From Opportunity to Action
It was Monday, around 9am, and the phone rang. It was my girlfriend, Susan. She’s a physical therapist, and she had a patient in my neighborhood.
“Are you dressed?” she asked.
“Not decently,” I responded. “I mean, I’m in house clothes, knock around type clothes.”
“Doesn’t matter,” she said. “Get over here. There’s someone I want you to meet.”
I put on my shoes, got the kids in their clothes, and we took off.
I walked in to the house. My friend introduced me to the woman, sitting on the couch.
“This is Dorothy,” she said. “Dorothy is home bound. She is not able to the grocery store, and she needs our help.”
As I began to visit with this woman I learned that she has worked very hard in her business and been a member of a prominent church in the Houston area since 1977.
When she was diagnosed with cancer of the esophogus this past January, her whole life changed drastically.
She had to have a feeding tube put in. She went through radiation and rehab and has not lived in her house for the last four months. Susan was there to evaluate her for physical therapy.
I told Dorothy that I would help her in any way I could. I asked if her church had offered her any help.
I learned that her church had not offered anything. Someone came to pray with her once, but as far as someone bringing her food or paying her bills, she has not had any assistance.
I took down a grocery list and she handed me some cash. I wouldn’t take it.
“I have been so blessed,” I told her, “that I want to bless you.”
She began to cry.
I took the day and turned it into a mission opportunity. My kids and I went several places and bought her groceries and toiletries.
When we finished shopping, we came back to her house and I cooked her dinner and cleaned the kitchen. Rachel, my 9 year old, helped too.
It was good to reach out and bless someone else. I didn’t care if we had our own challenges, I just wanted to help her. And, I knew that if God could take care of me, He could use me to provide for her. I felt CALLED. It was the first time in a while I have felt that way.
As I went upstairs to get her something, I saw her pictures on the wall. Her wedding picture, her family pictures, and pictures of her when she was a successful career woman.
I have my health; I can make money and provide for my family. She can’t do that. She lives alone and is unable to walk or stand for long periods of time.
If we are His, shouldn’t we care for those who are hurting or in need? Because that is what He calls us to do.
So, maybe my day didn’t go like I thought. But I was inspired and blessed because I saw Jesus in a woman named Dorothy.