Dear Stranger with the Suitcases

Dear Stranger with the Suitcases,

I drove past you two weeks ago. I was on my hurried way to pick up my son from school. You were strolling on the sidewalk…in the rain.

Your presence piqued my curiosity. I don’t often see women walking in the rain with no umbrella, much less pulling two suitcases alongside.

I had a brief talk with Jesus as I drove by and promised Him that if you were still on the side of the busy road, I would stop and offer you a ride.

Then, I happily pulled into the pick-up line at my son’s school, never imagining that the possibility of picking up a complete stranger would preoccupy my mind.

As we pulled out of the school’s drive, you were there on the opposite side. I immediately turned the other way, but quickly felt the conviction in my heart of the promise I had made.

I turned the car around, as I explained to my children what we would do next. They responded in excitement. I responded with hesitation and fear. My selfishness wouldn’t ordinarily allow me to react this way.

As I stopped the car and pulled out the umbrella, I sent up a quick prayer for guidance and reassurance. After all, this wasn’t my idea. I thought however, that maybe God was getting ready to do a mighty work.

I was wrong…maybe.

As I approached you and offered you a ride, you bluntly declined my offer and boldly stated I had nothing to give you. I offered to pray with you. You informed me you wanted nothing to do with my God. You began to walk away. I ambled back to my car wondering if I had misheard the nudge to stop and speak with you.

As I reentered my car and debriefed my sons on your response, I felt deterred. My sons thought otherwise.

They reminded me that even if someone does not want help or prayer, we could still request it from Jesus. So we did just that – we prayed for you and for help to come to you in a way that you could accept and receive.

Then life went on…

Dear Stranger with the Suitcases, I saw you again this week in a completely different part of the city. You only had one suitcase this time. You were still walking in the rain.

I prayed for you again and wondered if I could help you this time.

I drove past.

Your face however, still lingers each hour in my mind. I worry for your safety, your well-being, and your missing suitcase. Did someone steal it? Or did you have to leave it somewhere as you rushed off?

I wanted to let you know that I am still praying, despite your refusal or perceived need.

And as crazy as I may sound, I hope someday soon I can see you again.  

For God is doing a mighty work.

I just realized today that it is occurring in me!

Then these righteous ones will reply, 'Lord, when did we ever see you hungry and feed you? Or thirsty and give you something to drink? Or a stranger and show you hospitality? Or naked and give you clothing? When did we ever see you sick or in prison and visit you?

"And the King will say, 'I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!' (Matthew 25:37-40, NLT).

Comments

[Laura]

Wow, what a neat story. Sounds like God was moving in you and the boys. Love ya.

[Mar]

I struggle with my cynical side & say, thank you God that she refused you, but I admire you for listening to God's nudging. Love you!!

[Amy]

As I read your story I am in awe of the lesson you are teaching your children. The purpose of you rencounter with this lady may not have been for her benefit at all but for yours and your son's. Continue to follow God's nudging and continue to share with us so that we can all learn from each other.

[Kristen Myers]

Amy,

You are so right. I truly believe God uses many circumstances to shape and mold us, even as we try to help others.

I will continue sharing what God is teaching me as long as he allows.

Thanks for sharing on the blog. I loved having you!!