Forgive if this blog has any typos, I’m writing it from my iPhone while I sit in a booth at one of my 3 jobs. I am just finishing up my sidework and getting ready to leave Old Chicago, totally shocked and in awe.
7 hours ago when I got here, the night looked promising to be a typical Saturday. The first happy hour rush, the break in the crowd, the slow period, the school from out of town, then the late night happy hour rush. I greeted a table that started out as 10 people and continued to grow. It was a church. They were there to celebrate and say goodbye to a woman from their congregation that is moving to Haiti in a couple of days to teach at an orphanage. I felt honored to serve them and really lucky that I got to meet her and hopefully learn more about her story.
At some point in their dinner, the conversation shifted. Unexpectedly, I got to share a bit about my travels. I told them about the world race, I told them how it changed my world, I told them about my passion for orphans. I told them about how I’m moving to Guatemala to chase after God’a calling.
When they were getting ready to leave, they asked if they could pray over me. I wanted to scream out with joy, but I contained myself and answered with a normal “yes, please, I’d love that.”
And if you have ever experienced the Holy Spirit fill a room suddenly then you can imagine this moment. Hands on me, voices speaking, the presence of God. I can’t believe this big blessing! They prayed as I prepared for Guatemala, they prayed about my time there, they prayed over my heart.
I haven’t had a word “spoken over me” since I was surrounded by other racers. A man praying over me said he sees “growth” for me in this next season. How was it that he knew my heart’s desire? I long to grow closer to god, grow in spiritual maturity, grow in knowledge and understanding of the Word, and grow in love for others. It meant so much to hear that growth is something God will bless me with.
After smiles, hugs, and blogs were exchanged, I couldn’t stop smiling at what just happened. In the middle of the restaurant that I work at, I had a group of believers lay hands on me and pray over me. I exchanged email addresses with the girl moving to Haiti and am pretty sure we will become friends.
I was just hugged by God. Big time.
And then I felt a sudden conviction. It was an opportunity to grow. A challenge.
I felt challenged to be a woman of bold encouragement. I feel blessed by the challenge and gladly accept.
I want to be brave and bold to pray over people I come in contact with. Instead if saying “I’ll pray for that” or “I’ll keep you in my prayers,” why I don’t I utilize the beauty and power of prayer right then and there? I want to have the faith and boldness to encourage others and be a blessing to them.
Because tonight- I was super blessed and super encouraged.
Thanks so much Jesus. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
