The Cab Ride

I arrived at the address and honked the horn.
After waiting a few minutes I walked to the door and knocked.
'Just a minute', answered a frail, elderly voice.
I could hear something being dragged across the floor..

After a long pause, the door opened.
A small woman in her 90's stood before me..
She was wearing a print dress and a pillbox hat with a veil pinned on it,

Like somebody out of a 1940's movie.
By her side was a small nylon suitcase.
The apartment looked as if no one had lived in it for years.
All the furniture was covered with sheets.
There were no clocks on the walls, no knickknacks or utensils on the counters.
In the corner was a cardboard box filled with photos and glassware.
'Would you carry my bag out to the car?' she said.
I took the suitcase to the cab, then returned to assist the woman.
She took my arm and we walked slowly toward the curb..
She kept thanking me for my kindness.
'It's nothing', I told her..
'I just try to treat my passengers the way I would want my mother treated'.
'Oh, you're such a good boy', she said.
When we got in the cab, she gave me an address and then asked,
'Could you drive through downtown?'
'It's not the shortest way,' I answered quickly..
, I don't mind,' she said.
I'm in no hurry.
I'm on my way to a hospice'.
I looked in the rear-view mirror.
Her eyes were glistening.
'I don't have any family left,' she continued in a soft voice..
'The doctor says I don't have very long.
'I quietly reached over and shut off the meter.
'What route would you like me to take?' I asked.
For the next two hours, we drove through the city.
She showed me the building where she had once worked as an elevator operator.
We drove through the neighborhood where she and her husband had lived

When they were newlyweds.
She had me pull up in front of a furniture warehouse that had once

Been a ballroom where she had gone dancing as a girl.
Sometimes she'd ask me to slow in front of a particular building or corner
And would sit staring into the darkness, saying nothing..
As the first hint of sun was creasing the horizon, she suddenly said,
'I'm tired. Let's go now'. I Drove in silence to the address she had given me.

It was a low building, like a small convalescent home,
With a driveway that passed under a portico.
Two orderlies came out to the cab as soon as we pulled up..
They were solicitous and intent, watching her every move.

They must have been expecting her.
I opened the trunk and took the small suitcase to the door.
The woman was already seated in a wheelchair.
'How much do I owe you?'
She asked, reaching into her purse.
'Nothing,' I said
'You have to make a living,' she answered.
'There are other passengers,' I responded.
Almost without thinking, I bent and gave her a hug.
She held onto me tightly.
'You gave an old woman a little moment of joy,' she said.
'Thank you..'

I squeezed her hand, and then walked into the dim morning light.
Behind me, a door shut. It was the sound of the closing of a life.

I didn't pick up any more passengers that shift.
I drove aimlessly lost in thought.
For the rest of that day, I could hardly talk.
What if that woman had gotten an angry driver,
Or one who was impatient to end his shift?
What if I had refused to take the run, or had honked once,
then driven away?
On a quick review,
I don't think that I have done anything more important in my life.
We're conditioned to think that our lives revolve around great moments.
But great moments often catch us unaware - beautifully
wrapped in what others may consider a small one.
PEOPLE MAY NOT REMEMBER EXACTLY
WHAT YOU DID, OR WHAT YOU SAID ~BUT~THEY WILL
ALWAYS REMEMBER HOW YOU MADE THEM FEEL.

Verse of the Day

Psalm 91:1-2 (NIV) "He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, 'He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.'"


Have you ever felt like you have taken the step God wanted you to take only to find yourself dangling in thin air with no safety net in sight? I have. I don't like it. I want to know what is just ahead and see what is around the next corner of life. It frightens me to take risks. I wonder if God will really be there and come through for me the way He says He will in the Bible. Can I really do what God is asking me to do? Will He be pleased by my seemingly insignificant step of faith? And what happens if I fall? Falling is painful and something I try to avoid whenever possible.

I have great news for you, girlfriend! God is near. His eyes are set on you and His heart delights in your very existence as His daughter. If you listen carefully, you just might hear Him applauding that one tiny step of faith you were willing to take as you walked straight through your fear. God is fully aware of where you are and what you need. Heaven is not in a panic. And when you fall, you can rest assured your Father will be there to hold you in His arms of love and strengthen you for every step of your journey.

Girlfriends in God!!!!
 
In his name,
Brandy

Battle!!!!

Okay, so I don't usually ask for things but could use your prayers right now. I have to face something that I have already delt with months ago. It's nothing Jesus can't handle and I totally trust that, but prayers in your corner always help right? :) My faith is so strong that I know God is in control of everything. And I know it could be a lot worse than it is so I am not one of those that will sit there and dwell in all of this. But I would truly appreciate you guys all be my prayer warrior right now. Thank you!

Jeremiah 29:11 I will never forget this verse.

In his name,
Brandy

Today's Truth

Isaiah 26:3-4 (ICB) "You, Lord, give true peace. You give peace to those who depend on you. You give peace to those who trust you. So, trust the Lord always. Trust the Lord because he is our Rock forever."

Let's Pray


Father, it seems that anxiety and doubt are constant companions right now. This valley seems so deep and so dark. By faith, I choose to trust You, my Shepherd. I am so tired, Father. Will You please carry me? I cannot see what is ahead. Will You please guide me? I am discouraged and ready to quit. Will You please be my strength? I love You and want to please You with my life. Empower me to be all You created me to be
 
-Girlfriends in God
 
In his name,
Brandy

Happy Sunday

So the question our Sunday School or "small group" teacher asked us this morning was, "Since God shows us Grace, should we show Grace to others"? And it seams like a simple question right? First time in this class, I spoke up because God put it on my heart to say something. I said of course, Our God shows us his Grace and Mercy by forgiving us so we must then do the same thing for others. We must forgive people because if we don't it keeps coming back in our life and not letting us set free to bless others through Christ. Forgiveness is hard when someone has really hurt you and broke your heart right? I agree, there was a time in my life that I hated someone, yes the word hate came up. I had to really be obedient in God's will and forgive this person and I told them that I hated them and had to pray really hard to show them Grace and forgiveness. It's like it set me free from holding onto that grudge.

In his Name,
Brandy

Happy Saturday!

Miracles happen every day. They are around us every where. They are in a smile from a friend, A kiss from someone special, The laughter of children, and so many more you just have to look! So enjoy life.

Miracles are all around us. We just have to see them. People take miracles in all different aspects. When I look at the beautiful things that God created, or just wake up in the morning, I see my miracle. God is in Control of everything and he can perform miracles. I try not to take each day for granted because we never know when we will be called home to Jesus. I have always said that I want to find something special about each day. The memories, the love that we have for people around us, or make a difference that particular day. Try to find your "miracle" for the day whatever it may be!

In his name,
Brandy

Thought for the day

Just as the shepherd meets every need of his sheep, God meets our every need. Just as sheep totally depend upon their shepherd's care, we would be wise to depend totally upon God. He is our Provider. He is our Source and He is all we need.


In his name,
Brandy