Renee Davis
About the Author

Renee loves being with her son and husband where the water is salty, but admits she spends most of her time at her desktop, swimming in coffee. She writes about God’s miraculous amidst life’s mundane, while encouraging women to find their worth in His Word, not this world.

(in)side DaySpring: things we love
& you will too!
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(in)side DaySpring:
things we love
& you will too!
Find more at
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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Oh, Renee, you are speaking to this introvert today!
    That “I” in my MBTI-profile is not a free pass for living small and safe! Thank you for resisting the urge to retreat and for advancing on your knees!

  2. Thank you so much for sharing this! It sounded so familiar and still I was afraid you missed that opportunity. I’m so grateful for that man that you didn’t!! I’m sure it was lifechanging for him…

  3. What a beautiful story. Thank you so much for sharing. It encourages others like you (ME) to be reminded that out of the boat experiences are where we encounter the power of God.

  4. This is a beautifully written, blessedly poignant post. I worked for a number of years with America’s military and their families, and veterans helped our agency. They hold a special place in my heart. Our country has not done well in caring for them, particularly Viet Nam vets. Thank you, Renee, for having a heart moved by compassion for a man who’d served his country well and fallen upon hard times. Thank you for a heart that listens to God and obeys when it is not easy to do. I think you were also kneeling at the feet of Jesus that day, joining Him in washing the feet of the least of these.
    Blessings,
    Lynn Morrissey

    • Oh, Lynn, how your comment has blessed me. Thank you for that. And thank you so much for allowing me to share this story to bring glory to Him. So sweet of you to take time to comment. Thank you for connecting with me! xo

  5. Renee,
    Like you I have stopped to help those in need. One time I really got burned by a very good con artist the police were looking for. Other times, I knew I knelt at the feet of Jesus. Obviously reaching out to this vet who had served his country so well was the right thing to do. We never know if the person holding the sign is legit or not, but I don’t want to be the one who walks by callously, I want to be the good Samaritan. As we never know when the person we are ministering to and praying with is in fact Christ himself. Besides the Word and prayer never return void. Beautiful testimony and poignant post.
    Blessings,
    Bev xx

    • I to look the other way, maybe out of fear I am not sure. Not sure if they are just looking for drug. I would love to hep but fdon’t want to be taken advantage of. I been incourage thanks

    • Bev, thank you so very much for reading and for taking time to comment. And thank you for this>>> “As we never know when the person we are ministering to and praying with is in fact Christ himself.” So true and such a sobering thought! xo

  6. While reading this lovely story, I was blessed with spiritual chills. God speaks to me that way sometimes. I try to remember to keep non-perishable foods in my car or purchase them when some of God’s children in need are outside grocery stores (e.g. canned foods with pop-tops, peanut butter, crackers, a bag of plastic spoons, etc). Both of us usually agree, with smiles, to pray for each other. I would also like to suggest the following: 1) Do not approach those who are alone on street corners while you’re alone in your car (unless, perhaps, it is a busy street in the daytime). 2) With the food you’re prepared to give, also include a precious copy of The Holy Bible. Peace…John 14:27 ✝️

    • I am always afraid to stop the car when I am alone. But, when my husband is with me he is so suspicious of the person’s condition.
      It breaks my heart not to help. My opinion is do as I feel God is leading me. If the person is dishonest, shame on him/her.

    • Vickie,
      Thank you for reading and chiming in. I loved reading about how you impact those who are in need! These are such great things to keep in mind. Thank you! xo

  7. Renee,
    Bless you for listening! When we ask it is frightening to get the answer.
    I had been pleading with God in prayer to speak to me. There is a song by Kari Jobe called just that, “Speak to me, I’m listening “. I wasn’t specific, as a young believer I just wanted to know I would hear him if he spoke. Well he had a place and time. I was literally at a K.J. concert in MN and I had been so excited to go with my sister, but once seated I felt crabby for no reason. I was not enjoying my favorite song, which made me feel worse. She started to sing Speak to Me and I literally sat down closed my eyes and prayed. I then stood up.
    Next she sang “I am not Alone”next which had once been my anthem, but it wasn’t for me. In a sea of gray and black sweater across the church was a lady in a red sweater. “Really God?” I said in my head “that will be weird?” I mentally missed the rest of the concert explaining to myself, and God, why I couldn’t. Soon I was negotiating, and then I agreed “when the concert is done” .
    So at concert end I looked at my sister and said, “I have to do something weird”. I walked over to the lady in the red sweater, tapped her in the shoulder, and said “I need to tell you that God is with you and you are not alone” she fell into my open hug crying. Her friends were saying “thank you, you have NO idea what that means!” I said “I don’t but God does and he wanted her to know”
    I got a few hugs from her friends that kept thanking me for listening, and I said “thank God for speaking to me”.
    I left not even knowing their names. My sister asked me “were they from church?” I explained and just praised God.
    I am not sure what I wanted to hear, but I know he wants to reach others that are not seeking his voice through our openness to listen, and do.
    Many Blessings
    Beth

    • Wow, that is awesome! A lot of things I want to do like that, I get discouraged by what other people will think, but you are an encouragement to me, to do it anyways. Thank you!

    • Oh, Beth!
      My heart! This is such an amazing story. Thank you for sharing it! I just wonder if that crabbiness you initially experienced was from the enemy–to distract from what God had planned??? And what a blessing God provided to you because of your obedience! His perfect timing!
      You’ll probably never know this side of heaven just what that meant to her or how it impacted her life. Sometimes we just need to know God sees us and hears us–and I’m so glad He used you to let her know that.
      Thank you for reading my story and sharing yours!
      xo

      • I still literally get goose bumps even reading my own post as it was just so cool to have God work through me!
        I know that the enemy has tried to stop me from telling my story, and this story for fear of being judged as “weird”. I was always teased because I talked a lot, but now I know that my gift to talk to strangers is huge! I love nothing more than to tell His story and how He saved me! I hope to someday tell his story in front of a stadium of people, but for now I will share whenever and wherever He has me!

        God moments like this are just a bonus that I get to share with strangers, and friends!

        Many Blessings,
        Beth

  8. I pray for the courage to kneel down before the people God is calling me to witness to. Thank you for sharing your own vulnerability to share Christ with a stranger.

    • Hi, Ann!
      Thank you so much for reading and for taking time to comment! No way this introvert could’ve done it without Him. PTL! Please know that I am praying for the Holy Spirit to give you the courage needed.
      xo

  9. Wow, that is amazing! One person’s example, one person’s first step, leads everyone else to follow after! It’s like when everyones waiting to see who is going to grab a cookie first and then once someone grabs one, everyone else follows. It’s a good reminder to me to know that if I rely on God, He’s going to follow through. Thank you for this encouragement of boldness to share the gospel. It gave me some enthusiasm to go out and share. Please pray for me that I have some opportunities to share the Gospel today as I’m out at the beach and more than that, that I would take those opportunities!:) Have a great day!

    • The easiest way to start is just sharing his light. In a smile to a stranger, a please and thank you to a clerk, and even a heart felt “Have a great day!” to a stranger in passing. It’s the little nudges of sharing the light of Jesus that open our hearts to his voice. Lifting our eyes from a phone or book and making eye contact with a stranger benefits us all. People with phones are lonely, look up!
      Many Blessings at the beach!

    • MaryMargaret,
      Thank you so much for taking time to read and comment. Thank you for your kind words. I’m so glad you found the story inspirational. Please know that I prayed for you to have courage while at the beach, though I’m just now able to let you know–we are just now getting reliable internet service after Irma, so my responses have had to wait 🙁 Thank you for connecting with me! xo

  10. Rennee,
    Your story was deeply touching, thank-you not only for sharing, but for taking the cue from God to help.
    Have a blessed day all,
    Penny

  11. Thank you for that inspiration. We all need to reach out past ourselves and selfish stances. God bless you child of the Living King!

    • Lydia,
      Please know how grateful I am that you would take time to let me know the story was an inspiration to you. Thank you for reading and connecting with me. Have a beautiful day! xo

  12. Lovely story of how God touches our lives to help people in need. You brought tears to my eyes and joy to my heart from your willingness to be the feet of Jesus in our broken world. I feel nervous helping the street people but waving, giving out a cereal bar can make their day. I try to keep a few in my car when shopping. Thanks for blessing this veteran’s life. Blessings to you!

    • Becky,
      Thank you so very much for reading and taking the time to let me know my words touched your heart for Him. PTL! This was a huge step for me and my walk with Him. I’m so thankful (in)courage allowed me to share it with you all.
      That’s an awesome idea about the cereal bars! Thank you for sharing that tip with us!
      Have a beautiful day!
      xo

    • Karen,
      Thank you so much for popping over to read and comment, friend. I love what you wrote–‘a bold soldier for God’–I’m adding this to my prayer list right now and will be continuing to keep you in prayer daily!
      xo

  13. From one introvert to another, He really does! My eyes moistened when I read this post. Hearing God and doing what he asks….it isn’t easy but it is always worth it! God bless our older generation and those who have served in our Armed Forces. Thank you for sharing your heart, with the old soldier and with me today.

    • Nancy, my fellow introvert, thank you for reading and taking the time to connect with me here. I’m so thankful (in)courage invited me to share this with you. And you’re so right: It isn’t always easy but it’s always worth it!!! Have a beautiful day, Nancy. xo

  14. Wow what a story to start the day! God Bless you for sharing and inspiring. I hope I am bold enough too, when I hear His voice commanding me to do the same.

    • Tammy,
      I’m so grateful you stopped by to read and comment. Thank you for connecting with me! I trust that the Holy Spirit will equip you and embolden you as you move forward in obedience! xoxoxo

  15. Renee,
    This is it. Thank you, thank you, thank you for showing us how to love.
    Im an extrovert and never had an experience like this. Even extroverts make excuses.
    Lord, (oh God, do I really want to ask this) create more opportunities like this for us to love our neighbor. There is boldness in us from heaven. Send us Lord.

    • Tara! Thank you for this>>>’Even extroverts make excuses.’ Such a good point! Thank you so much for allowing me to share my story with you, Tara. I really appreciate you taking time to comment and connect with me! xo

  16. This is such a beautiful story. There have been times when I should have stopped to talk to someone andd didn’t. I’m going to remember the picture of you lkneeling with this man to pray when I lack the courage to be bold in helping a stranger and sharing my faith. Thank you for sharing this story, Renee.

    • Leslie,
      Thank you so much for reading and for taking time to connect with me today. I know He will give you the boldness needed to follow through in obedience. There’s absolutely NO WAY I could’ve (or would’ve) done it without Him emboldening me. Apart from Him I can do nothing–and certainly not THAT! lol Now if I can just be courageous enough to ask Him for more opportunities like this one. 😉
      Have a beautiful day, Leslie.
      xo

  17. Thank you for sharing your struggle and God’s supply of courage and strength. Praying for continued help for all the hurting we see around us and that like you, we would each be obedient to His call.

    • Joan,
      Yes, such a needed prayer–so much hurt in the world. May we be His hands and feet–and may I do it much more often! Thank you for allowing me to share my story with your heart today, Joan. And thank you for taking time to connect with me.
      xo

  18. My eyes filled with tears while reading your beautifully written testimony. Seeing God’s work accomplished through your open heart and spirt are beyond touching. I am always moved in some way by your writings / blogs. Thank your for sharing.

    • Julie, thank you for popping over from my blog to read this one! I’m so thankful (in)courage invited me to share it here. Thank you for commenting to let me know it touched your heart. And please know how much you’ve encouraged my heart today with your sweet words, friend. I’m so blessed. To God be the glory.
      xo

  19. This is just such a beautiful story all the way around. my mother and I had a recent experience with a homeless lady, I believed her that she had a job and needed clothes, but I don’t let people in the car, she got some money, told me she’d be alright sleeping at the store and would get her a room after her first paycheck. I wrote a post called Being Homeless, it goes up Tuesday. I have been wounded one and the Samaritan, I praise the Lord for your boldness Renee, it affected more than David

    • Rebecca,
      So wonderful of you to stop by and read my story. Thank you for commenting to let me know it reached your heart. I pray that I will have the boldness to do things like this more often. So nice of you to connect with me! Have a beautiful day.
      xo

  20. Thank You so much for sharing. As I am crying I know this was for me to read. I Have been in prayer about something and this just gave me what I needed to know. I am heading down the right track. May the Lord Bless You as You serve Him!

    • Cindy!
      Oh, how you’ve encouraged me today! Thank you for reading and sharing how you’ve been impacted. So thankful that He was able to use my meager words to bring much-needed clarity and confirmation! That’s all HIM! Praying He gives you the courage to move forward in obedience! Thank you for blessing ME today.
      xoxoxoxoxo

  21. Renee,

    It is so easy to get calloused in this world today. So many people out there scamming you. Holding signs claiming to be homeless. Hard to know when to give or not. We have some in our town that you can see almost daily. My hubby sees one person near the hospital where he works. The hospital is off the interstate & on a busy road. How in the world did he get there? Should God prompt you to do something then do it. You never know whom you might bless-& in return you will be blessed! Thank you Renee for listening to God & talking to that woman. You may just have made her day.

    Blessings 🙂

    • Thank you for reading and commenting, Beth. I’m so grateful He gifted me the courage to follow through despite my fear. Now to ask Him to help me do it more often! 😉
      I appreciate you taking time to connect with me here. Have a beautiful day!
      xo

  22. Wow – that was amazing! I, too, am an introvert – to extremes, but your blog today spoke right to my heart. Thank you!

  23. “When we kneel down, God shows up.” What a great story that proves the truth of that promise–an easy-to-remember promise, too, with just seven words. Thank you, Renee, for bolstering OUR courage! I’m imagining incourage sisters all over country (world, even!) stepping out in faith to share Jesus and praying, “Help me, Lord, just like you helped Renee!”

  24. Oh, my heart. Nancy, your words are such an encouragement to me. Thank you for that.

    A 7-word-easy-to-remember promise–YES, I just love that!

    I so very much appreciate you taking time to read my story and leave your heartfelt comment. I’ve been so blessed by you and the sweet words of the women in this community–such a warm welcome I’ve received! PTL

    Have a beautiful day, Nancy.
    xoxoxo

  25. Renee, this story and your heart are beautiful. Thank you for sharing so vulnerably from a raw place of hesitancy, honesty and surrender. I was captivated by the pictures you painted with your words, and how God showed up the way He did, for you and for David.

    • Oh, Renee Swope, how you have blessed me today with your sweet words. I’m extremely humbled that you would take time from your busy ministry to read and comment. I’m so thankful He allowed me to see Him work in such a way that day. PTL

      What an inspiration you are to fellow women of faith! Thank you for all you do to further His Kingdom and also for encouraging me! Have a wonderful weekend, Renee. xo

  26. So beautiful! Thank you for sharing, Renee! May God richly bless you as you continue to listen to our Father’s voice. Blessings on you!