I never talk about my job in fear of losing it for privacy reasons. However, this is really a great story! Besides, I only have a couple of days left to work any way.
At my job, I do multiple different things. One description is being a sitter for suicide or delirious patients. Today I sat with a woman who we will call Barbara. Upon entering her room and seeing her, I immediately knew that Barbara was a drug addict and possibly had a terminal illness. I recognized the scars of pain that she bore on her face and her body only to well.
I quickly introduced myself to her. She responded in a sarcastic voice, “what, do they think that I am going to try and run again?” to which I responded, “well – yes.” She just laughed and sat up on the side of her bed.
Barbara was a frail little thing, but had a whole lot of spunk to her. Every-other word that came out of her mouth was a cuss word. To some this would be offensive and even highly, but it does not bother me at all. I don’t prefer it, but I don’t let it get to me. Hurting people are just that – hurting.
As we talked, she told me that she liked to sing. I asked her to sing me a song about Jesus. Her face lit up, and she began to sing. Oh it was beautiful! She had an angelic voice. She is a true gospel singer. She could carry the tune Amazing Grace longer than any white woman could (not to be prejudice, I’m white).
Then… she started singing this most incredible song that was as true of a story to her life as it was once mine, “Iiiiii’m coming uup on the rough side of the mountain, my Jesus is calling me hooome…” With tears streaming down my face, I knew that this woman knew Jesus. We did not care who heard us in there singing! I am not ashamed of the Gospel and neither is Barbara!
I usually do not tell people about the blessings I am able to do for others, but I will this time. Barbara was actually getting discharged today. However, she had no clothes or jacket and it is very cold outside. I took her down to our gift shop and bought her a jacket and some earrings. She loved it. Then the Lord told me to give her MY BIBLE! (yes, I take it with me every where I go). She said she had never had anyone do this before. She couldn’t believe it. She then shared her testimony with me, and I with her.
She was homeless and very scared. I encouraged her, and we prayed together. With tears now streaming down both of our faces, we knew that the Holy Spirit was present! I thank God so much on this “Thanksgiving” holiday that this is no longer me; however, I am still broken for Barbara. PLEASE PRAY FOR HER! She just left the hospital cussing on the way out the door. She went back to the streets. It is cold tonight, and I worry about her though she appeared to be able to hold her own!
How different it is to be able to look at this woman who was 90 pounds, sores, sunken in face, scars and very hurting eyes and be able to still see God. I was truly looking through His lenses and not my own. “Thank you Jesus for Barbara, and thank you Jesus that she truly does love you. Though she is in bondage and sin, hers are not hidden behind a mask. She has revealed her heart to You and the rest of the world that knows her. Please Father, deliver her and restore her like only you can! Amen.”
