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.)
