December 15, 2010, "Connecting Bridge"

Triumphant Victorious Reminders
Inspired by the Holy Spirit
Written by: Teresa Criswell

"Commit your works to the Lord and your thoughts will be established."
~Proverbs 16:3 ~

It was Monday and I was doing the normal thing; driving to the grocery store. I was planning on going to this particular store which I enjoy frequenting. However, this day I was convicted to commit even this 'to do' moment to Him. I prayed to the Lord to guide my steps and as I was driving I was led to go to a different store which I do not like to frequent because of the great lack in customer service. But as I looked back upon that irritation, for me to complain about not having a good customer service experience is truly not suffering. Perspective was put back into its proper place...I was reminded to have options to go anywhere while others experience true suffering was insulting to those who truly suffer; especially for the cause of Christ Jesus.

Hence, as I drove to this particular store, I prayed that God would utilize me. As I entered the store, I literally had a permanent smile, it was so awesome. As I started my grocery shopping; this is where the story I got to experience begins:

I was walking in the main aisle, getting ready to enter the chip aisle when I ran into Angelina. Angelina is a beautiful woman that I was honored to meet at my garage sale earlier this summer. In our introduction to one another, I found out that Angelina makes her own soaps, deoderants, etc. In the chip aisle we visited with one another, catching up with one another. Suddenly, as I turned, I saw another familiar face, Rebecca. Now Rebecca is a wonderful woman who was led by God to start Point of Hope Ministeries, a beautiful ministry that ministers to the homeless downtown. I was able to introduce the two ladies and as we visited some more, I realized as we talked to each other that Rebecca is by faith relying on the Lord's provision; especially for the financial resources to purchase more hygiene products to make hygiene kits. Upon finding this out from Rebecca,
Angelina said, "This is so amazing. I give 10% of whatever I make when I do a 'show' for my products. I have $30 and I asked the Lord today to show me who I needed to give the money to."
Angelina looked at Rebecca and said, "I know that God has shown me who it needs to go to...You."

With tears in Rebecca's eyes she was so grateful and was about to give Angelina her address in which she could have her mail her donation. This is when Angelina said, "No, if I don't do it now, I won't do it." She opened her checkbook and wrote a check to Angelina right there in the middle of the chip aisle. Yes, some may say, it's 'only' $30, but it is much more than the $30, it was one of those 'God Kiss' moments for Rebecca to show her that He is more than mindful of her. I was so amazed, we were in the 'chips' aisle, praying over Angelina's financial blessing that she was placing upon Rebecca, as we did so, the aisle was starting to become congested. As I saw all the people around us, it came to me as I wondered, "There are so many people in this aisle." After that wondering thought, it was as though I heard, "They are drawn to My presence."

Upon meeting between these two beautiful women, I believe God showed me that He allowed me to be the 'bridge' connecting these two women for His purpose. The significance of getting to be 'the bridge' is when the back of Rebecca's hoodie caught my attention, it read, "Bridge of Angels" I sit here shaking my head laughing. Our God is so awesome!

I am truly reminded to be in awe of God as He has eternally awesome intricate plans and purposes; even when we think the little parts of our life are insignificant; our God reveals that He wants us to experience His great significance every moment of the day, committing all we do to Him.