Meet the Unforgettable Lorraine

"It's broke! What am I going to do now! He threw me out onto the street!' Her voice echoed loudly throughout the store. We stopped in our tracks to see what was happening. Every person in the surrounding aisles were also staring. I looked at my husband and said, "Go help her." "Look, the manager already is," he replied in relief.

The store manager had finally made his way toward her. "Can you fix it? That stupid man broke it!" She continued to yell. Her voice defied her appearance. She was frail, gray haired and leaning on her walker...reaching toward a strap that was flapping on the ground. The manager calmly bent down to put it into place only to flinch as she screamed in his ear, "That's not right…it doesn't go like that! What's the matter with you...are you stupid?" We continued to watch as he tried to help her, only to be met with anger and ridicule. 

Everyone went back to their shopping, satisfying their curiosity with the obvious conclusion that she was crazy. But I was transfixed, my heart was being pulled to do something to help her. We got in line to pay. The store manager quickly got on the phone as she yelled to him, "Make sure you get one that takes credit cards so they don't throw me out onto the street again!" She sat down, sharing a bench with an over-sized stuffed bear, leaning her head on it in exhaustion as she waited.

I asked my husband to go give her cash for the cab. He said, "I don't have any." I was trying to get him to meet her need when the Lord had clearly put her on my heart and was prompting me to act. The people in line were laughing at her and said to the manager,"We'll go throw her out of the store for you."

I cautiously made my way to where she sat and quietly asked, "Are you okay?" "NO I'M NOT OKAY!" she screamed. Then continued on loudly…"I'm 88 years old, and was recently released from the hospital. I'm being kept alive by fusions." She then began to scream at the top of her lungs again, "AND THAT IDIOT CAB DRIVER THREW ME OUT BECAUSE I DIDN'T HAVE CASH! HE BROKE MY WALKER TOO! Her eyes piercing with anger as she stared at me. Gulp. I wanted to pray with her but was afraid. I took a deep breathe and boldly said, "Can I pray for you?" She snapped, "Go ahead, but do it at home. God's forgotten about me, just like my kids and everyone else. My past three husbands all died. I'm alone!"

Just then my husband said, "Can we give you a ride?" Whew…I'm sure he took pity on not only her but me too. She seemed surprised and said yes. She began to angrily yell about the cab driver again. We loaded her into the car while she shouted at my husband the whole time. She gave us directions…screaming at him as we drove, "That's not the right way! There's too much traffic that way! What are you stupid or something?" She continued to repeat the cab story. It was obvious she had Dementia or Alzheimer's.  

He patiently drove and as we approached her home, he prayed for her in the car...out loud...despite her request to pray to ourselves. After we prayed, she changed.  Immediately. She softened. She apologized saying, "I'm sorry, I'm not normally like this. I'm tired and need my medicine." I helped her as she struggled to get out of the car. She wearily said, "God has forgotten about me." 
I stopped, looking directly at her and said, "He hasn't forgotten you Lorraine. He prompted us to step in and help you tonight."

My husband said, "Can we come visit you Lorraine?" Her eyes lit up, "Oh, yes please!" She gave us her number as we walked her to the entrance of the senior citizen apartment complex. We hugged her. As we walked away, she smiled and waved shouting, "Don't forget about me!" 

Hope.

Jesus' love breaking through. An offer to the hopeless, heartbroken, lonely and sick. A simple offer and yet it was huge to her.

Jesus wants to use you every day. He puts opportunities directly in your path and asks you to share the gift that He so freely gave to you. Hope. Faith. Love. Forgiveness. Grace. Mercy. Let your actions shine through the darkness. Spend time in His Word and in Prayer. Allow His love to shine through you. BE AVAILABLE. Share love with those who are hard to love. Jesus in you, the hope of glory. 

 "To them God willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles: which is Christ in you, the hope of glory." Colossians 1:27

“But if you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? For even sinners love those who love them." Luke 6:32

Get Your Free Gasoline Today

story by: lisa petrarca

This past week I had an encounter with a homeless man. I was incredibly pressed for time, on a tight schedule with a mile long list of things to accomplish in a two hour time frame. An elderly man in his 80's, confined to a wheelchair, leather cracked lines road mapping his face, sat quietly in front of my first stop. As I approached his head was cast downward, the simple cardboard sign he held read, "Anything will help." He never looked up as several people walked into the store. He sat silently, as if he was ashamed to be sitting in front of the store asking others for help.

I made a mental note to be sure to buy him food. In my mad rush, I completely forgot. I was leery about giving him cash, not wanting to contribute to any addictions he may have, so I gave him nothing. I felt bad but headed out of the driveway & across the street to grab a quick bite to eat before my next errand. The pang of guilt/prompting of the Holy Spirit grew stronger as I walked up to order. I noticed a stack of food gift cards next to the register & decided to get him one.

I jumped in my car & rushed back to the store. He was still there. As I walked up to him he slowly raised his head, I said, "Here you go, get yourself something to eat." He softly said, "Thank you very much." I let him know that Jesus loved him & quickly headed onto my next list item.

This encounter probably wouldn't have happened the same way, had I not remembered to pray that morning, asking the Lord to fill me with His spirit. I asked that He use me to help others and bring things to my attention. I used prayer as my fuel, my gasoline and God directed me straight to a needy person. Without gas/fuel we wouldn't be able to start our cars, we'd be stuck. A day without prayer is exactly the same thing, we usually are left overwhelmed, anxious and worried, which leaves us unable to focus on the things God has for us that day.

If I hadn't remembered to pray, I know that my plans and schedule for the day would have taken precedence over going out of my way to help someone in need. You see, I allowed God to "Fill up my tank." I specifically asked to be filled with the love of Christ. He responded by taking me straight to someone in need. On my own, I don't always notice things. My schedule is full, my days are exhausting and I wouldn't have the time or desire to meet the needs of strangers. I'm barely able to meet all the needs of my family.

But with God filling me up in the morning, He helps me see the things that He sees. He lifts me up, fills me up and guides my way. Showing me HIS direction for my day! Be sure to gas up today, It's Free and you have a long, busy day in front of you. Don't forget to pray!

But just as you excel in everything-in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in your love for us-see that you also excel in this grace of giving.
2 Corinthians 8:7

Out of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability.
2 Corinthians 8:2-3

Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. As it is written: "He has scattered abroad his gifts to the poor; his righteousness endures forever."
2 Corinthians 9:6-9