Blessings come in many forms; a newborn baby, a beautiful sunset, a word from the Lord… They can also come through the voice of someone who cares more about our well being than they do their own; a voice that speaks truth even if it hurts, and words of encouragement and grace when we don’t deserve it. This voice came into my life in the form of a dear woman whom I know as my “big sister,” mentor, “mom” and friend. Before any of these though, she was first my babysitter. At around 8 months old, I crawled behind her couch to a spot where the sun was shining in and fell sound asleep. Of course she panicked, and then quickly found me. She now says that ever since that day, she would never let me go; and for that I am abundantly grateful!
As a confused and struggling college student, I called my friend and asked her to study God’s Word with me. We met weekly for two years, learning, praying and crying together. She spoke hard truth to me when I was disobedient to God and then turned around and spoke blessings of hope over me as I headed out into the world. She walked with me through the joys of dating, marriage and having children, as well as the sorrows of painful life circumstances and the death of both of my parents. It brings me to tears as I think about the impact that this precious woman has had in my life. To say I am “blessed” seems trivial, and yet that is exactly what it is; blessed beyond measure.
As I think back on the years of blessings that I have received from this dear woman, the Scripture that comes to mind is Philippians 4:7-8: “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you.” Years ago, my friend spoke these words to me when I was struggling to forgive. She blessed me with the truth of Scripture. She reminded me over and over again of who I am as a child of God, of the blessings that he has bestowed on my life, and she exhorted me to live both in and out of those blessings. Blessings come in many forms. For me, some of the greatest blessings have come in the form of an honest friend.
Take a moment to reflect on who God has put in your life who has blessed you; both with encouragement and with hard truth. If no one comes to mind, then ask God for this precious gift. Likewise, are you blessing another person? If not, ask God to bring someone into your path. You too can be a blessing!
Lynette Fuson
Ministry Director