Michelle holding our second born son Trent.
My friendship with Michelle was birthed with my one act of obedience and flourished with her countless ones. We met when I worked at Christian Supply in the gift department. As I busily stocked greeting cards like a ninja, Michelle, a store regular, was busy picking out cards to bless people. Yes, of course she was. The Lord gently nudged me to talk to her. Being the work horse I was, I began shooing away those thoughts like horse flies on a hot summer day. Too busy was my motto. Finally, I succumbed to the still small voice that was impervious to my la la la la I cannot hear you approach. That small act of obedience led to an over 30-year friendship, and she has poured into my life a tangible picture of God's love and joy since day one. My heart bursts with gratitude.
Funny thing is, she wanted to talk to me that day too, but thought I had it all together (ROTFL)! It is so easy to judge a book by its cover – our human nature excels at it. First page into this book (me) though, she saw how hurting and broken I was. No amount of makeup, quaffed hair or cute little outfit could hide it for long. Her love and commitment to me became a soothing sound of safety, lulling me out from underneath the heavy rock of shame that my soul languished under. Excavated up from the heap of lies, God brought me out into His glorious light, all because I said yes to Him and yes to those He brought into my life for my healing. To think it started with a simple hello…
I recently ran into Michelle's friend Carolyn while working in my space at the Harvest Moon Bazaar. Carolyn and I have not seen each other for over 32 years . We both had similar story of how we met Michelle, for Carolyn it was when she was working at Hallmark over 30 years ago. That precious day of reconnecting we shared our stories of how Michelle has impacted our lives, with tears in our eyes we honored a beautiful woman who loves deeply and so well.
Never underestimate the power of a smile and a simple hello for it can lead you down a glorious path of healing and freedom. Carolyn and I can wholeheartedly attest to that !
A Simple Hello "Reclaimed Joy" Discovering the God of Wonders in Your Whys.
Lisa Jennings