Tom.

This story is in no way intended to make much of me,  or to draw attention to obedience, but my hope is when the girls and I read this post in the future, we'll remember this day in Williamsport, PA and they'll recall my emotions and as I tried to decide if I'd obey the Holy Spirit's tugging or let fear rule me.... And, the reality that comes when we ultimately obey.


Today I met Tom. It's was a weird series of events that led me to get out of the car to order carryout, but im glad it happened... In a Wendy's line an older African American man wearing outdated eye glasses,  black wind suit pants, nice blue and white Nike's, a brown plaid sweater, with a jacket in a duffel bag's soft eyes met mine in passing. Immediately the Holy Spirit said, give him the $20.00 in your wallet. Of course, I looked at him again and tried to make excuses about how he may not need it. As I checked out and buckled the girls into the car, I told them what I was feeling about the man. I said what if he's not poor and handing him the money will embarrass him or worse make him angry or insecure. Mady said, "oh that would be sad if he felt like you knew he was poor."  I got in the car and God kept getting louder. With Mady saying, "mom, just listen to God," I told the girls I'd run back in and act like I was getting something and if I saw him, I'd give him the 20. I went in and he was gone... I got in the car and told the girls to be looking for him on the road.  Sure enough, he was walking across the street in a Fairfield inn parking lot. I yelled from across the rd, Sir can I speak to you for just a moment?" he said of course and walked beside my door. I explained that I don't know why but I believed God's Holy Spirit wanted me to give him $20.00. His eyes got so big and he said "oh wow, god just used you to answer a prayer of mine, I just spent my last $2 on these burgers and I prayed God would provide for me til next Wednesday." He kept on with, "you just affirmed to me that God was hearing me," I pulled out an extra ten and he was just ecstatic, he said how special it is when believers listen to that still small voice... I told him how hard it is to act when God tells us too though.  I told him how Chris and I really try to show the girls that when they are instructed to give-they should... And how when you give, blessing comes back to you, not always in the form of $, but could be something as simple as a hug from someone whose been saved. He told me his name is Tom and that he's at a place where he could use prayer. He said He's not sure where he's suppose to be in life but that  he has not lost hope!! I could tell he was truly a joyful person by his tone and expression. He said maybe he'd go back  to school. I told him I'd pray for whatever God's will in his life is to occur,   that God will  open every door necessary to make it happen,  and that he would live out what God has purposed him for! He asked my name and I said Stacy from AR and he said, Oh the Natural State, my sisters good girlfriend from long ago lives there and wants her to come for a visit. He thanked me so much, said goodbye and walked away to get the umbrella he forgot at Wendy's... He was excited to get another burger too:)

Tom, I may never see you this side of heaven again, but I want you to know, you blessed me so much. You, precious child of God, opened my eyes to the world of hurt and hunger right here in my town. Your spirit was so joyful in the midst of being down on your luck. Sir, you affirmed to me that I have no clue what life is like for so many, but that the Holy Spirit opens the doors of seeing. I will never never forget those kind eyes behind those ol glasses as you smiled and said, "I haven't lost hope!" look at you, you are so strong. I will always wish I would've helped you more, I mean, I have cried all afternoon wishing I would have bought you groceries or paid for a hotel room, this is what the good Samaritan did after all....that $30 seems so small to all the things I could of and should have done, although I know God will multiply it.  I wish I knew your story and how you got where you are today, it doesn't matter though, we will pray every door open for you precious soul and when I see you in heaven what stories we'll share.  Til then, hope life finds you well. Love.