'Hey, I'm doing real good. How are you?".
"What are you all smiley about? You always have that smile." She came back returning a smile of her own.
I pushed my grocery cart past the stand of apples and right there in front of the grapes and everything I went up to her and just said, "It's a God thing." Happy expressions grew bigger. With raised eye brows she invited more explanation.
My face painted itself a blushing pink as the thrill of telling my story grew inside of me.
"I am so excited about what God has done in my life lately. Just a lot of healing going on." With her wide eyes asked for more. "In November, after being married for 30 years, I finally told my husband that of abuses I experienced a child and now I am able to share about what God has done through all of this."
She placed her hand on her chest and with a deep sigh and a purposeful grin she said, "You never know, (paused) you never really know who has been through this and who needs to hear your faith."
" Oh, you are right, but sometimes ya just do."She gave me a wink and told me a small explanation of her own abuse. I felt her joy as she awed of the love and rescue of God in her life. We shared of overcoming of the same issues and both of us boiled over in praises to God.
We talked about educating people about child sexual abuse. But even more so we shared victory stories of how gracious and caring our Heavenly Father is. "Woo Hoo God is so GOOD !" You would have thought we were cheer leaders right there among the grapes and tomatoes. Both of us desire to be the ministering disciples God instructs us to be. And we were doing just that.
Mark 16:15
New International Version (NIV)
15 He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.
As were were parting I loved hearing her say,
"Ooh how I loved having church here."
Yes. Right there beside the onions, peppers, bananas and celery, we had church. The Holy Spirit conversed in our hearts and Joy was present.
Matthew 18:20
New International Version (NIV)
For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them."
It started with a smile. It started with Him.
Heavenly Father, no matter what door I enter, please enter first. Let me be aware that I am opening the door for you. Help me to display Your love and mercy. And Lord, please help me to be gentle and bold as I present myself as a witness of Your greatness. In the precious name of Jesus, Amen
Thought: Do they see Jesus in me?
Such a beautiful post. You are so inspiring and I hope you realize just how truly amazing you are. Right there in the midst of everyday life, you opened a door. A door to healing and faith and Im pretty sure she's walking around with that Mary smile right now. Because of you. Because you had the strength and the determination to share your story.
ReplyDeleteAw thank you Gina. It isn't my strength and it isn't my story It is His. God has a special story for all of us. For some it seems like a fairy tale of happily ever after. For others,a living nightmare where God is the one who the hurting has to run to for shelter. I bet there is even stories to share where people wonder if thier life is just one big comedy act. Either way, HIS story is out there, not to entertain but to show His love and grace. Praying we all can find the courage to stand up and tell of HIM. When we think stage fright will strangle us and overcome us remember we really are telling it for Him. God is the audience. For the rest of us... may we applaud through it all .
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