I am crying right now. Sometimes something on social media will do that to me… sometimes sweet, sometimes sad… sometimes nostalgic.
This time is different. I was doing the dishes and watching a few reels that addict me… and I ran across an old friend. She looks bright and joyful these days.
But it wasn’t always so.
Around thirty years ago was the first time I saw Carrie, she seemed so dark and sad. Each day she dropped off her child at kindergarten, she never made eye contact or talked to anyone and it seemed that everything about her was black… clothes, eyes, countenance…
After a few days of observing her I remember getting into my car after the drop-off and saying something aloud to myself that I am now ashamed of. I said, “She will never know the Lord.” Call me judgmental (and I deserve it,) but that’s what I said to no one but me….
But God heard and I think even HE was surprised at my ugly-hearted words. You see, He already had plans for her…. To give her a hope and a future.
As we continued to walk our children to their classrooms, we started talking. Our kids became fast friends and because of that, we were thrown together. So we talked. She was nice. Negative-ish, but a loving mother who seemed friendless. As our kids started playing together, one would have the other over. At first, she seemed to be more comfortable having my child to her home to play. She was very protective. We got to know each other and I sensed an impending break-up in her marriage. I watched her husband disrespect her and me being the negative judge that I was… decided that would probably happen. Well, it didn’t.
My child invited hers to something at our church. They came. They started coming regularly - and God started drawing their family into His! Before I knew it - and without my help - they were saved and baptized!
Today, when I saw the social media post, I noticed how bright and joyful she and her husband both looked! They are more involved in ministry than I ever even wanted to be!
I love these sweet and silent miracles God does. I’m glad He doesn’t listen to our sweeping judgments, but moves forward with HIS plans for their future!
