Here I am sitting outside a coffee shop in Knoxville, knowing I need to write a new blog but not knowing what to write about. So instead I sit here with my laptop open and chai tea latte in my hand watching the people pass by trying to think of something wise or important to say and completely coming up blank.
But then I see my blog.
A homeless man sitting three seats behind me. Looking a bit lonely. So I first pray for him. I ask God to give me the strength to shine His light through me and for me not to fear talking to him. In this moment a young man, couldn’t be much older than myself steps out of his car and begins talking to the homeless man. He just makes casual conversation with him, but the homeless man’s whole entire face lights up with the simple interaction. Before the young man leaves the homeless man smiles at him and thanks him for talking to him…he said that he is the first person to speak to him all morning. Several things came to mind in that moment.
First thought…I should have said something sooner. I should not hesitate to speak life into someone. I should not fear my surroundings because God has His hands on me always. I should love everyone always.
Second thought…how many times a day do people pass by homeless people and completely ignore them. Or worse, turn a complete 180 and run away like they have some kind of disease. This man literally thanked this young man just for SPEAKING TO HIM!! All he needed was some kind of interaction to make him feel human again. We all need to make it a point to treat everyone with respect. To love others no matter their race, size, status, or religion.
Third thought…I need to practice more. I am going to interact with many strangers while on the world race and I cannot be scared to step out in faith and show others love. I will be in new places, with new people, doing new things I have never done before. This all excites me and scares me just a little bit, but practice makes perfect right?
I’m preaching to the choir here, but don’t you think that if you made a point to talk to someone new today and just show them and tell them that they are loved…that you could make a difference.
That young man made that whole man’s day just by making small talk about a parking meter. If you and I can make it a point to just step out in faith and speak life into a new person every single day can you imagine what the world would look like? People would smile more. People would feel good about themselves. People would notice the difference in you and you can change the whole world. Maybe I am being optimistic but I really think we could all make the world a little bit better place if we just stop what we are doing for five minutes and make a point to share with someone why you are so happy or tell someone that you love them because Jesus first loved you. Make it a point to make someone’s day today. If you don’t you might regret not speaking up.
I did. That man left before I could talk to him.
But then the LORD provided a time for me to speak to him again! I literally typed this entire blog and turned back around and he was back. He just walked inside the coffee shop I was sitting outside of. He was still there and the LORD had called me to step out in faith and talk to him…here is what happened.
I sat down at the table next to him and introduced myself. His name was Gregg. He said he had a niece named Niki and he knew she was happy because I was happy. He said a few things about magic which made me question his religion…so I asked him if he was a Christian. He replied with a no and said he chooses to stay non-denominational. He later said he chose to stay non-denominational so that he can reach more people. He says it is hard to talk to some people if they know you are a Christian. He then shared with me two pieces of paper that the people at the mission he stays in at night leave on his pillow. I asked if I could take pictures of them because I knew right then that God was speaking through this man to me.
The first one said, “God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love and sound mind.”
Now remember…I typed the entire first part of this blog before I spoke to Gregg. I mentioned fear and love! Now you tell me there ain’t a GOD in heaven who is a miracle worker! Anywayyys the second one was a well-known but perfect verse for this situation.
It reads, “I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. –Philippians 4:13.” Not only did God give me the strength to step out and speak to Gregg but He gave Gregg the gift of speaking life and love into me.
After He shared these cards with me I told him that I felt like God was speaking to me through those cards. He smiled…he already knew that. Gregg continued to speak to me in metaphors. If I shared all of them we would be here all day so I will just share one that stood out to me the most. He said that wonder women had to put on an armor to protect her against the enemy. I asked if he was referring to the armor of God. He smiled and said yes and told me that I need to put on the armor of God every day before I leave and to step out knowing that I am protected through Him.
WHAT!?
Y’all the LORD was working today in Knoxville.
Anyways before I left I asked Gregg if I could pray for him. He said yes and I began praying. Before I left he gave me the card with Philippians 4:13 on it and said, “Please take this and remember that the LORD will give you strength. Take it on your trip and remember that through HIM anything is possible.”
I will never turn down another opportunity to speak life into someone because maybe, just maybe, the LORD will speak to me again. I’m inviting you to do the same.
Have a blessed Tuesday everyone.
Niki Ables
