By Rhonda Stinson
Have you ever thought your absence wouldn’t be noticed? Do you feel like an invisible woman when you’re in the company of others? You speak, but no one acknowledges what you’re saying? I’m sure many of us have experienced some degree of insignificance at one time or another.
The women of our church planned a surprise party at a restaurant for our Assistant Pastor’s wife. Gordon announced that he would be retiring in May, but that he and Ruth would still be servants of Christ in the church. Tears were shed over this momentous announcement. Ruth is such a caring person. She makes you feel like you’re special, significant.
When the day of the dinner arrived, I saw the menu that would be served to everyone. I was perplexed. I will be transparent in saying, I still have issues with food. Yes, God did a healing in 2016, but I still have healing that needs to be done.
When I saw the dense carb-filled meal plan, I got anxious. I also knew these foods would greatly affect my blood sugar, and I’d have to deal with that. The thought occurred to me that it would be easier to stay home. I justified that there would be so many women there that Ruth would never ever know I was a no show.
As I tried to create a plausible excuse for my impending absence, I began to get even more anxious. The Holy Spirit was not pleased with my decision. There was no peace.
When I told mom that I was on the fence about going, she immediately said, “Oh yes you are going! Ruth would want you there.” That’s all it took. I knew, without a doubt, I would be in that car! A feeling of excitement filled me. I know the work of the Spirit, and He was pleased!!
There were many women present and Ruth gave me an extra special hug and thanked me several times for being there. She noticed and spoke to every woman present and took a picture of all there.
OK, so my absence would have been noticed, but my presence was extra noticed. It was such a gratifying experience to be able to share in the expression of love for my sister in Christ. It was like spending the evening with close family members.
The stress I had over the menu was for naught. It wasn’t a buffet-style meal, and we were able to order whatever we desired on the menu.
I realized that I must not allow Satan to win by allowing fear to separate me from my Christian family. They are the exact ones who encourage me, pray for me, love me, and support me. I also realized that other people enjoy my presence. Others need me and I need them. We are shining lights in each other’s lives, dear sisters. Savor your moments with the ones God has placed in your circle of life and cherish them as if there would not be a tomorrow.
Is the Holy Spirit speaking to you, Christian sister? Is He calling you to do something hard? I want to encourage you to step into the waters of fear and doubt. Do that hard thing, that fearful thing, that stressful thing. God will give you the strength to move through the water, and He will deliver you to the other side. Not only that, but He will have a blessing waiting for you when you arrive. I received the blessings of joy, excitement, and peace which are far better than any material thing I could ever ask for. Spiritual blessings are permanent. When I think back on this event, I will always remember those spiritual fruits and they will give me encouragement for future trials.
“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him and He will make your paths straight” (Proverbs 3:5-6).
“Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their labor: If either of them falls down, one can help the other up” (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10).
“There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear, because fear has to do with punishment. The one who fears is not made perfect in love” (1 John 4:18).
“Open my lips, Lord, and my mouth will declare your praise. You do not take pleasure in burnt offerings. My sacrifice, O God, is a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart you, God, will not despise” (Psalm 51:15-17).
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