost 10 years my senior, a very decorated Vietnam combat Veteran, who eventually, became the father of our 4 natural born children. Unfortunately, he suffered with severe PTSD which led to me being abused, mentally, emotionally, physically, and even held at gunpoint. I had to escape with my children on two trains in the middle of the night with nothing but a small backpack each.

God showed up in the darkness when he called to me when my kids were very young.

Just before dawn, as I drifted between awake and asleep, I heard a voice call my name. Twice. The first time, I thought I was dreaming, but then thought it was my husband calling me from the kids room. I sat up but my husband was sound asleep next to me. Then again, He called me by name, and simultaneously, a warm loving light filled the room from the right side of my bed. His voice was both sweet as honey and glorious as waterfalls. My tears t fell like the rain. I was overwhelmed, and undone! And I’ve been coming to Him ever since.

“Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.

I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.””

Psalm 91:1-2

I was well over 50 before I came to understand who God has called me to be. At 70, God has just started writing my newest chapter! He’s writing yours too! May our latter years be greater than our former! I pray you will find His footprints set before your walk after Him. A morsel of broken Bread and a sip from His cup each day as you go and do and love! We are on our Way Home to Shalom. Grab a hand and invite them to join you.

What would you tell someone in a dark place?

I would tell them to He is the God who sees you, hears you, knows you, loves you most and best! He has you cupped in His hands and pressed to His beating heart. He calls you by name...just come as called, just as you are. And go, as sent, with all He is making of you

You are His dearly, Beloved!