Sunday we wrapped up our Hope Now series at Cross Point. I think the most significant moment in this series for me was hearing from Shelia.
Let me give you a little background… most people at Cross Point know Sheila. In fact many of us have seen her crawl out of a stranger’s car in a nearby parking lot after “turning a trick.” And we all knew she “turned tricks” to support her drug and alcohol addiction…. in fact Sheila would ask you for money and tell you it was for booze.
I’m gonna be painfully honest for a second… I never believed Sheila would change. I didn’t look at her and see anything “hopeful” about her situation. I was kind to her when I ran into her… but I definitely didn’t invest I just smiled and kept on walking.
That’s why watching this video pushes me to tears… it convicts me and at the same time brings me great joy. Luckily our Missions Pastor at Cross Point did invest in Sheila… and by invest I mean he just talked to her. He didn’t beat her over the head with a Bible, he didn’t hound her about attending church, and he didn’t push any Christian expectations on her. He just talked… and listened… and through him God changed Sheila’s life.
Now when you visit Cross Point on Thursdays Sheila’s in the cafe folding programs. She finds her value in Christ, she spends extra time serving. I’m sure she still struggles… but her battle’s been fought and her salvation is secure in Christ.
I’ve shared enough… now listen to what Sheila has to say and please hold on to the last 30 seconds, those are the ones that pushed my from hanging on the edge of my eyelashes to flowing down my cheeks.
Who do you need to invest in?
That really touched my heart. And made me think … would I have taken the time to just talk to her?? Thank you so much for sharing that. I am thankful. Thankful I will spend eternity with Sheila and thankful that you (and she) shared her story.
By: Sue S on May 26, 2009
at 11:28 am
Awesome video! You know how much I love to see Jesus come in and perform complete life change! Love that you guys reach out to the hurting and the broken! Thanks for sharing.
By: Lori Wilhite on May 26, 2009
at 12:17 pm
This reminds me of a guy I went to high school with. I graduated from a class of 50 people, so everyone knew everyone. Phil was a bit of an outsider, but a nice guy… just not in the “in crowd.” I was never mean to him, but I never tried to include him either.
When we were in college, Phil committed suicide. Since that day all I’ve been able to think about from the experience is that it’s not enough that I wasn’t mean. It’s not enough to just be “nice enough.” If I’m not giving my full self, then I’m not helping.
It wasn’t enough to just not be mean. I needed to be kind.
By: gitz on May 26, 2009
at 12:51 pm
@gitz you’re so right… sometimes we think it’s okay to just ignore rather than be unkind… but never take the step to actually be kind. i allow myself to think i’m being kind by just not being mean which isn’t enough!
By: brandiandboys on May 26, 2009
at 1:14 pm
Thank you so much for sharing that Brandi. I wish everyone could see that and realize that it just takes one person reaching out to another to change someone’s life. AMAZING!
By: Jenn on May 26, 2009
at 2:36 pm
I saw this on your husband’s blog and OH MY. The fact that one person just accepted her, again and again, gave her hope that Jesus could do the same. What a witness to the power of God’s unending love. It was difficult for me to watch, though, because I knew I would never have given her that acceptance. Still such a work in progress, I am.
By: pendy on May 26, 2009
at 4:09 pm
Beautiful! What a good reminder too! I could probably use the reminder to “listen” and not “preach” in situations like that. Thanks for sharing! God bless,
By: Emily on May 26, 2009
at 4:13 pm
oh, I hate that we were out of town last week and missed this one. What a sweet story. God bless Ryan. His heart is amazing.
By: Eliza Montgomery on May 26, 2009
at 9:50 pm
This is why I love Crosspoint so much ! everyone is welcome everyone …must admit as much as I hate to say this I am having trouble with my sister continued trouble. To the point I want to give up on her. As I watched Shelia I found myself thinking this is going to be my sister in 30 years and crying ,but no matter how hard I try she never seems to change and her life is spinning more and more out of control. When we last spoke I told her all I could do is pray for her and hope that God would put a Ryan in her path, thank goodness for God’s grace.
By: lisapbjcreations on May 26, 2009
at 11:29 pm
Wow what a reminder…. dont judge but just show love, HIS love. I am thankful for Sheila’s story for it reminds me to keep investing and never think someone is unreachable. Thanks Brandi
By: Ginger on May 27, 2009
at 6:02 am
I love this Brandi. I’m guilty of giving up on someone in my family. God just this moment opened my eyes to this, I hadn’t thought of it before. Thank you…
By: Robin on May 27, 2009
at 6:20 am
wow. i don’t have any words after watching that.
By: Linnae Hoppe on May 27, 2009
at 8:20 am
Thanks so much for sharing this with your readers. What an awesome testimony and a reminder we have to get passed what we ’see’ and move to get ‘inside’. And yes, invest! This is the main reason I cling to Matthew 21:22, knowing I have to believe in what I pray for in order for HIM to ‘in His time’ answer those prayers, for all loved ones and even strangers to be saved by Him. Oh how I want their hearts to be opened and allow Him to reveal what He can do to change their lives…bless you and your Church today and always,
Kaye
Matthew 21:22
By: Kaye on May 27, 2009
at 8:43 am
Thank you so much for sharing this Brandi. I speaks volumes about judging before even getting to know someone’s story. What an incredible testimate Sheila’s life is!
By: Krislyn on May 27, 2009
at 1:36 pm
Very moving. A wonderful story of God’s grace.
By: Patty V. on May 27, 2009
at 9:17 pm
Such a touching story. Thanks so much for sharing!
By: Tina on May 29, 2009
at 8:07 am
Yup, I heart Sheila!!
By: kristiapplesauce on May 30, 2009
at 1:48 pm
I just got around to watching this and wow! What an amazing story! God’s grace and mercy overwhelm me. It’s a great reminder too that sometimes what someone needs is someone to truly listen to them – really, really listen. And, I love what gitz said – be kind. It’s so simple, yet so difficult to do sometimes. Thanks for sharing this.
By: Vanessa on June 5, 2009
at 8:40 am