One of the ways God has been growing me and stretching me over the last couple of years is that while it is easy to talk about my faith with people that I know their beliefs, it is often difficult for me to discuss with strangers. God has been giving me opportunities to share with others, not in some shove it down their throats kind of way, but to just talk with people about my walk. I think so many times people are afraid to share their vulnerabilities and weaknesses. I have gotten better, although sometimes I still come away from talking with someone wishing that I had said this, that or the other.
The other thing God has been showing me is the importance of not just telling someone that I am praying for them, but to stop and actually pray with them in that moment. Honestly I don't always think of it. The other week Prince taught me a real lesson when it comes to this. We were in the grocery store at the check out and I asked the cashier how she was doing. In a strained voice she explained that she had laryngitis. Prince then turned his attention to her and said, "I'm sorry you are sick. Is there anything I can do for you ma'am?" She said no and I could tell Prince really wanted to do something to help her feel better. I told Prince he could tell her that he would pray for her. Prince said, "I'm going to pray for you to get better." He then closed his eyes and began to pray for her out loud. I could tell by her reaction that she didn't quite know what to make of this. I just stopped and put my hands on Prince's shoulders as he prayed. This wasn't my intention in telling him to pray for her, but he sure did model for me what we should all do. He wasn't at all concerned with how this lady would react, he just did what came naturally to him, he went to God. It was kind of an awkward feeling as I was trying to read her reaction and she didn't really say anything about it and while the moment came and went for Prince and perhaps for the cashier, I have been reflecting upon this precious moment since it happened. What if she didn't know what to say because no one had ever bothered to stop and pray for her like that? What if that prayer touched her deeper than we could know? We never know how the Holy Spirit is going to work and who He will use. I want to have the courage to share Jesus with everyone I meet in that natural way and not worry about embarrassment or rejection. I want to follow those nudges of the Holy Spirit and know that it isn't about me, but about God in me and how He wants to use me. When I grow up I want to have child like faith and be just like my kids.
