Standing in the checkout line during one of my early morning trips to the grocery store, I had my back turned to the person behind me, an elderly woman, a senior citizen much like me. I’m not expecting an incident to occur. I definitely was not expecting someone to lay their hands on me. After all, we were at the store building and not the church building!
Regardless of what I was not expecting, this is what happened. At one point, I had to turn sideways and reach in the front of my grocery cart to put some items on the conveyor belt that I could not reach while positioned in back of the cart. When I was done, I continued to stand sideways as I looked for my debit card to pay for my purchases. Now, I’m looking down at my wallet, and I feel a hand pushing me around, so that I would face the front of the cart. Guess what? It was the hand of the senior citizen. Even though I was probably older than her, instead of asking, “Why are you hitting on me (smile),” instead I respectfully asked with a kindhearted tone, “Am I in your way?” She replied with a smile, “No. I just needed to finish reading the back of your sweatshirt.”
I had an “Aha” moment! I forgot that I was wearing the blue, hooded sweatshirt that our church choir director, Stacey, had given me. It was in the category that I would call witnessing apparel. Why? Because it had the following imprinted message, written in white cursive letters on the back of the hoodie, “Dear person behind me, I just want you to know that you are worthy of love and kindness. Mankind won’t always treat you that way but God’s unfailing love for you lasts forever. Just read Isaiah 54:10. With love, the person in front of you.”
True story about the purposeful push! Since it is Saturday, let me give you a purposeful push. If you want to hear some undeniable and profitable truth, show up at church tomorrow to hear a word sent from above, specifically for you. Be blessed!
“’Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed,’ says the Lord, who has compassion on you.” (Isaiah 54:10 NIT)
Committed to the climb,
Mark L. King
Nice! Spread the good news. I know you are equipped to do so everyday. 😊
That’s something we all need to be conscious of every single day. Thanks for your response.
The purposeful push was so vivid, I could see the lady moving her hand to give you a little push to turn around. That’s the type of experience that makes it so much more inviting to share the love of God.
Let’s look for the inviting opportunities. I think I will help my church by giving a purposeful push to others to help grow the church, spiritually and numerically. Thank Doctor G for your response!