You know how every once in awhile you get to spend a little unexpected but much-needed one-on-one time with a friend? Well, I was lucky enough to have that happen to me last week. I was catching up on everything with a sweet friend and she mentioned to me that her mother was going through a hard time right now and really struggling with making ends meet financially; specifically in the area of gas money. She's going back to school and has to commute so the miles add up. I completely identify with her in the commute situation bc I have one of my own three days a week and I understand how fast that adds up. Now, the cool thing is my friend was very aware of GBTG but I don't think it ever even occurred to her that her mother was a great candidate for GBTG. It was all I could think of the whole time she told me her mother's situation. I had refrained for someone reason (now I know why) in using much of GBTG's funds but I just hadn't felt led to use the money that I was so graciously donated by an anonymous follower of the blog. It was so cool to listen to her concerns for her mom and knowing that at the end of the story, I was going to be able to give her something that would be a direct help!
Anyways, GBTG was able to give her mom a good chunk of money to help her on gas. This is where the story REALLY gets crazy. I was able to follow up with my friend yesterday and she told me of her mom's reaction to the news. She said that the night we met and I was able to give her the $, she told her mom and her mom remained completely silent on the phone throughout the explanation. At the end of it, she could only say how crazy this was and how she couldn't believe the timing. Apparently, she herself is involved in a self-created ministry serving widows all over her town. Unfortunately, the ministry involved a lot of driving to these widows and that requires money for gas. She had almost passed up the opportunity that night to go minister to these people because of concerns over where her next gas money would come from but she was faithful and trusted God would take care of her. A few hours later, post-serving, she received a call from her daughter saying an organization wanted to donate $ to her specifically for gas.
Well, if that doesn't give you chills and make you want to sing "How Great Thou Art" then I don't know what does! It has been reminded to me over and over again that God's timing is not our timing and that when his people are being faithful and trusting in Him that he takes care of us. This is not to say that if you are faithful to God, people will randomly and freely offer you money and tangible gifts but he will answer our needs accordingly to his perfect plan.
So many things are left up in the air as "coincidence" but this is just one of those sweet times that one can not do anything except be humbled by "the greatness of our God."
I am so thankful for the opportunities so far that GBTG has brought across my path and continue to look forward to my next encounter(s) with others. I am SO grateful for those of you who have reached out to me AND reached into your pockets to support what GBTG is trying to do in Nashville. Your selfless giving does not go unrewarded. You have no idea what you are doing in these people's lives and I wish all of you could be with me to see the looks on their faces when they find out what they've been blessed with. You can do this too and if you're reading this blog and thinking about something you've always wanted to start but didn't know how, JUST START. There's no right or wrong way. I have no clue what I'm doing but I'm taking it day by day and letting the Lord lead me however he wants to.
Peace out brothas and sistas :)
Em
