I love old people. The older you are, the more I love you. I took Marissa to an assisted living home every week for almost 4 years. The only bad situation I've had is with my brother-in-law's 90 year old uncle. I met him at my sister's wedding and he told me about his Playboy subscription and then flirtatiously said, "I will see you in my dreams tonight!" After vomiting in my mouth, I quickly ran away from him!
I sat with Vince and Dawson during the 12:00pm service at Kensington Community Church this past Sunday. There were two empty seats between me and a very old man. Because it was Memorial Day, they did a tribute to people in the military. They sang a beautiful song and showed tons of touching black and white images of the military.
Because of my love for old people, it wasn't surprising to me that my attention was fixed on the old man next to me. He sat slumped in his chair, looking sad and depressed. The deep sadness showed in his eyes. His wife put her hand over his. I was sure he had served in the military because of the way the images and song were affecting him. I couldn't take my eyes off him. I imagined his life and the pain that he had endured. The friends he had lost. The experiences of war that had stuck with him.
Things got weird when all of a sudden I pictured Jesus sitting in the empty seat next to the old man with His arm around him saying, "I've been with you through it all." I was brought to tears. And then I pictured Jesus saying to me, "Can you tell him that for me?" I thought I lost my mind. Did I faint or something? What was happening? Like I'm going to walk up to this total stranger and tell him that Jesus has a message for him! AWKWARD!
After debating with myself during Vince's whole sermon, I decided that I would talk to the old man.
After the service ended I took a deep breath and sat next to the old man and told him the whole story. His eyes got full of tears and he said, "Thank you." We talked for a while and he told me that after attending church for most of his life, he finally understood God's love for him. He said that Vince's sermon was so easy to understand and that he finally got it! He thanked me again for passing on the message from God and said, "Today is a real important day in my life."
He bought one of Vince's books after the service and had me sign it. I wrote, "I've been with you through it all" and dated it.
It was seriously one of the most powerful experiences of my life. I'm so glad that I decided to talk to him. I'm so glad that I listened to God and stepped way out of my comfort zone. Just like that old man, it was a real important day in my life.
Featured on newchurches.com
5 comments:
I've been reading your blog for about a year now, and often thought, "I should respond." Just as you felt a little reticent in approaching the elderly man, most of us (myself included) feel that way about approaching people with certain messages. Experience has taught me that, when we feel God's Spirit prompting us, we should do what we feel prompted to do. And, when we move under the direction of the Spirit, we're almost always humbled, awed, and uplifted to learn how He brings joy to the other people. Even more, we find joy for ourselves.
Reading about the challenges you, your husband and children are facing as you work to launch the new congregation has driven me to my knees on your behalf. Of this I am certain: Since it is God who has placed the vision for this church and the people it will reach on your heart, He will bring it all to fruition in His time. I know He will bless you, and He will bless so many through you.
I'll continue praying for you.
What an awesome story, Jen. And isn't it so cool that Vince's sermon would reach someone you wouldn't necessarily expect to impact? You would expect a young, unchurched guy to get something out of it because Vince is gifted at reaching people like that. But God went above and beyond "demographics" to reach out to that sweet old man.
Thanks to Charlie and all of you who are on your knees for us. I am humbled beyond belief. I almost burst into tears when I read your comment. Thank you for your encouragement and for following God's leading to leave a comment!!!!
Love,
Jen
Ahhhhh...CRAP! You've got me all verklempt! Thanks for the read, though. It's a great word.
great story Jen. weird how God works huh? also thanks for the email and the excerpt from "the book" it was much needed. i just left a conversation where i was told i shouldnt take my family out to Vegas and should just commute if it was absolutely something i had to do. lol as i read ur blog and the passage i cried (so for that u suck) but it was exactly what i needed to hear.
fund raising sucks and seems pretty much futile but its crazy how we are just planning to come to Vegas no matter what and it feels right. not right like common sense right but right like God has called us to a crazy adventure right. and that's enough for us.
thanks.
Post a Comment