Christianity Oasis Forum

[Dora]

When I came to Michigan one of the requirements from where I was staying is that I attended church.

So every Sunday I'd be a bundle of nerves to go into a holy building with people that were so much better than I was. I knew the dirt I had on me.

Every Sunday this older woman would greet me with a huge smile and a genuine hug and tell me wonderful things like she's glad I came and want to know about me and wouldn't allow others to distract her. As if I was someone special. Oh my I was overwhelmed with such love and acceptance. I wasn't worthy of her time. I couldn't look her in the eye and I couldn't hardly speak. I just kept thinking she possibly couldn't want to know about ME! I'm certain she saw my insecurities and fears. Then after church she's hug me again and would tell me she hoped I came back. I knew it was real. She wasn't just saying that to be polite. The cold hard heart with in me was melting every time I met her with in the church.

Then one day I wanted to run out the door and never come back. And there was Laura. She said she had to have one more hug from me. And I burst into tears. There in the foyer of the church just feet from the front door, crowded with people. I was a mess. I wore a ton of make up back then and it was running all down my face. I was a mess. She put her hands on my face and held my head up so she could look into my eyes. And asked what was wrong. I tried to talk. But couldn't. Finally I managed to say to her, "If only you knew who I was." She said she knew who I was. She said I was Gods child. No I wasn't. I was to sinful. I couldn't possibly be His child. I said, "If only you knew what I've done." She smiled and said it doesn't matter what you've done, God still loves you and so do I." It was such a relief to expose my sinful ways to this kind loving person. I felt as if I'd been living a lie by going into that building week after week knowing what a sinner I was.

This lovely lady who was one of the first to show me Jesus passed away this week. It is my prayer that her reward is great. God loves her and so do I!



Thank you for letting me share.

[ciny]

Hi Pine sorry to hear your friend past away this week shes at home with Jesus im glad you two met you are a walking testimony to the Lord from this Lady that took the time to show you the Love of Christ and what a blessing you are to me and others.
I rember the first person that introduced me to Jesus Sally she was my first Sunday school teacher i was around three i only said Jesus come into my heart i felt Jesus enter in that day,
when i read your Post it made me think of that song Thankyou for giving to the Lord i was a life that was changed.
Pine thankyou for giving to the Lord i am a life that was changed love ya
Ciny

[Dora]

Aw ciny you always say the sweetest thing and make me tear up.

Laura is at peace. She was elderly but enjoyed every day. She taught me to pray while doing dishes. Every time I am doing dishes and talking to him thoughts of her pop up into my head. She was a very godly woman. She taught me that when entertaining guests it is ok to take some short cuts in order to make the evening go smoothly. She taught me to hold my tongue and that if I need to retreat to another room because someone said something that upset me, it is ok to do so, but don't stay gone. To come back with a renewed spirit of forgiveness and carry on. I remember when she prayed she would rock back and forth. When anyone spoke of Jesus she'd get so excited she'd hop on her tippie toes just a bit. I bet she's been hopping on her tippie toes a lot lately.

It's been fun reminiscing. Precious memories. How they linger. How they ever sooth the soul.

[Dora]

~Laura~



She knew I was His child long before I ever did.

[Timothy]

Thank you for sharing, your precious moment.