Other People

I remember a sermon on how God speaks to us. I don't remember the Pastor but the ways in which God speaks to us stuck in my mind. He speaks to us through 1) His Word (the bible), 2) Impressions, events and thoughts and 3) Other People.

I called my sister in Christ, Aida this morning as I tend to do when I need good Godly counsel. When I told her I was really doubting God, she asked, "In what way?" I said, "That He exists." She said if she was with me she would of slapped me. She went on to remind me of all the things He's done for me. While I was halfway kidding when I said that, she made me think of all the things God has done for me. I think it was a Pastor who also said the word "remember" is used a ton of times in the bible. God wants us to remember what he's done for us in the past when we start to doubt His reasons for why He allows the circumstances in our lives. Sometimes we just need someone to slap us (in a sense) to jog our memories. Thank you Aida!!

Then a few minutes later Lisa calls to explain why she wasn't at small group last night. Karli, her daughter played the guitar and sang in her first public performance. She got a standing ovation. Awesome job Karli! But she got to bed late Sunday night and after shool on Monday, she was exhausted and went to bed early which is why she completely forgot about small group. We went on to talk about other things..her house situation...the Ranch situation...etc. She mentioned how people have told her she doesn't live in reality but rather a fantasyland because her dreams and desires seem so outrageous and far fetched. If there is one thing I know for sure it's that Lisa has perseverance to get what she wants like no other person I know. It's like she doesn't let anyone or anything distract from her pursuits even if the advice is the most practical, sensible and rational. She's passionate and doesn't give up on her dream. She lives in one of the most prestigious homes in Talega yet hasn't worked full time in 7 years and is able to put her full time focus on raising Karli. That is pretty darn amazing no matter what the who, why, where and how story behind it. All of a sudden, out of nowhere it hit me...my emotions were overwhelming. In that moment in our conversation I realized I was letting the practical, sensible and rational steal my dream. My heart tells me God brought me to the Ranch for more than just these 18 months. It was like she gave me permission to feel good about an impossible ridiculous dream. Thank you Lisa!

So thank you to all the other people God puts in my life everyday...the people who teach me and help me grow to be a better person...my children and my Mom and Dad who give me inspiration and strength everyday. Thank you for Amy, my sister, for being the rational and practical one. Thank you Brian for being my person and letting me share all of the deepest secrets of my heart. Thank you for Rochelle who has got to be the most encouraging person ever. Thank you for Sue and Sandy, the most generous and giving of their time and effort. I see all these offerings as compassion and traits I personally do not possess or at the very least, they don't come natural to me. Through these wonderful people and the many others, God is revealing His glory and His purposes for my life.

So "remember" what God has done for you in the past and know that He uses "other people" as a way to speak to us.