Remember Who Is With You

         -A Conversation of Grace

At Christmas (the magical of all times) I had an incredible opportunity to witness. Unfortunately, this young relative is caught in the middle of his parents' divorce. To make it worse, he has very seldom been to church even though his mother believes. I've prayed this would change as I know a foundation in faith is our strength and refuge especially in times of turmoil and despair. I promised myself I would talk to this sixteen year-old about God. I was very apprehensive on how I was going "to pull this off". I know God works miracles, but I had NEVER had a one-on-one talk with this young man. The last time I saw him he was nine and more interested in playing with my son than talking to me! I prayed and as always, when we do things in his name, Jesus provides.

In my wildest dreams I would not have guessed God would use jazz to bring us together. We shared an interest in "smooth jazz" and while playing a CD we started discussing how the music helped us become peaceful and remind us of things we love. During this discussion – you guessed it – I was able to talk about prayer. It was an incredible conversation (Thank you Lord, because believe me I kept praying I would say the right thing). I found, to my delight, that he actually did pray. This became one of those special moments I will always hold dear to my heart.

We discussed how to pray and he said he wasn't sure what exactly to say – did I say certain/special things? I said, "No, I just talk to Him all the time." "Everyday?", he asked. "Yes, in the car, when I'm troubled, when I'm happy, anytime." He looked at me a little sheepishly and said, "He doesn't talk back does He?" Without thinking I said, "Oh yes!" We both laughed and I said, "Well, no, there isn't a booming voice that talks out loud to me – but I believe when I pray and stop and listen He talks to me through my heart and through the people He sends into my life."

This led to a wonderful conversation about troubled times, people in our lives, God's plan for our life and how he will lead us, give us strength and stay with us no matter what happens. I told him how my mother never promised anything she could not deliver and I tried to follow that in my life. Then I looked him straight in the eye and said, "I promise you there is a God!"

As he was leaving at the airport we had another chance to talk. I told him I used to talk about God to my kids on the way to school - being teens they didn't always want to hear it – but each morning as they got out of the car I would say, "Remember who's with you." Their response was, "I know Mom, ... God." He laughed.

Later as we hugged good-bye, I whispered, "Remember who's with you" – and he gave me the sweetest smile!

We never know if/how our words are remembered, if at all. But we have to at least plant the seed, even if we never get to see it grow. The rest is up to our Lord.

Penny Payne

Do you have a personal witnessing experience you would like to share with others? Please contact Martie Dunnett, Pay Sheehy, or Bill Pfancuff.