When God Shows Up...

I wanted to share one of those "God-moments" that I shared with my husband this morning…forgive me Pastor, but Bryan's message came through during your message this morning and it seemed to be so appropriate to what you were teaching…Bryan shared about a fellow inmate that he has known his whole time at Elkton. This man has lost "everything" on the outside because of his sin. His wife filed for divorce last year and it hit him so hard. He has been very bitter and Bryan often would simply avoid conversations with him because when Bryan speaks to Russ, the bitterness could at times be over-powering.

This morning, Bryan felt led to go to Sunday morning breakfast (not a routine he generally partakes of) and was able to sit with Russ. Russ shared some news that his ex-wife is now dating and is buying a house with her new beau. This caused Russ to be very depressed. As Bryan spoke with him, he gave him words of comfort and encouragement. Russ didn't seem to engage much and left in a state of emotionlessness. Russ and Bryan attended the Catholic Mass and then walked back to their cell-block together. Russ turned to Bryan and said, "It is not the words you speak but your SPIRIT that comforts me." Bryan was blown away by this and thanked God for His ability to use Bryan in the midst of this situation.

The prison atmosphere can make even the strongest Christ-follower doubt their purpose and usefulness at times. It is these "small" things that God brings into Bryan's life, that restore his sense of purpose and encourages him. We all know the SPIRIT that is seen in Bryan comes from the HOLY SPIRIT. Praise God for working in his humble servant!

Now on to a less "serious" topic.

Just a little "funny" that Bryan shared with me this week:

Bryan got his hair cut to a very short crew cut this week and wore his baseball cap to watch one of the tournament baseball games in the prison. The wind was blowing pretty hard and his hat was a bit loose, so he set it beside him on the bleachers. It appears someone felt they needed his hat more than he did and it disappeared!! He said, "I guess there are some REAL criminals here in prison…who would have thunk?"

Now he has a sunburn on his bald spot! Poor baby.

Jeannie