Rose

On Friday night Corey and I were on our way home from the movies when we met a lovely lady named Rose. We had pulled over to help her change her flat tire. As Corey jacked up her car and proceeded to put a spare tire on, Rose continued to bless us and thank God for sending us to help her so late at night. She had such a sweet spirit about the whole ordeal, even though she was on her way home from a 14 hour shift at work. Rose moved here from Haiti about 20 years ago, and understanding her through her thick accent was not easy! Anyways, before we left Rose asked for my number and thanked us a million times more.

The next day, Saturday, my mom called with news that my grandmother{Lola} had been admitted to the ER on Friday when my grandpa found her unconscious on the floor. Apparently she had taken some medicines prescribed to her that overwhelmed her heart. The doctors were still unsure of what happened when my mom called me with the news. In the dark about the medical details, I silently began to stress out. I thought of all the most horrible things that could happen, but never stopped to think God is in control. I realized then that I hadn't had enough time with my grandmother, and all I could do was think about how much I loved her and her sweet spirit. For those of you who don't know her she's a tremendously happy lady...all the time every time. She lives by the philosophy that time is too short to be sad, angry, or grouchy. She LOVES to smile. =) As I hung up the phone, I knew baking would help ease my overthinking, so I headed to Wal Mart. Shopping and weaving through the masses of last minute Easter shoppers, I got a call. From none other than...Rose!

I answered my phone and we made pleasant small talk. At the end of our conversation, she asked me a question no stranger {or many Christian friends for that matter} in my entire life have ever bothered to ask me! "Before I hang up is there a prayer request you have for me? Is there anything I can pray about for you?" W O W. I told her about my grandma and she asked what her name was. Instead of hanging up and saying she would pray for me...she said, "Why don't we just go ahead and pray right now." Honestly, I was slightly reluctant. Chaos surrounded me as people nearly plowed me down with their carts. "Sure!" I said. I pulled over near the paper towels and cleaning supplies as Rose began to pray. She began by thanking the Lord for Corey and I and asking Him to bless us, then she continued with my grandmother.

She not only prayed for my grandma, but she literally cried out for God to heal her. She prayed for God to go to the hospital and ease her pain and to let her know that He is God. NEVER have I heard a more passionate and honest prayer. I would more than love to share it with you, but I can't recall her exact words, and to piece it together couldn't possibly do it justice. But she prayed with me on the phone for nearly 4 minutes. She cried. Then I cried. In the middle of Wal Mart. Next to the paper towels and cleaning supplies. Emotion hit me like a ton of bricks. GOD hit me like a ton of bricks. How many people have you come across that would pray with you and for you without even knowing you at all? How many people have you met that offered to pray...and actually did? How many people have you met that would pray with you on the phone...unashamed of judgement?

It's funny how God shows Himself in your life. Here, there, everywhere. He's always there...but we don't always see Him. I tend to forget how magnificent He is and how He blesses me every single moment of the day, and I fail to thank Him enough. Well I want to thank God for Rose. A woman who God has used to fill my spirit with His love and compassion. Rose has opened my eyes to the fact that yes, one person can make a difference, even if it's one person at a time. If that story doesn't renew your faith...I'm not quite sure what would. I do know it renewed mine. It showed me that no matter the circumstance, never be afraid to share your faith, or to share the joys of loving God. And if I weren't saved by grace already, her prayer would've led me to Jesus I tell ya. It MOVED me and definitely gave me more to think about this Easter.

"Indescribable, uncontainable,
You placed the stars in the sky and You know them by name.
You are amazing God.
All powerful, untameable,
Awestruck we fall to our knees as we humbly proclaim
You are amazing God
You are amazing God"

Thanks for reading,

Angela

PS: After the prayer I wiped my eyes and paid for all my goods. Put my groceries in my trunk. Then sat in my car and cried. How wonderful it is when the Lord God fills your soul. They were happy tears nonetheless, happy tears because I knew that God has a plan for everyone! Do you remember the song "He's got the whole world in His hands"? Well HE does...and Rose reminded me.

Oh, then I went home and baked a MEAN carrot cake. Honest to goodness deliciousness. Just ask Jon.