Friday, June 14, 2013

Listen to what he says. {Graffiti Summer}

I am joining Lisa-Jo Baker and others for Five Minute Friday. Lisa-Jo provides us with a word prompt and we are to write for five minutes with "no extreme editing; no worrying about perfect grammar, font, or punctuation."

Today's word: Listen




Remember my homeless veteran friend, Bob? Oh, if you do not know about him, would you please take a moment to stop over here? I'm not sure why, but God has given me a soft heart towards Bob.

GO

He sits on a busy corner I happen to pass by every week day on my way home from work. I've seen him a few more times since the day when I finally stopped and crossed over the street to greet him. Since that day, I drive on by and ask God, "How do I really help Bob?" As I wait for God to respond, I feel not up to the task of crossing over to the other side of street again.

There he was again yesterday. It was a warm sunny day. I almost missed him as I got carried away singing along to a new song I've been listening to again and again.

"I'm longing for You, Lord
I need You to fill me more and more
I'm desperate for You, Jesus
Whatever You have to do
Make me more like You"
More Like You, by Kim Hill

God's voice came through over the song and He told me exactly what He wanted me to do. "Stop your car, Beth. Grab those McDonald's gift cards you've been waiting to bless someone with and make your way over to Bob. But this time I want you to really listen to what Bob has to say."

So off to the other side of the street I went to listen to what Bob had on his heart to say.

I listen as he tells me about his eight children and many, many grandchildren. He could live with any one of his children, but he manages to squeak on by on his own.

I listen to his words soften with a hint of sorrow when he mentions his autistic grandchild. He's been reading books on how to care for him as he may soon spend his days watching this grandchild of his.

I listen as he shares about his days in Vietnam. His voice gets a bit agitated over the men and women still fighting for this country. He wonders why.

I listen to him even closer when he opens his heart about ministering to children who gather in the area he calls home for now. Their mothers are addicted to drugs and oh how he hates to see these kids suffer.

I listen to him—I really listen—when he says he talks to Jesus every day. My heart breaks as I listen to him say, "Beth, He never responds."


Before we parted ways I told Bob, "Don't lose your faith, Bob. Keep talking. He is listening. And so am I."


STOP



To read more on my #GraffitiSummer journey, go here.

18 comments :

  1. Hi Beth,
    Linking for the first time from 5MF. What a blessing to see you and I wrote from the same tone today. What a warm reflection too of your heart (God-inspired) for Bob.
    Blessings ... Yes, HE is listening.

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    1. Happy to have you join us for the fabulous FMF!
      Blessings to you,
      Beth

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  2. Very cool listening experience. Everyone has a story if we would just stop and listen. We can be so blessed when we do! Thanks for visiting Inking the Heart. I am blessed to repay the visit! Love, Rachael

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    1. Thank you for stopping by here as well, Rachael. Hope your weekend was filled with many blessings.
      beth

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  3. This is beautiful. It is so heart breaking to know he says that God has never responded. I will be praying for him. We serve an amazing God and he does hear us!! Stopping by from LJB and 5MF.

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    1. Yes we do serve an amazing God...a God who is always listening.
      Thank you for stopping by Leigh Anne. I loved your FMF post!
      Blessings,
      Beth

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  4. Dear Beth
    Oh, Bob is so wrong thinking that God never responds to all our chatter. He listened to Bob through your ears. Sometimes we are so bogged down by life that our hearts are in such turmoil that we cannot hear His still, small voice! May we become still and know that He is God.
    Much love
    Mia

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    1. You always bless me with your comments Mia. Thank you!
      Much love,
      Beth

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  5. Beth,
    God bless you for listening, really listening! You were a testimony that if you, a human, could listen so attentively and care so can God!! Praying that your encounter will help restore Bob's faith that God really does listen and respond!!
    Love and ((hugs)), Bev

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  6. Wow Beth...you are doing what Jesus would've done. He's always wanting to listen and love. What a testimony that is! Thank you for being an example of Jesus and for sharing your story with everyone who reads this. Blessings to you Beth!

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    1. Beth,
      I'm so happy to connect again. I think I need to stop on over and follow your blog.
      Blessings,
      Beth

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  7. Blessed to read this on a quiet Saturday morning. Your actions here are a reflection of your listening - so encouraging. You've planted and watered seeds with Bob. Praying that you will see the fruit as well. Blessings to you, friend!

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  8. Love the way you tied FMF with Graffiti, Beth. May He richly bless your obedience!

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    1. Thank you so much, Susan. Happy Monday!
      Blessings,
      Beth

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  9. You always inspire!!! I can just see Bob -- you and he melt my heart.

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Much love to you.