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Prayers from the Grocery Store

(from everydayfamily.com)


I don't think I'll forget them. . . at least not for a while.

After going grocery shopping with my brother, I was leaving the parking lot and right before I got all of the way out, I saw her.

A frail young woman- holding a baby. She also had a cardboard sign. I was skeptical for second but I decided to read it. It said something to the effect of "PLEASE HELP! I have a baby but no job or food." My heartstrings were most definitely tugged.

Note: My family will tell you- I'm the type of person that sincerely wishes I could help everyone.  I remember trying to look after a cat that would hang around my house when I was in middle school. . .

While, I know that people are good for running scams, I honestly could feel that this was not one.

So, I asked her if she wanted to come into the store with me and pick out some items. She nodded, so I parked again. My groceries (and brother) waited in the car while I shopped with "Miss V" and "Baby A." I told her that I didn't have a lot of money but I would help however I could. I especially wanted to get items for the baby.

I grabbed a cart and we started walking, talking, and picking out things that her family could use. Grapes, blackberries, plums, lunchmeat, bread, and fried chicken were just some of her selections. With each item she picked, Miss V would look at me and ask, "Is this okay?" I tried my best not to cry. "Yes," I'd tell her. I took her to the baby section and we got diapers, baby wipes, powder, and food. (The majority of the money was spent on her- the precious and adorable Baby A, who will also be a big sister in a few months.)

Miss V told me that she and her family had just arrived in the country a few weeks ago. She and her husband were struggling to find jobs, so sometimes they slept in their car. If they were able to get money, they paid for room at a motel and Miss V would help clean.

It just blew my mind.

She kept thanking me as we placed products in the cart but after we paid and walked out, she was very vocal and even more full of gratitude! *That's what struck me the most!*

"Thank you so much!" she said. "God bless you!" "I['ll] pray for you and your family!"

"What?!" "I appreciate that but I'll pray for you! I really hope things improve for you all!" I told her. I knew she didn't have regular access to a phone but I gave her my number anyway.

It's been days and I am still thinking about and praying for Miss V and Baby A. I never asked her age but I'm convinced that this girl was younger than me. And Baby A has no idea what's going on around her. . . I sincerely pray that God opens doors for their family.

It's something. That morning, my father/pastor was talking about reflecting God's love and being concerned about those who are less fortunate.  Everybody knows that I don't have money to throw away. Even now, I don't feel that I did. I'm grateful that I was there and simply had a desire to be a blessing to someone else.

I want to encourage you to think of others before yourself. Make yourself available for God's use. Of course, use discernment but be open to letting God direct your path. Who knows how you'll be able to bless others, and actually find yourself BLESSED too!

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