Devotional: Applying the Bible to my today.
Read: Luke 1:26-38
For me, one of the most amazing stories in the Bible is when the angel comes to tell Mary she will become the mother of Jesus - Son of God. After gaining some clarification, Mary said, "... may it be done to me according to your word." Could she fully grasp at that moment all that being the mother of God's son would entail? I do believe she knew it was going to change her life forever - and it wouldn't be easy.
It can be difficult to step into a role knowing it will be time-consuming and may require more of our heart than we feel capable of giving. Today, I share a story about a person in my life that was ready to accept that role, and it has, in turn, encouraged me deeply in my faith walk with God over and over again. That person is Pam.
On December 21, 2011 - many of you know my story... Being very pregnant, I awoke early knowing something wasn't right with the baby. I had some Bible and prayer time before waking my husband. He had just started a new job, so we decided that he would go to work, and I would go to the doctor and call him with any update.
In the back of my mind, I knew this was not a visit to the doctor's office I should take alone. So, at 6:30 am - I called my friend Pam.
"Hello," Pam said.
"Good morning... I'm so sorry to call you this early. Were you still sleeping? I didn't want to wake you," I said, feeling guilty.
"Actually, sweetheart - I think I was sitting here waiting for you to call."
She was waiting for my call? I later learned Pam had also woken early that morning and felt compelled to read James 1 which is filled with stories of withstanding hardship and trials. I don't think Pam knew exactly who was going to call but that someone was in need; therefore, she had been spending her morning doing just as the Lord had asked so that she would be prepared for the difficult day ahead.
Pam did, in fact, go with me to the hospital. She looked at the same ultrasound of Elliot's lifeless body as I did. She called my husband after we received news that Elliot died. She did not leave our side all day long.
Elliot was born just after 10 pm that night. She joined us in the room as we held him (along with a few other friends), and she adored him... not his body, but the boy that God had created and had so graciously taken home.
This was not the first nor the last time Pam has invested so much into us. Her love for the Lord is so contagious. We have celebrated much together and we have grieved much together, and her sincerity always shines through.
God used Pam (and she allowed Him) to play a vital role in learning to forgive my abuser - which was a turning point for every aspect of my life. I was allowing that man to still control so much of my life because of my bitterness and by trying to hide the pain by a variety of other unsuccessful avenues. This was not an easy role for Pam because I had such a hard heart. When I needed someone to be firm with me, she would do it. When I needed reassurance she would do it.
I could continue on with the many things we've done together... she was in the room with us when my oldest son was born; we've served and grown so closely together in ministry the last 11 years. She and her amazingly awesome husband Bud mentored us through our time of engagement and in our early years of marriage - which helped me to learn what it really means to honor Ron.
Best of all - Pam has not always been perfect in her role. Like Mary, Pam is just a woman. She has physical and emotional limits - which means that I cannot fully rely on her to meet all my needs. Her love for the Lord and her inability always points me back to my one true Healer, Jesus Christ.
I can't imagine a better friend and mentor.
As we near the anniversary of our sweet Elliot entering the gates of Heaven - I celebrate one of the many ways God made Himself present to me during my grief - He woke Pam up early that morning and prepared her for my phone call - and, thankfully, she accepted His prompting.
Who is making a difference in your journey? If there seems to be nobody - pray for there to be someone. Love that person. Cherish that person.
To whom are you called to care for today? You don't have to be perfect, and you shouldn't be their "everything". Just be ready to point them to Jesus... always.
Dear Pam:
I don't think words can express my deep gratitude for all your love through the years. Thank you for challenging me, teaching me, being an example... and, most of all, for not being perfect. You and Bud are truly precious to me, and you have had a tremendous impact on me and our family. I love you.
-Halee
My grandmother was my mentor. She never gave advice but I’ve never forgotten her kind nonjudging heart and the extra attention she gave because I felt so unloved. She’s been with Jesus for years. I’ve prayed almost as long for a mentor, someone with whom I can talk face to face. It’s never happened. But your words make me wonder if I should be praying instead to be a mentor. Thanks for this special heartwarming post.
Oh, Dianne, this is such beautiful insight. My friend Pam also had a mentor named Helen. As Helen aged, Pam decided she too could be a “Helen” to others. In fact, when Helen passed, Pam gave me a cherished bear she had that was from Helen. It was then I decided I wanted to learn to pass the baton Pam had given me to others. I now mentoring other young women, and it is absolutely wonderful. It keeps me young(er), and I’m so grateful for the role these young women play in my life.
Father God, thank You so much for the beautiful influence and love Dianne shared with her grandmother. What a wonderful gift! I pray, God, that not only will you bring a trusted mentor and friend into Dianne’s life but that You will bring a young woman into Dianne’s life with which she can pour Your love into her. Can I ask something a little demanding of You, God? Can you make it simple? Simple – meaning that the woman will live nearby and has a schedule that matches the times Dianne has available. Make it simple so that their energy can be spent developing trust and friendship rather than just trying to determine how to get together. Thank You, God, for hearing our prayers, and thank You for stirring Dianne’s heart for the things that stir Yours! In Jesus’ name, Amen!