I wasn’t expecting to be divinely inspired when my stomach demanded some waffle fries and a sweet tea from Chic-Fil-A. I most certainly was not in the mood to fake the funk or do any networking. God truly works in mysterious and down right crazy ways. My Evo beeped to alert me that my battery was about to die which meant being phoneless during my travels, God forbid. It was at that moment I noticed an electric socket by the foot of a little girl sitting with an older woman I presumed to be her grandmother. I proceeded to politely ask if I could charge my phone and told the woman, “You look trustworthy” in which she gestured her pointer finger upwards to the sky and responded, “Not me but my Father.”

After our brief introductions, she began to talk passionately about God. She told me that He had seen her through so many trying times and blessed her through the years. How in her past she would use her mouth to spread gossip and other negative words. It’s funny how God wants us to keep the essence of our personalities but use it for something positive. Now she uses that same mouth and outgoing personality in the outreach ministry of her church to uplift and encourage. What she didn’t know was that I just came to a point in my journey where I decided to live awake. I was now seeking the truth of what God represents to my life while striving to use my own special skills and talents for His purpose and His calling. She also didn’t know of my circumstances, that I just happened to be in a serious faith fight, and that I yearned to hear someone tell me once more that I was going to be okay. By sharing her story of overcoming the times in her life when she could have given up but she kept her faith and kept fighting, she reconfirmed to me that I too must continue to press on, to trust God and His promises for my life.  

I’m reminded of an old gospel song, “I don’t feel no ways tired, I’ve come too far from where I’ve started from. Nobody told me that the road would be easy and I don’t believe He brought me this far to leave me.” That song reminds me that conflict and struggle are a part of life. However, it is during those times where I find strength in knowing that God’s Word, “is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path.” -Psalm 119-105  Like that woman and the countless others who have encouraged me through their gifts from God; I too wish to be a beacon of light to those who cross my path along their journey. 

You Are a Very Special Person

I want you to know how amazing you are and how much you’re treasured and celebrated and quietly thanked.                                  

I want you to appreciate your uniqueness.  Acknowledge your talents and abilities. Realize what a beautiful soul you have.

You inspire so much joy in the lives of everyone who is lucky enough to know you.

You deserve to receive the best in return, and one of my heart’s favorite hopes is that the happiness you give away will come back to warm you each and everyday of your life.                  -Sydney Nealson