WHAT IS THE “BEHIND THE SCENES” LINK UP?
Social media and online relationships can make us feel like everyone else has it all together. We’re edited, proof-read, Pinterest-perfect versions of ourselves (or so some might think!) when – in reality? There is an unfinished pile of laundry around the corner. That cute toddler smiling for the camera just had a massive meltdown seconds ago. That yummy breakfast-for-dinner you just showed us on Instagram? It’s because the cat licked the chicken that was supposed to be for dinner. The Story
The cardboard sign caught my eye as we went through the intersection. “Please help. I’m out of size 2 diapers for my baby.”
My breath caught in my throat and I slid a sideways glance at my husband. If we were going to do something, we both needed to feel the call. It’s just how it works for us – he balances my impulses and I encourage him to be more spontaneous. He’s the saver, I’m the spender. He’s the analyzer, I’m the doer. He’s the skeptic, I’m the romantic.
We turned into the parking lot of the shopping center, our original goal to grab a few good deals on outfits I could take to Allume. Instead, he pulled in front of Target. “You have your wallet?”
“Yep.”
“Go get what you need, I’ll be over here.”
It took less than 10 minutes and less than $15 and we were making another loop, rushing to hand the box out the car window to a stunned “holy cow” before the light turned green. I don’t know why I shook afterward, why the lump in my throat was so high, tears right on the edge. I had signed up earlier in the day for the IF Gathering (the local one, since another trip next year is out of the budget) and it was as though God was saying to me “this is your answer.”
If God is real – then how could I ignore a father on the street trying to help his family?
If God is real – then why wouldn’t I sacrifice a little time and even less money to help His children?
If God is real – how can I ignore the call to serve where I can, even if it’s not much?
I don’t know if the story the man told on his sign was true. I don’t know if he wanted money more than diapers, or if he planned to return them to the store for something else. I’m not sure it matters. What I knew was a deep pull on my heart to obey. One that I find easy to ignore some days. But today? We answered the call.
Yes, thanks, Crystal. The post I created is under close scrutiny and grammatical corrections by my husband. He feels I could do better… So, it’ll be corrected later.
Hey Kimberly! Nope, there’s no prompt (but that’s super fun that you did it that way!). Each week I just find a photo and tell the story behind it. You can choose a recent photo, a “throwback,” anything that has an extra story around the edges that you can share 🙂 Does that help?
I think I’m confused about how this all works. Crystal, is your post the prompt I use to create my post? Like your post today is [The Call]. Do I use [The Call] to create my story too? Because, that’s how I did it. I love your post today by the way.
So beautiful. Being the hands and feet of Jesus in the simplest of ways. <3
Awesome. I often rationalize my non-action with questioning the intention of the one in need, but he put a specific need out there and you met it. You took it at face value, and you were Jesus to him whether he needed the darn diapers or not. God be glorified…
So glad you linked up Jennifer! And thank you for your sweet words 🙂
I love that you said, “What I knew was a deep pull on my heart to obey.” Through every high and low in my life I’ve learned it is all about obedience and staying in tune with the heart of God. Your story today is very touching!