“Diet Coke and Vodka, No Ice”
This is what he was sipping on as we chatted over live country music, clinking glasses, laughter, and the continuous murmur of conversation. He sang hand written Irish folk tunes, in between personal anecdotes from his well lived life of 77 years.
He shared about his loving family and friends, the joy that swelled in his heart at the mention of his community of Colerain, and his love for people regardless their denomination ( Church of England / Church of Ireland: Prots vs Catholics).
We shared tears over lost loves and the heartache of illnesses.
Cancer rots his bones, but his spirit is still alive and youthful.
We prayed for healing, protection, and blessings over him as tears flooded his eyes and ran down his cheek. After grabbing a handkerchief to sop up his tears, Hugh looked into our eyes with gratitude and disbelief. He’d never, in his 77 years of life, been prayed over.
We returned similar looks, as it became clear that God was using us for something bigger. Most people knew of his heart trouble, the cancer inhabiting his body, and the hardship that comes with not knowing which day will be your last and they loved and respected him through it. Casual conversation, check ins on family occurrences, and best wishes had been shared throughout the years but never prayer. What a great moment to share with someone for the first time.
Spending time with Hugh was a blessing and an honor — a memorable way to be introduced to Northern Ireland. A simple conversation enjoyed over local brews and assorted spirits shifted into an encounter with the Lord that I don’t believe any of us were expecting.
We may have impacted Hugh for the day, but that experience has impacted the value I place on listening to God’s prompting in my heart — despite my social environment or fear of judgement — for life.
The beautiful thing about God, is that he dwells within us so we have the freedom to carry it with us wherever we go. Carrying that love into unexpected places, allows us to see Him move in powerfully unexpected ways.
