One time, I was calling a friend of mine named Shannon. I dialed the number, and a young lady answered who sounded somewhat down or troubled. "Shannon, is this you?" I asked. The voice on the phone was muffled and said, "Yes, this is me, and I'm going to be okay." I was a little confused so I said her full name, "Is this Shannon so-and so?" The young lady said, "No, you must have the wrong number. This is a different Shannon."
I was just about to apologize and hang up when suddenly, I felt an overwhelming compassion for this young lady. I said, "Shannon, I know this may sound strange, but can I pray with you about something?" The young lady on the phone began to weep. She said, "Would you please? My father just died, and I'm so depressed. I don't know what I'm going to do."
I took a few minutes to pray and speak faith into her. I simply shared the love of God and knew it touched her by the sound of her voice. Before she hung up, the young lady said, "You're my angel. Now I know that God still has a plan for my life."
This holiday season, remember, you are the hands and feet of Jesus. Take time for the people you encounter—even unexpectedly! God will bring people across your path that need to know His love and healing power. Be sensitive and follow His flow of compassion. When you feel that inner prompting to stop and talk to someone, do it! You never know how your kind words, your thoughtful prayers, your generous actions can change a person's life because showing His love is the greatest gift you can ever give!
"And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love." (1 Corinthians 13:13, NIV)
From my heart to yours, MERRY CHRISTMAS!