Divine Interruptions

Today I visited Grace Point Church and listened to an inspiring message on Divine interruptions.


As I drove to run an errand after church, I passed a woman at a stoplight holding a sign. Clearly she was an interruption, and I was amazed at how quickly God sent one my way. She carried a sign that said she was "Out of Luck and hungry". She had two dogs on leashes, which was intriguing. I wonder if they are for protection? I had not the courage to stop and offer to take her anywhere. I did not take the TIME to circle back around to drop off food for her.


I often find myself paralyzed from action when I have the 15-20 second encounter with homeless and drifters at stoplights. Once I gave a lady a package of graham crackers I had in the car--but it is just pitiful that I do put forth more time and effort to help. Sure, there is the potential for victimization or manipulation if I stop, but Jesus didn't consider those things a hindrance when He stopped so frequently to reach out.

So far this weekend has been an interesting one, with wide ranges of experiences and emotion. Yesterday I worked 7a-7p at St. Mary's where I served in very basic and humble ways and 'helped' a woman bring her first child into the world. Within an hour of the birth, I was dressed in an evening gown, rubbing shoulders with some of the most influential people in Northwest Arkansas at the Starlight Charity Ball. I was struck by the incongruities of my experiences. That charity ball benefits the abused and neglected children living at the children's shelter. The young girls at the shelter love to watch movies and listen to me read stories about princesses, knights, chilvarlous rescues and evening at balls. They get shiny eyes and far away dreamy looks in their pain darkened eyes.


Today the church body of Grace Point donated hundreds of bags of groceries for the needy of NWA. I was reminded of how blessed I am, and how it can take so little time and money to make a huge difference materially, spiritually and emotionally in someones life.

This afternoon I received a call that I have been awarded a $1000 scholarship based on my financial need and volunteer work. I would like to say that I will just give it away since I am very aware of how blessed I am, but there is this 'worry mentality' I have that in a few months that very amount might be all I have to pay the bills with. I wish my faith in God's provision was more active. I have seen His Hand in my life so many times.


Some of you know that I grew up very, very poor. I remember when I was a teen there were two families at church who would sometimes press a $20 in Mom's hand. I am not sure if they knew just how significant their generosity was. God always provided just in time. We were never hungry, and though my clothes were not as fashionable and expensive as my classmates, I was not dressed shabbily. Mother was always able to pay our bills on time. We lived very modest lives that I think will always help me to appreciate any abundance and help prepare me for a simple life in Africa.