I sat in a Bible study with 20 or so women of all different ages who were doing a book study together. I meet one on one regularly with the woman who organizes the Bible study. As I introduced myself to the women I realized none went to the same church, were the same age, or were all connected in one way– except by the women who organized the Bible study. As the study went on I continued to observe as each woman spoke of at some point in their lives where they met one on one with Joanne (the woman who leads the study) She had in some way pointed and led them to the healing and restoration Jesus offers to each of us. She knew so many details of each woman’s life, and it was so evident they all trusted her.
I was in shock. This one woman, Joanne, leads numerous Bible studies with about 20 or so women of all different ages, who have somehow all been referred to her or been counseled by her for a deep wound or tragedy that occurred in their life.
How quickly we shuffle the idea that our own life can make a difference in such a way. I listened on the phone today as a friend shared of her boyfriend’s brother who is in critical condition in the hospital, injured by other young men who physically hurt him. His parents are in sadness as to the thought of losing their son, his brother is in shock at the thought of losing his best friend, this young man’s one life is precious to so many.
Do we forget the preciousness of our own lives that God has given to us?
I’m not a fan of Eminem but when I hear the song entitled, “Lose Yourself”. I think of the gift of life God has given me.
Here’s a few of the lyrics,
“Look, if you had, one shot, or one opportunity to seize everything
you ever wanted, one moment would you capture it? Or just let it slip
The moment, youown it, you better never let it go You only get one shot,
do not miss your chance to blow this opportunity comes once in a lifetime, “
Eminem speaks of his one opportunity of making it on stage, but the lyrics reference to me this one opportunity at life we are given, and the potential we all have to take the shot at capturing our opportunities around us. I’m not referring to opportunities such as living the “American Dream”, money or careers, I’m talking about making a difference in the lives of those around us. Really living to love others. That is a once in a lifetime opportunity, are you capturing it?
Please say a prayer for this young man, his family, and his life.
