Friday, April 29, 2005
Russ gave a message not to long ago about the stories of lives and that God is alive and well amongst our lives and our stories. If you want to see what God is doing in the world, just take time to listen to other people’s stories. And when you encounter these stories, you should take your shoes off, for they are holy ground.
I was speaking with a friend the other day. During our conversation, I walked on to holy ground un-expectantly. It started with the question of “how was your weekend?” From there it progressed to her telling me a little bit about her life story.
She proceeded to tell me a little bit about the struggles of her sister and how it adds stress to her life. When I asked about her parents she told me they were both in prison.
“For what?”
“Murder.”
Long pause.
“Who?”
“They killed my 11 month old brother.”
It also turns out that her sisters struggles are due to the brain damage she received by being physically abused by her parents.
At that moment I could not take my shoes off fast enough.
I have thought long and hard about her story for the rest of the week. I personally have been battling depression a little more than usual, but after hearing what she told me, what do I have to feel sad about? What real struggles and lemons has life thrown at me compared to her up hill battle?
I saw the power of God that day. I saw a life that God has redeemed and claimed as his own child. I know that God has done that with all of us, but in this case, knowing some of circumstances, I cant help but to believe that God has taken special interest in her. He has provided her with the people needed to full-fill what her parents failed to do. He has also brought her along, where she is now able to help delinquent teens over come many of the same issues she has had. God has appointed her as a minister, though she would not see her self as one. She is a minister to the hearts of the girls she comes in contact with. And none of this because of her college degree or credentials, but its all about her being broken, She is able to lead, love, care, and share because she has been broken…. and God has restored.
I was speaking with a friend the other day. During our conversation, I walked on to holy ground un-expectantly. It started with the question of “how was your weekend?” From there it progressed to her telling me a little bit about her life story.
She proceeded to tell me a little bit about the struggles of her sister and how it adds stress to her life. When I asked about her parents she told me they were both in prison.
“For what?”
“Murder.”
Long pause.
“Who?”
“They killed my 11 month old brother.”
It also turns out that her sisters struggles are due to the brain damage she received by being physically abused by her parents.
At that moment I could not take my shoes off fast enough.
I have thought long and hard about her story for the rest of the week. I personally have been battling depression a little more than usual, but after hearing what she told me, what do I have to feel sad about? What real struggles and lemons has life thrown at me compared to her up hill battle?
I saw the power of God that day. I saw a life that God has redeemed and claimed as his own child. I know that God has done that with all of us, but in this case, knowing some of circumstances, I cant help but to believe that God has taken special interest in her. He has provided her with the people needed to full-fill what her parents failed to do. He has also brought her along, where she is now able to help delinquent teens over come many of the same issues she has had. God has appointed her as a minister, though she would not see her self as one. She is a minister to the hearts of the girls she comes in contact with. And none of this because of her college degree or credentials, but its all about her being broken, She is able to lead, love, care, and share because she has been broken…. and God has restored.
