The old man’s hands shook as he held the tattered cardboard. His tiny box tipped in the wind, nearly blown away by the gale that bit with gusto. I tried not to make eye contact but failed miserably. Despite my cynicism, the boldly-scrawled words ‘cancer’ and ‘vet’ stabbed at my heart. My old Chevy squeaked on past and parked in the crowded lot not far from where he sat confined to a wheelchair on the corner of the store’s main entrance.
With purse and shopping list in hand, I glanced again at the once dauntless veteran now destitute vagabond as he begged for pennies juxtaposed against the backdrop of my tiny town’s materialism mecca.
I had that feeling. That one when God’s telling me to do something I really don’t want to do. You get it too, don’t you? I pushed it way down. Told myself I was in a hurry. Told myself to just forget.
I fought my way through throngs of shoppers and filled my cart with more wants than needs. Despite my previous desire to rush, I took my sweet time. On I shopped, hoping (and even praying?) that the wheelchair-bound old-timer with those desperate eyes would be gone by now.
Nearly two hours later, I had an overflowing buggy and an empty heart. I hadn’t forgotten.
My face burned hot. I’d stalled as long as I could. You see — it wasn’t about giving him money; it was about doing something I was afraid to do. It was about God telling me to share with this stranger about Christ. And as a raging introvert who’s never done that, I was terrified.
Reluctantly, I headed to the frozen-food section for the last item. I opened the freezer’s glass door, grabbed a pint of mint chocolate chip, and hoped the icy air would somehow cool my scorching dread. That’s when it happened. When God reminded me I’d been asking that He help me become bold for Him— and now was my chance.
But had I really meant it?
With receipt in hand, I pushed my buggy through double doors, exiting the store but entering into a new-found conviction. I was still afraid but trusted He’d give me courage to do it anyway.
Would the man still be on the corner? I started to worry I’d missed the opportunity. I quickly tossed grocery bags into my truck and thanked God in advance for giving me the words to say. I poked a fist full of cash in my jeans pocket. Off I went like I knew what I was doing.
My voice got caught in my throat as I wiped my running nose and hot tears from my face. I looked into those deep green eyes and finally blurted out, “Do you know Jesus Christ as your Savior?”
. . .
David and I talked like old friends. My heart broke for him as I learned of the ongoing battle with his own Goliath, a giant named Cancer. Before leaving, I handed David money that would help with transportation to and from his treatments, and he thanked me and asked if I would remember to keep him in prayer. “Definitely! And I’m going to pray for you right now,” I announced with uncharacteristic confidence.
Before I realized it, I’d knelt down at his feet and grabbed the old soldier’s hands.
As I prayed, I was keenly aware of the boldness God had blessed me with, though I could scarcely believe it. And something amazing had happened around us. When the two of us lifted our heads and eyes, there was a line of vehicles stopped, hands holding money, and eyes brimming with tears.
Right then my faith in God was fortified, and perhaps my faith in my fellow Americans, too.
When we kneel down, God shows up. What He did that day proved that we don’t have to know what to do or what to say; we simply have to be willing to allow God to use us for His glory. Even if that means kneeling at the feet of a stranger in a Walmart parking lot.
Leave a Comment
Michele Morin says
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!
RENEE DAVIS says
Michele,
From one introvert to another, thank you so much for reading and taking the time to connect with me!
xo
maryann Winslow says
You Go Girl!!! This blessed my ❤️ today!!!
Maija Jokinen says
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…
RENEE DAVIS says
Life changing for me, for sure, Maija. Thank you so much for reading and commenting! xo
Monica says
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.
RENEE DAVIS says
Monica, I absolutely love that–“out of the boat experiences”. Definitely one of those! Thank you for reading and connecting with me! xo
Lynn D. Morrissey says
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
RENEE DAVIS says
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
Bev @ Walking Well With God says
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
Barbara Kennedy says
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
RENEE DAVIS says
Barbara,
Thank you for reading. I’m so glad the story encouraged you. xo
RENEE DAVIS says
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
Vickie G. Lynch says
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 ✝️
L says
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.
RENEE DAVIS says
L,
Thank you so much for stopping by and reading my story today! xo
RENEE DAVIS says
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
Beth says
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
MaryMargaret says
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!
Bev @ Walking Well With God says
Beth,
It’s so easy to ignore those urgings and nudgings from God….thank you for sharing the blessings that can happen when we risk seeming “weird” and just follow through!!
Blessings,
Bev xx
RENEE DAVIS says
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
Beth says
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
Ann says
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.
RENEE DAVIS says
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
MaryMargaret says
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!
Beth says
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!
RENEE DAVIS says
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
Brenda says
♥ ♥
RENEE DAVIS says
Thank you for reading, Brenda. xo
Kim Waguespack says
Renee,
Amen, Amen, Amen!
Thank you for sharing.
RENEE DAVIS says
Kim,
Thank you so very much for taking time to read and comment. xo
Mia says
Simply beautiful…THANK YOU! ❤️
RENEE DAVIS says
Mia,
Thank you so much. To God be the glory! xo
Penny says
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
RENEE DAVIS says
Penny,
Thank you so much for reading and for letting me know that the story deeply touched you. PTL
xo
Lydia says
Thank you for that inspiration. We all need to reach out past ourselves and selfish stances. God bless you child of the Living King!
RENEE DAVIS says
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
Becky L says
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!
RENEE DAVIS says
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
karenshorey1@gmail.com says
karenshorey1@gmail.com
Thks Renee for that wonderful thought urging msg. I know i try to escape when the opportunity to witness comes along too. Please pray that I become a bold soldier for God.
RENEE DAVIS says
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
Nancy Gladwin says
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.
RENEE DAVIS says
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
Tammy Carlson says
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.
RENEE DAVIS says
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
Tara Altay says
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.
RENEE DAVIS says
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
Leslie says
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.
RENEE DAVIS says
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
Joan says
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.
RENEE DAVIS says
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
Julie says
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.
RENEE DAVIS says
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
Rebecca L Jones says
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
RENEE DAVIS says
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
cindy says
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!
RENEE DAVIS says
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
Beth Williams says
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 🙂
RENEE DAVIS says
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
Kim says
Wow – that was amazing! I, too, am an introvert – to extremes, but your blog today spoke right to my heart. Thank you!
RENEE DAVIS says
Kim, I’m so glad that this piece spoke to your heart. PTL
Thank you so much for reading and for taking time to connect with me.
xo
Nancy Ruegg says
“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!”
RENEE DAVIS says
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
Renee Swope says
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.
RENEE DAVIS says
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
Christie says
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!
RENEE DAVIS says
Thank you so very much, Christie, for your kind words. So nice of you to read and comment. xo