Jude 1:22 And of some have compassion, making a difference:
We often meander through this life wondering do I really contribute? Do I make a difference in this vast world? Am I a difference maker?
I am writing my blog daily to make a difference, but am I reaching enough people with the message of Christ. I worry and loose sleep over it. I don’t want anyone to miss the glorious love and grace of Jesus.
How do I become a difference maker? What qualities do I need to nourish in my life? I was going to write a whole different post about the 10 qualities of a difference maker when my writing got interrupted in our coffee shop.
Today, I sat in the coffee shop and watched these young people come in. They were shabbily dressed. One of the young men said, “I need to raise money or I am going to jail.”
Another sat on her phone and cursed at someone on the other end. I was upset. They spoke of friends getting arrested and others on the run from the police. I wanted to take my daughter out of there then. We had come for bonding time, but it seemed like our time was going to be marred, but I didn’t leave. I started to type about what I was seeing and hearing while wondering what to do? I had complained to the owner about the cursing. She asked them to stop and they did for awhile.
I wrote then:
Do I speak to them? Do I witness to them. Right, now I am just praying. This group of young people seemed to be roaming our streets lately. One of the girls had a baby in a stroller at our local 711 about two weeks ago. I cooed at the baby that night. He was so sweet. The momma laughed and said thank you. I left them as they sat on the curve eating pizza and sharing a two litter of soda.
Today, they talked about government phones, staying out of jail, and cheating boyfriends. One of the girls talked about her boyfriend, “who would rather cheat then be loyal.” These young adults are lost and wondering. I guess right now I am just praying and may take my daughter home.
(Two hours later) I was not much of a difference maker.
I stayed and prayed for a little while more. Ashamed, I felt far from being a difference maker. The police finally came and asked the group to leave. An older woman came back. She had been there originally but left. I asked if she knew the young people. She said they lived with her. She was probably the grandmother. I am not sure. She said their power was cut off, and she was going to another town tomorrow to get money. It was cold in their home.
I told her I would pray for her and the young people; that their situation would improve. The young people came back in and looked at me strange then. The police officer came back in as they left. He came over to talk to me and quite frankly, I was spooked. He walked us to our car.
I asked him what he knew about the group. He told me they were mostly from out of town and only recently came here. They were having run ins with them at other businesses as well. I asked about the girl with the baby. “The baby was taken by DSS for neglect,” he told me.
I shivered. I kept thinking about the two young men who were looking at jail time. The young woman who said her boyfriend was cheating on her. The young woman with a baby in DSS care. What a mess their lives seemed to be, leaving in a home without electricity.
I don’t know why God put this in my path. What does He want me to do? How can I be a difference maker?
Then I think back to about 11 years ago when I was pulling up to my church and had looked across the street at that house where the family lived that gunned down the officers. I never went to visit them and invite them to church. (I wrote about this earlier this week on my post entitle: “Foolishness of War and Violence.)
I wouldn’t know where to go to find these young people now. I am fearful to even try because one of the young men said he could face up to 10 years if he goes away for what he has done. I guess right now, I am in a state of waiting and praying.
I look around my warm home and see the beautiful fall decorations I still have out. My daughter is warm, safe and has her parents there for her. Why are these young people in our area. Are they cold? They are young adults in their late teenage years who should be working. At least, the little baby is safe. Something just will not let me let this go. What would you do? Help me pray for them. Thanks.
In the meantime, I am joining Holly Mueller’s Spiritual Journey Thursday. She created this hop and selects the weekly themes. This week’s theme is “Difference Maker.” On her site, she posted a video of the NeedtoBreathe song, Difference Maker. I think this song fits my mood today and really relates to what happened in our local coffee shop.
Also joining these hops:
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Prayer is so important – keep on praying. I think God is putting these people in your path for a reason – ask him to hit you over the head with it (if need be)! LOL
I’ll pray that you get clarity on this.
Thanks for sharing and for linking up to the #SHINEbloghop!
Wishing you a lovely evening.
xoxo
lovely post and every prayer makes a difference ♥ Thank you for sharing and for linking up to the Thursday Favorite Things Blog Hop.xo
As soon as I read your title I was planning to leave that song in the comments. Seems it has already inspired you this week.
Several years ago I had the opportunity to go grocery shopping without my two very small children. That was a big deal. It meant I only had to maneuever one cart through the aisles. It meant I didn’t have to hurry before someone started crying, needed a diaper changed, or fed again. I could actually ENJOY grocery shopping.
When I got to the register to pay I found myself in line behind another young mother struggling with an overflowing cart and a two small children. I heard God. He told me to help her get her groceries and kids to her car.
I don’t talk to strangers. I didn’t know the lady. I didn’t want her to think I was creepy.
“Help her with her groceries and introduce her family to Me.”
I ignored it.
As I pushed my overflowing cart out the automatic doors behind her, her cart hit the incline too fast and the cans she had placed on the rack under the cart when flying all over the parking lot. Someone I knew getting ready to enter the store came running.
She gathered up the young mother’s runaway groceries, placed them in the cart, introduced herself, grabbed one of the two babies, and proceeded to help the mom load everything into her car. I felt miserable the rest of that day, and the situation has haunted me the rest of my life.
I don’t believe in accidental meetings. I believe in divine appointments.
Ask God what your role in this “family’s” situation is. Ask Him how He wants to use you to introduce them to His love and grace. He’ll give you an answer.
Praying for all involved.
I think every prayer makes a difference. I hope you continue to keep them in your prayers
Mary,
So often we judge people by what we hear and see, and we don’t always know everything that is going on with them. It sounds like those people are in a dark place. I know your prayers make a difference. Thank you for sharing this story.
Maybe you were there to pray for them and to have increased gratitude for the life you have made for your daughter.
Also, you did talk to the lady and told her you’d pray for her and the young people. Maybe that made a difference to her. I am a strong believer in prayer and when someone tells me they are praying for me I always feel better and more secure.
Oh, I’m stopping by from the SHINE Blog Hop.