Leaving the gym I was sweaty, stinky, and my hair looked as though I had styled it by sticking my finger in an electrical outlet. I was in no mood to be in the public eye, yet one chore remained on my to-do list for the day — my family needed a gallon of milk.
Driving home, I stopped to pick up some milk at the small gas station near our house, rather than make a cameo appearance at our small town supermarket. I parked the car, smoothed my hair down as best I could, and applied a liberal amount of lip-gloss, as though that would make a difference.
When I entered the store, I didn’t even bother to remove my sunglasses, hoping that by some stroke of luck I would retain a sense of anonymity similar to that of celebrities trying to dodge the paparazzi.
Then I saw her. Hunched behind the counter was a tiny clerk who had certainly seen better days. She wore an old shade of bleached-blonde hair. Wrinkles and scars tattooed her arms and face. As I approached the line at the counter, milk in hand, I gave her a little grin. She did her best to reciprocate with a half-smile, trying not to reveal her lack of teeth.
Say something.
The words flooded my mind as I waited my turn in line.
“God, are you talking to me?”
We ask this knowing that yes, He is indeed talking to us, but for some reason we’re hoping that maybe He got His channels crossed and He meant that message for someone else.
I’m not one to typically greet strangers or go out of my way to initiate conversations with people I don’t know. I come from a past that’s freckled with what most would call “trust issues,” and because of this, I tend to keep up my guard and keep to myself if I can help it.
But God has been working to change that.
Ask her how she is.
There it was again — distinct and clear. God wanted me to reach out and talk to the cashier. As I made my way closer, my palms grew a sweaty, and I felt as though someone had cranked the heat up to 150°. Realizing my turn was next, I decided that if I was going to make conversation, I should at least start by removing my sunglasses.
Finally, after an agonizing five minutes, it was my turn. Placing the milk on the counter, I cleared my throat, beamed, and asked, “How are you this evening?”
Startled, the cashier looked up to make sure someone was actually speaking to her. No longer invisible to the world, she had been noticed, and her eyes said it all.
“Oh, honey, let me tell you about this pain . . .”
So she told me about her back pain and how she had no one to help her out around the store. I listened. I affirmed her. And I left bestowing a friendly smile and a generous good-bye wave.
“I did it, God! I talked to a stranger!”
Heading down the road I was feeling pretty good, when all of a sudden it hit me.
You didn’t ask her what her name is. You didn’t ask if you could pray for her.
I was so close to giving her a cool drink of water, but I didn’t quite accomplish what was in front of me. Jesus told his disciples:
“If you give even a cup of cold water to one of the least of My followers, you will surely be rewarded.” {Matthew 10:42, NLT}
Yes, I made the first step. I broke out of my comfort zone and acted in a way that was a little foreign. And I know God was pleased. But I also realize now that I could have done a little more.
This challenge takes us a little further than just talking to a stranger. It’s also acknowledging a stranger by name and letting them know they are deeply and passionately loved by God. He is El Roi after all, the God Who Sees, and people need to know that.
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Related: Be inspired to step out of your comfort zone every time you sip from this beautiful teacup that says “You’re braver than you even imagine.”
Leave a Comment
Lynda Smith says
Thank you for sharing, Liana. I know that it meant so much to that sweet lady to have someone ask after her! You may not know her name, but she has had a glimpse of your heart. And, I trust, she say a glimpse of Jesus too, and that has given her hope.
Liana Swarengin says
Thank you Lynda! I sure hope so. And the beautiful thing about prayer is that we can pray for people without knowing their names. God knows who they are afterall! I appreciate your encouragement this morning- blessings!
Mary says
Thank you for these words. I struggle stepping out in faith to speak to people. You have given me the tools to start.
Liana Swarengin says
I hear ya Mary! It is such a struggle to step out in faith, mainly because we open ourselves up to the possibility of rejection, don’t you think? I’m trying to train myself to think that in those moments, the worst that can happen is I get the “cold shoulder” from a stranger. But, at least I was obedient to God, right?! Thanks for sharing your thoughts, hope you have a beautiful evening!
Carrie says
Always love this reminder. 🙂 I did this once going through a McDonald’s drive through. I said “Thank you, Ron” to the cashier. He looked at me funny and I asked if I said his name wrong. He said no, he’s just never had anyone say his name before. I wished him a good night and left him with a smile on his face.
Liana Swarengin says
I love that Carrie! Sometimes the best way to share the love of Jesus is simply to bring a smile to someone else’s face. Thank you for being such a lovely example of this!
Lina Rochette Hill says
A wonderful story and I can completely relate and have even played out this scene myself only I am usually fighting back tears to boot! Which is interesting because our names are so similar. Thanks for your story! Keep on stepping out of that comfort zone and I will too!
Liana Swarengin says
Yay Lina! I certainly will keep stepping out and am so glad that you will be joining along 😉
Beth Williams says
Liana,
I know that lady will forever be changed. To many people are in such a hurry they just walk in get what they want and go about their business. I usually try to talk to cashiers. I may not know the name or situation, but try to make small talk and acknowledge them. Constantly say thank you–yes it is their job, but it is nice for people to acknowledge you and appreciate the little things you do.
I may not know their names, but at times I will say a pray for them. I want to brighten people’s day and let them see Jesus shine through me!
Blessings 🙂
Liana Swarengin says
Beth- I can’t even imagine how many lives you’ve touched just because you were willing to share your sweet smile. Keep it up sister!