Wednesday, March 11, 2009

Message Ministry?

It's interesting how things develop.... especially when * I * don't do it... intentionally, anyways...

I didn't realize what WAS happening until the other day when I was discussing feeling like I was 'dodging arrows' with a friend of mine.

"Of course you are!" she said, "your friend was meant to feel like she was all alone, and you ruined that plan when you came up beside her and loved her". And when I thought about it. I had.

It started about a week ago - my friend was having a really hard day. I sent her a text message letting her know that I was thinking of her, praying for her, and that she was loved. And then, the next day..., I did the same thing. And the next.... Every day, as I sat and lifted her up in prayer, I sent her a text. In a nutshell - "I'm here. I love you. I'm not going away."

A few days later, another friend of mine left for a mission trip in Panama City Beach, Florida. It's called Beach Reach. Sounds like a dream, huh? A week of witnessing in sunny Florida. But, uhm, not so much... apparently, the college kids there for much spring break partying, aren't so interested in hearing what they have to say. It's been described as "dark" and "really hard". So... I texted her. Just to let her know I was thinking about her and praying for her. You are not alone in this. I am with you (in spirit). I love you.

Then, another friend... sick. I've sent her messages day to day, let her know I'm thinking of her and hoping she's feeling better. (yes, she is.)

And, you KNOW there was yet another - "Hold tight to God..." I sent.

It's taken just a minute of my time, but, it's been time well-spent. I truly believe in the power of words. I believe in the power of reaching out past our selves. I believe in telling those that I love that I do, and I believe in expressing gratitude. As often as I can.

"Thank you" and "I love you". Five little words. In the texting world, a total of nine and ten characters respectively. But they are a powerful combination of letters! I do believe they contain great healing.

"I'm here"
"You're not alone"
"I love you"
"I appreciate you"
"I'm glad you're my friend" (or "my boy" or "my girl")
"You are special to me"
"Awesome!"

It only takes a second....


Take a second...

3 comments:

Sarah said...

We ARE thinking alike! Indeed, a small "I'm thinking of you" can go SO far. Just to know you aren't completely alone...

thanks for this post!

Anonymous said...

Thank you for the blog! I have a feeling the sentence with a friend being sick is in regards to me. You are such a great friend. I will have a little free time for a while from work. My manager has taken all the work from me and gave it all to a full time trainer. Which is fine for how we are right now. Love ya!

Anonymous said...

thank you so much for loving and supporting me on my trip. you have no idea of the difference you made.