~ Day 23 ~
We tend to overthink things.
We mull over how, when, where, why, and who.
We ponder and wonder… how will we get through all this?
The answer is a word. It’s a word that sometimes comes close to losing its meaning. This word can seem hokey or cliché. We toss it around like falling leaves.
But, this one simple word is the answer to all of it. The trick is… living it. All. The. Time.
The catch is… letting ourselves break for this one word over and over. Sometimes we face becoming fools for this word in the eyes of the world… until we are molded into the very word itself.
I have the coolest friend. She shared the most beautiful story. This story is about her brother. These words are her own… sometimes it’s just best to leave words as pure as they are given.
The story is real and raw and beautiful.
This is a story about living the one word we all need to make it through.
Love.
My brother called me this morning, “So, where should I eat for lunch?”
I said, “How about some Mexican food?” He responded, “Ha, exactly what I was thinking!”
A little while later he called me again, “Hey! So, I went to “Pancho’s” and got myself a burrito…” He continued to tell me about his experience at the Taco shop —There was a guy in line at the register with his girlfriend and their baby. The cashier said, “Your total is $16.” The guy pulled out all the cash he had, paid a portion of the cost, and handed the cashier a debit card to cover the rest of their purchase. The cashier swiped the card and said, “Sorry, your card was denied. Insufficient funds.”
My brother watched the whole thing. He got up and told the guy, “Hey, No worries! I got it! Let me pay the rest. I know what it’s like to just want to take your girl and kid out to eat. Enjoy your meal!”After my bro shared that with me, we started talking about other “God Stories,” like the time he lived in Vegas a few years ago. He stopped at Little Caesars, and ate a whole pizza on his way to church. After service was over, The Holy Spirit said, “You are to go eat at *—–* Restaurant.” My Brother thought, “But I’m not Hungry. I just ate a whole pizza.” Again he heard, “Go to the restaurant, I will feed you.” So He listened and drove. When he arrived, he stepped out of his car and saw a homeless woman who then approached him and said, “I’m hungry, can you feed me?” My brother replied, “Yes, I’m here to feed you!” They went inside together. He told her, “Order ANYTHING you want.” She said, “Is this to go?” He replied, “No, I’m going to sit with you.” They sat and talked for at least an hour. She expressed how much she missed her children and explained why she was homeless. He shared the love of God with her and told her how much Jesus Loves her.
God fed my brother and the woman that day. Christ is the Living Water – The Bread of Life.
We are all called to be a witness of HIS love. My Brother got addicted to meth as a young teenager, and has struggled with drug abuse since then. He was saved and gave his life to Christ while in The Salvation Army Rehab Program over 10 years ago. In those weakest moments, in our selfish times, God’s grace is still evident. Every time my brother comes to the cross, broken, calling upon the name of Jesus, seeking HIS grace and forgiveness, his heart is changed – his desires change. God’s hand is never too short to save. We are reminded every day of the chaos and confusion that this world has to offer. But then we are reminded of GOD’s mercy, through simple acts of love and kindness. Especially when we make ourselves available to be the hand that reaches out in love to help those in need. It is HE who gives us strength. There are opportunities everywhere – to share in ONE LOVE. Christ alone. Not by the “power” of our own works, but by the LOVE in our hearts. (I love you Bro!)
God’s hand is never too short to save.
There are opportunities everywhere – to share in One Love.
And this is how we will make it through. It doesn’t get any better than that.
1 John 4:12
No one has ever seen God; but if we love one another, God lives in us and his love is made complete in us.
Had to read a couple more of your post before I get off the web for the night. Actually I should be working on my own post but I think God brought me to yours tonight for the encouragement they have brought. Love the story of your brother and his willingness to even hear the sweet Holy Spirits voice. Encouraging to read of someone sharing the love of Christ in the US. It’s so easy to just do the church thing and not be aware of the lost all around us. Great read.
Thank you, Betty. Your encouragement is priceless. So glad to see you here. It is too easy to do the church thing here, isn’t it? To live it – well, that’s a whole other thing. Blessings to you.