She Just Offered
It started out innocently enough, an e-mail from her and then my reply. But it was her next message that stopped me in my tracks and eventually opened the flood gates. It was one line only, "What kinds of things are you working on and how can I pray for you."
My mind was immediately swirling with how I would reply. The truth? I wasn't working on any specific project. In fact, I was barely blogging. The truth? There were some heavy things going on in my extended family and I was working out a new normal. The truth? My heart was overwhelmed by her generosity as well. So what did I do? I didn't reply. Well, not immediately anyhow. I thought about it. I forgot about it. I thought about it again. I pondered it over a warm bath. I threw the idea of not replying at all up to God to see what He might have to say about it.
"Tell her."
Um, God, not to be rude or anything, but really? Tell this busy wife, mama of two lovely girls, champion of serving others and, oh yeah, amazing author, tell her my "stuff"? And did I happen to mention God but I have never even met this woman face to face.
"Tell her."
So...after a good night's sleep and a morning of new mercies I sat down to type my reply. I typed in the standard, "Hi" with her name behind it. End of message. I clicked out of the message and busied myself with meaningless household tasks. I sat down again. I re-read her message and her offer, "...how can I pray..." I may have yet to meet her in person, but I know enough about this lady to know that she wouldn't send this message if she didn't mean it.
The truth? I needed the prayers. Admittedly, I doubt her sweet self expected the kind of reply I gave her.
She would pray.
The truth? I needed the prayers. Admittedly, I doubt her sweet self expected the kind of reply I gave her.
The message began again and this time I kept writing. I shared what wasn't going on and then what was. I tried to stop myself a time or two but the words just kept coming, my fingers kept moving and my heart spilled out. I felt a peace already (even if I pictured her pulling her hair and rending her clothes). I had done my part. I told her. End of story.
End of story?
Nope. She actually read my return e-mail and she offered some suggestion regarding the lack of projects. And then, she shared a tiny bit of her own "stuff". You see, as it turns out, she has had some experience with the same sort of "stuff" I had been facing. She heard my hearts cry and she didn't run from it. She understood. I can't remember, honestly, if her e-mail said she would pray but I knew she would, know she did.
It amazes me how God can bring people together, how a small bonding of hearts over a shared bit of "stuff" can bring a peace. It shouldn't amaze me really. That is how God works...if only we allow Him. It reminds me of the blessing others can be in our lives, that we were not made to go it alone. It reminds me that I need to remain open to reaching out to others in the same way.
She just offered,
and what a difference it made in my heart.
(If you happen to read this Ms. you-know-who-you are, once again thank you for listening, for reading and for offering. Praying for you and yours today.)
15 comments
Hi Mindy! Oh my, I am so happy for you! What a wonderful offer, and I'm so glad you listened to your heart and told her about your concerns. I think we hold back asking each other for prayer, thinking we'll be ignored or refused. She offered. You accepted. And God was there between you.
ReplyDeleteYou have shown me how important it is to just offer. Just do it. And if someone offers, tell them. Just tell them.
Beautiful!
Ceil
Thanks - not always easy to tell our "stuff" but healing comes in doing so.
DeleteWhat a great blessing - I know you'll pay it forward to someone else.
ReplyDeleteDefinitely!
DeleteHi Mindy, what a beautiful post!
ReplyDeleteAs always, I am so moved by what you write and share, Mindy. You have the ability to communicate with people in a very unique way and I know they take away as much as I do. I love it when people surpass our expectations and surprise us with the generosity of their spirit in beautiful ways. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteI love this! What a sweet story of friendship and allowing others to come into our stuff, our mess ... so glad you opened up to her. And I'm so glad you linked up at #ThreeWordWednesday.
ReplyDeleteI've had similar experiences with reluctance in sharing what I felt was too much information with someone before. It can be uncomfortable, at first, but if it is a dear sister in the Lord, like you had mentioned, what a blessing comes from it!! That's truly the evidence of Christ's love in action!! Thanks for sharing and for stopping in over at my blog!
ReplyDeleteAnn @ Christ in the Clouds
So thankful that you allowed God to use your on line friend to minister to your heart. I know I could do better at allowing others to come alongside me when I need help. Thanks for sharing at The Weekend Brew.
ReplyDeleteThere is something so pure and so perfect about that offer that touches as well as heals those places that are hurting or struggling. Blessed you joined The Weekend Brew.
ReplyDeleteI'm always amazed at how God brings us the exact person we need at the perfect time. Oh, His wonderful timing. Good for you for opening up and sharing with this kind, generous woman. Hopefully it will be easier the next time. It's really hard to reach out sometimes, but look at all you gained from this interaction. You were certainly blessed, Mindy :)!
ReplyDeleteHey Mindy! Just stopping by to wish you a Happy Valentine's Day! I hope you have a day full of family love, hugs and kisses <3
ReplyDeleteBlessings always!
Ceil
You are the sweetest! It was our anniversary as well and we had a special couple of days.
DeleteOh what an awesome post! I love to see Jesus work like this.I think it is so important to go with the leading of the Holy Spirit and do what he leads you to do. You can never go wrong that way! So glad that she reached out to you.
ReplyDeleteGod is SUPER funny (and so are you!).
ReplyDeleteHonestly, I was just thinking and wondering how all of your stuff was going. I dismiss the internet and all of the everything that comes with it quite often, but you know, I can't deny that it has the power to rally people for prayer. Yep, sure does.
Happy day to you, girl.