Thank You for Showing Me How
As I have written in previous Faith Friday's, I became friends with people who were praying for me and my family before I even actually knew them through the prayer chain of St. Mary's and other churches that call on the masses to help out a friend, neighbor, or even stranger during good and challenging times. Thank goodness, right? Sometimes we don't know how our simple words can impact someone in their darkest moments.
Early this school year a friend, who I see when we are following our kids around to all of their many activities, seemed not like her usual self. She's normally upbeat, really funny, and gives off a super supportive and positive vibe almost always; but she was having a day. I didn't want to pry but just asked her if she was ok. She replied not really. Without going into the details, her family was struggling with a conflict that was taking a toll on the entire family. She wanted to fix the situation, but there were too many moving parts, and she had no control in this situation. I didn't know how to help her other than to listen. At the end of the night, I gave her a hug and said I would pray for them. She said thanks and we went our separate ways. That evening I added this mom and her family to my prayer list, so each morning and each night I would just ask God to guide, protect, and show love to this family. Whenever I saw her, I would just hug her and offer up a quick silent prayer for her.
We haven't seen each other much lately, but she and her family are still on my prayer list. I really had no way of knowing what had come of their situation. However, in what can only be considered a God moment, just last week my friend reached out and just wanted to say thank you. I didn't know for what. She said, "I don't know if you realize what you did for me in the fall, but when I was struggling with what was going on in my family, you said you would pray for me." She said each time you saw me or would occasionally text me, you always mentioned praying for me. At first I thought maybe I had offended her, and I started to explain myself. She stopped me and said, "You were always mentioning God, so I started going to church again, and my daughter goes with me now. Our relationship has never been better." She explained that she started going by herself just to find some peace, and when her daughter realized where her mom was going, she asked if she could go with her. They have started studying scripture together and are really feeling God's love.
Now I'm not telling you this to toot my own horn because honestly I didn't know if I helped her or not. I simply leaned on the only thing I know that works. Him. I have learned from so many strong, faith-filled people in my life that I can't possibly find the answers alone.
I wanted to thank you all for being open to God's Word and for being examples to me and so many others when we feel weak and alone. Don't stop praying!