Say The Words Mama!

Today I am reflecting on our small group discussion from yesterday.  Little ones leading big ones.  It seems to happen so often when we remove ourselves ~ when we let go of the reins.  A very young soul sharing cookies with a neighbor, simply act of kindness, yes.  But God at work to unite two families, YES.  A connection that brought one woman, recovering from cancer to another.  All through the leadership of the youngest member.  Cookies, whispers of God's voice and willingness.

A very late night in a swamped ER, middle of downtown, young child, Katie, says "Hi Ma'am.  How are you?" Me, the mom, cringes.  (That woman is homeless and she looks very ill; maybe Hepatitis or something...better not get too close.  Katie please stop talking to her.) "Shh Katie, she is very sick and cannot look up, please don't disturb her."  (well meaning but my heart was a bit fearful of the situation)

Still waiting.  Katie speaks up again.  "Ma'am, Ma'am.  Are you sick?"  The lady moved a little but couldn't look up.  I looked down at my lap hoping we wouldn't make eye contact.  Katie said, "Ma'am can we pray for you?  Jesus loves you."  Inside I am feeling nervous and a bit aggravated.  The lady nodded to Katie's response.  I rolled my eyes.  "MAMA! Say the words for the lady."  Katie said loudly.  I quietly said, "Ma'am we will pray for you."

A minute passed.  Katie said again with arms waving back/forth, "Mama b  say the words now."  A stopped as a deer in headlights.  A decision to be made.  The woman tilted her body toward me.  Katie starring me down, waiting on the prayer.  I was embarrassed inside myself.  You mean I could take her request to my church, pray later for her needs BUT couldn't utter a word aloud.

I bowed my head in the dark ER waiting room.  It's not that anyone else heard me.  It was reaching out to the "least of these" on the spot.  I prayed a simple prayer and thanked God for Katie's leadership and ministry.

Katie's eyes don't work like ours.  She's cortically visually impaired.  Yet she sees into many souls.  That night, see could see 20/20 and I was blinded by pride.  My whisper became a request from a child.
"Say the words now Mama b!"

Stop this week and listen...quiet your planned activities and hear the smallest of voices.  It may be a blessing to be HIS hands/feet to the least of these.  I promise it will change our vision forever.