She gently grabbed my arm and placed her finger on the words of my tattoo. She said, “Redeemed by grace.” “This is why I respect you so much,” she commented. “You don’t judge me.” In that moment everything seemed to stand still, and it was just the two of us in a room full of people.
My sweet friend and colleague of twenty years was raised in the Church. She raised her two girls in the Church, and she told me they still attend church. My friend knows the truth but has chosen a different path, and lives a different lifestyle from me. And still, I love her with all of who I am.
I have been praying for her for many years, and there are times when Holy Spirit leads me to speak a word over or to her. But lately I feel my responsibility is to simply listen, continue love, and choose to step out of the way of Holy Spirit and allow Him to do His part.
I am awed that God chose to trust me with her heart. That He chose me to reveal Himself through. We all fall short of the glory of God. And the season I’ve been sitting in I’ve faced my own capacity to side step. Still, He chooses to work through me as a witness to His goodness.
My friend is loud, and fun, and can make a sailor blush with her words. But man, do I love her and being around her.
Jesus stepped into the messiness of the lives of people. And if you and I are to be the hands and feet of Jesus, then why shouldn’t we as well?
People won’t care Who you know until they know you care. Care for them well. Jesus trusts you.
Shalom.
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