Letter to a Stranger
Your name was Mario. I feel I will never forget you. I
was fresh off a mission trip. My faith was large and my desire to stretch
myself strong. A group of us stepped out of our comfort zone and into a rescue
mission in downtown San Jose. You sat in the rusty metal chairs waiting for
food. Or maybe you didn’t even make it in, but waited outside wondering about
the group of teens that had descended into your world. You don’t know this but
I had one prayer. I wanted to be used by God. I fervently prayed, “Don’t let me
leave without sharing your love to someone.” But everything was so organized.
It was scripted and we sang our songs, I strummed my guitar, the gospel was
shared as we stood apart in the designated area and then we were ushered
through the doors. I threw out a final plea, “Lord, let me be used. Let me find
someone to touch.” But with vans in sight, disappointment was in full stride
and ready to launch itself upon my heart. Then you approached.
“Excuse me, could you do something for me?” A tap on my
shoulder stirred me from my thoughts. I turned. There you were; a Hispanic man,
short and worn too early by hardships and hunger that food could never satisfy.
I knew better than to answer a point blank, “Yes,” so I told you that I would if
I could. Your desire was simple. “Could you pray for me?” And you let your
story spill out in simple phrases. I drank them in and my heart was stirred
with compassion. It wasn’t much of a request. You were imprisoned by your addiction.
The streets were your home. You lost touch with your daughter. Your heart was
broken with the shame. It was more of a confession. But I knew what you really longed for: a touch. As I shared with you, Jesus stepped forward through me. I
found myself filled with such love and compassion. I experienced much more power than I could contain
in that moment. I felt crowded aside by all that Jesus in me. He was so eager
to get to you and place his hands on your shoulder. I felt squeezed out and
looking on from the side while Jesus ministered to you and his words of
compassion flowed to you. I felt like the woman in the crowd who touched Jesus’
hem and power flowed out. No one realized it. No one would have even taken
notice if Jesus wouldn’t have said something. And the power flowed out to you
as you also reached out to touch the Lord, Mario. With tears in your eyes, you
stepped away a different man. And I stepped away a different woman. Everyone
seemed to have gone on. They didn’t see what you and I saw. They didn’t see
Jesus step in with a very real presence to seek out that one lost soul. But,
thanks to you, a stranger to my heart, I stood in the presence of the One I love
more than all things. It’s been over 20 years since that encounter but I think
of you often. And when I do, I say a prayer for you. I say a prayer for Mario.
Wow. What an amazingly powerful story. A wonderful experience indeed.
ReplyDeletePraying for Mario too.
Thank you for sharing this. It's inspiring.
I'm struck by the power of this story in my own life. A small moment had such large impact. And I'm encouraged that my words were able to communicate that impact. Thank you for taking the time to visit.
DeleteThis is such a wonderful story, Karin! I was deeply touched reading it. Our Lord's timing, placement, grace and love flowing together between you and Mario in that perfectly appointed moment. I'm sure that Mario has benefited from your continual concern and prayers over the years, and, no doubt, has a special place in his heart for you too. Lovely. Thanks for sharing. :) xx
ReplyDeleteI appreciate your kind words and encouragements. I wonder sometimes what happened to Mario and I'm reminded that if the Lord watches so closely over the sparrows how much more so is Mario kept in His care. Just one of the many lessons the Lord has whispered to my heart through this one impactful moment. It was amazing to write about it after this many years. Thanks for coming by.
DeleteKarin this is just so touching and inspiring. Thank you so much for linking up with us, this is a wonderful post!
ReplyDeleteAnd thank you, Ruth. This is a fun idea for a link-up and I look forward to more. It stretches the writing to pick a specific audience. Thanks for opening up your "home" for the "play date!"
DeleteHi Karin, I loved reading your post, so full of hope and love. Thank you so much for sharing and linking up with us. I hope to see more of your lovely posts on 'Letters to...' x
ReplyDeleteThanks Sabrina. I've really enjoyed reading your posts and I look forward to linking up with you two again. Thanks for offering such encouraging words.
DeleteBeautiful story and memory! I love "Jesus stepped forward through me." Very powerful words. Oh that we would step back more often so He could step forward. I feel like I get in the way too much.
ReplyDelete