There are days in South Dallas where words to describe it are hard to come by.
Today is one such day.
My experience of the day was that God carried me. I had a radio interview this morning, which was terrifying (it was my first ever—also, not about South Dallas but about a Run benefiting adoption that my husband and I are co-chairing). From there, I went to a new, small Bible study my friend Jonathan from CitySquare has started. These beautiful people stood outside and we opened the Bible, a little rain sprinkled on top of us, and we read from John chapter 3..."[God] must become greater; I must become less." Another version says, "[God] must increase; I must decrease."
our beautiful little hodge-podge study
That is my story of today...it is one in which I was weak, tired, frail, busy, darting from place to place, filled with emotion from the lives I encountered. It is one in which God proved that he is the strong one, that my weakness is not a liability but rather, it is there that his power, his strength can rest.
How do we hold onto God? I believe it is he that holds onto us.
Haven't you felt it? Those days you cannot hold yourself up, but you make it through, and you even look back with joy realizing that something else, someone else was giving life to you...?
By the time I got to the Corner, I was so tired. I thought, "God, I don't have the energy today."
But as I walked over, crossed the 4 lanes of traffic, and saw the smiles on three men's faces as I walked up, I knew God would carry me. We shook hands, exchanged names, and so began the fantastic roller coaster ride that can be the Corner. It's a time where people's hearts and needs come flowing out, where people who perhaps aren't often heard get to be heard.
the women from our study. my friend Nancy (far left) came. anyone from anywhere is welcome!
One man, his hands shaking, pulled me aside. He nearly whispered, "Can I talk to you?"
"Of course," I replied.
We walked over by the big tree, away from the others, and he spoke quietly about a medical issue he has. I can't explain it to you, but it was like this man took out his heart and gave it to me on a platter. I could tell sharing that he was physically weak was incredibly hard for him to do.
As a matter of fact, I came to learn that he has dealt with this medical issue for years and hasn't seen a doctor. By the grace of God and the hands and feet of CitySquare, we are going to be able to get him the medical attention he needs.
Before he left for the shelter, we got close again, arms wrapped around each other, and I spoke quietly, "Thank you so much for telling me what was going on with you. I know it can be so scary when we don't understand what is happening with our bodies. You were so courageous to say something. I'm so glad you did."
Even if I never see this man again, a bond formed between us that will never be broken. What a big moment we shared on a little corner in South Dallas...
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Please please come with me anytime! Email me elisabeth19@gmail.com. Options are Bible study from 9-10:30 a.m. or Corner from 2-4 p.m. every Thursday.