At The Atlanta Airport Yesterday

PLEASE pray for a woman who said her name was Stephanie. She made up an incredibly complex story about being a stranded veteran. Her purse contained packages of cigarettes. Her breath smelled of hard liquor. She sat down beside me in an airport cafe, and asked for money. I looked up at

the ceiling, and whispered, "God, what are you asking of me? You know I don't like giving money to people because I think they'll use it for their addictions. I prefer to give food, shelter, and advice. Do you want me to give Stephanie money?" God replied with a clear and resounding, "YES!" So, I gave her the $85 I had in my wallet as I also told her to quit lying to me, and to tell me the truth. Obviously she was an experienced con woman, but for a few minutes she broke down and genuinely cried in my arms. She managed a laugh when I pulled out my "Dora, The Explorer" pack of tissues for her. I told her God loves her, and that she needs to go to rehab. I suggested a few places. I told her that I don't believe any of her story, but what I do know is that she needs help. I held her hands as I encouraged her to leave the airport and to quit lying, and I told her that every time she lies to someone about her situation I pray she will see my face and remember that God loves her, and that eventually she will believe it...

Well, apparently God wasn't finished with me yet because as I started outside to the ground transportation van, an elderly, partially blind woman (she actually had no eye in one of the sockets) with a cane approached me asking very kindly for anything I could give her. I was holding a very hot, cup of coffee a kind waitress had just given me as I was leaving the cafe. I asked the partially blind woman if she could hold my coffee so I could look into my bag to see what I could give her. She held the coffee with great respect, and I found $20 I had stuffed into my bag. I hugged her as she handed me back my coffee, and she broke into tears saying I had no idea how much she needed a hug...

But...God still wasn't finished with me yet! Seconds later, I was greatly struggling with my heavy luggage when a well-groomed young man asked if he could help me get somewhere. I replied yes :) He was quiet so I asked him his story, and he told me an unbelievable story about his father dying. The young man added that he is a poor seminary student whose flight was cancelled and he probably wouldn't make it to the funeral. I thanked him and gave him my last $20 from the ATM that morning. I hugged him, and told him that I'm sure I don't know his real story, but that God loves him for his kindness, and so do I :) 

As I finally rode away in the van, I felt extremely blessed to have been someone these three people thought would help them. In the past, I've teasingly said that I have the word “sucker” on the

back of my shirt. Yesterday, I realized maybe I have the word “Christian” there instead, 

And just for the record, sometimes, I think God will never be finished with me...