His heart lured him there. His life in shambles, he felt deep within hope was on the other side of the doors. No matter how hard he tried, he couldn't make himself go inside.
He would sit in his car, cry, shake and leave the parking lot. Another week of desperation. Another week of loneliness. Another week without a connection to God. Another week not knowing what church was like.
The fact is he passed smiling Christian faces at work week in week out. Not one ever invited him. He was on his own and too ashamed of who he was to cross the threshold alone.
As my 13 year old, Hayleigh, grows physically from little girl to young woman, strength and resolve burgeons within. Tonight she will attend a special youth event at church. She's spent the better part of this week's free time inviting friends, collecting money and making certain her school friends feel welcome at tonight's "all-nighter".
With a tweet, text and call she's done more for these middle schoolers than hosts of co-workers did for my husband. She loved her classmates with eyes, ears and hands. I want to learn to do that too.
Eyes - Maybe no one ever invited Scott to church because they couldn't see past his strong facade to the loneliness within. Hayleigh has been intentional to see kids who would enjoy being there. She made a list to make sure each was included.
Ears - Perhaps no one ever invited Scott to church because they couldn't hear his silent cries for help. Hayleigh has listened for barriers. She's made it easy for her friends to come by collecting money and being flexible. By listening for barriers, she heard their hearts.
Hands - It could be no one ever invited Scott to church because their hands were as uncertain as his. Hayleigh doesn't like "putting herself out there". Her natural tendency isn't to shepherd people and take a leadership role. Hayleigh put aside her reservations so she could set aside others'.
I want to love people with eyes, ears and hands. I don't want to be so busy or too insecure to pass by the lost and hurting of this world. I want to live...You're Invited.
Think of one person in your space today. Have you invited them to church? Why not text, call or drop by today and pick them up for church on Sunday?
Hi Shannon,
ReplyDeleteWhat a darling and courageous young lady you have on your hands. She looks a lot like her Mommy,
and probably acts a lot like her too, I would bet.
Have a great weekend hon,
blessings Nellie
and thanks for stoppin by and your sweet comments.
Nellie, she is the one who looks most like her mom...but I pray like I do for all of them that they act most like our Father. :)
DeleteWhat an outgoing girl you have! I hope that my kids are outgoing and involved in the world around them, like this!
ReplyDeleteHonestly, she isn't very outgoing by nature. Clearly only God working through her could give her the courage.
DeleteThe intrinsic rewards are always good, but even more so at her age. How wonderful that she's moving forward in life in such a positive way.
ReplyDeleteKudos to your girl. Your write-up was touching and engaging...I always like to read everything you write.
-Until next time. :)
Thanks, Rosey. It was a proud moment for me but more importantly it was a moment for her to act on her faith.
DeleteYour writing is wonderful in this piece - I was totally hooked.
ReplyDeleteGreat way to raise your kids - bravo. It's refreshing.
Leigh
www.oneandoneequalstwinfun.com,
Wow, thanks Leigh. Kids are definitely refreshing (but sometimes draining all at the same time...ha!)
DeleteAnother good post Shannon. What a blessing your daughter is. We all could take a lesson from her I'm sure.
ReplyDeleteBlessings...Chelle
I know I could. I want to soak up every moment with these kids!
DeleteThanks for this post, Shannon. Not only a good reminder, but also a great challenge to follow Hayleigh's example.
ReplyDeleteFor sure! :)
DeleteOh Shannon what a touching loving post! I enjoy reading everything of yours but this one was particularly touching. When I moved to the DC area I wanted so much to be invited to church and it wasn't until the last 2 months I ever lived there that my neighbor (a darling lady) ever did invite me. It wasn't the church for me but it was really lovely to be there with her family. Your daughter is such a miracle, a beacon to her fellow students that I am sure she will draw people in to Christ. You are to be congratulated because she's all you.
ReplyDeleteJacqueline, "beacon" - great word. I pray we're used as beacons every day! :)
DeleteYour daughter is a brave darling at her age and I'm guilty for not inviting any other people to church except for my family. Thanks for reminding.
ReplyDeleteLet's do it together!
DeleteThat's so awesome what Hayleigh's doing. Such an inspiration! :) I'm sure God is smiling down on her right now.
ReplyDeleteI know I am. :)
DeleteShe is so cute and brave too
ReplyDeleteThanks, Kim. :)
DeleteOh sister this is a powerful post...one we all need to read. Thanks for listening to the Lord and penning His words that go straight to our hearts. There is a lost and dying world just outside our doors. Our missions has a slogan I love, "Reach Beyond Your World". Our World is right outside our door. Blessing.
ReplyDeleteBetty, thanks so much for sharing your thoughts and encouragement. I was talking to a missions pastor the other who noted, "We used to go to the world. Now the world's come to us." Pretty amazing, isn't it?
DeleteShannon,
ReplyDeleteWhat a treat to see our kids walking in truth, huh?
Thanks,
Jennifer Dougan
www.jenniferdougan.com
Incredible. It's what keeps me praying every day...
Delete