Be the Blessing

by Paula Mowery

  She paused and nodded, sticking the card into her jeans pocket.

  I let out a breath, hoping I had said something to stir her heart toward God. I sat back against the chair. If I hadn’t been required to come here for radiation, I would’ve never had this opportunity. Conrad’s words returned to me. How true that a situation may seem devoid of good but truly the potential was all around. Oh, how I wanted to bless Julie with an awareness of God’s love and presence.

  I still found myself doubting my ability to be a true witness and especially a mouthpiece for God. But, in this situation who else was there? Julie obviously gave me some attention because I too was going through cancer treatments. I had more of a voice into her life than someone who was not traveling a similar road. No matter how doubtful I was about my ability to share Christ with Julie, I had to try.

  10

  Sometimes I still experienced the empty nest feeling, missing my only daughter, so that afternoon when the phone rang I was excited to see it was Elianna. I grabbed the receiver and rushed to my glider rocker.

  “Hey, honey, I’m so glad you’re calling. How are you and that hubby of yours?” I stretched my legs out on the couch.

  “We’re good.” Her tone sounded low.

  “I’m not convinced.”

  “It’s just … Mom, I wonder if I’m truly doing something of worth for God. I want to. And, I want to complement and support Brad in ministry.” She sighed. “I wish I could know and be bold like you.”

  I smiled and thought back to the process God had brought me through. “Honey, you know I haven’t always been bold. I had to pray and trust God to lead me. When He answered my prayer, then I had to battle to leave my comfort zone. I’ll pray He’ll show you exactly what He wants you to do.”

  “Thanks, Mom.”

  I meandered back into the family room and plopped onto the couch.

  “Everything OK?” Griffey flipped through the TV channels and sighed. “There’s nothing worth watching.”

  “Yeah Elianna just needed to talk a minute.” I ran my hand over the book on the couch beside me. “Hon, I never told you I heard the nudging whisper when I was diagnosed.”

  He aimed the remote and punched the power button causing the TV screen to go black. He angled his body my way. “Really? You mean telling you to help others?”

  I nodded. “Yeah. I was a little perturbed at first. I mean, I was the one with the breast cancer— someone should bless me. But, even through this, I know God has used me. Like with Penny—I was able to encourage her because I’ve been there. But …”

  “But what?”

  “Well, I’ve met Carolyn Moore’s daughter at the radiation treatments. Her name’s Julie. Griffey, she’s so bitter toward God. She thinks she’s being punished, and her mother’s prayers are an obvious waste of time since she still struggles with cancer. I want to reach out to her, but she’s so resistant.”

  Griffey moved next to me on the couch and put his arm around my shoulders. “All you can do is your part. Julie has to decide for herself.”

  I sighed. “I know.” I laid my head on his chest. I was praying God would help me do my part to be what Julie needed.

  ****

  As I sat at my old oak desk the next morning reading further in the First Peter passage, it was as if I’d never read it at all. How could I have missed so much?

  “But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. Always be prepared to give an answer to everyone who asks you to give the reason for the hope that you have.”

  I meditated on those words. Even in this season of suffering, I was truly blessed. Only God could make that happen. He had given me the opportunity to share His hope with Julie. Lord, please let me be prepared to give that answer.

  I was still reading at my desk when the phone rang. “Hello?”

  “Addy?”

  “Yes, this is Addy.” I didn’t recognize the voice or the number. I was mentally trying to think through who this could be since she had called me by my first name.

  “This is Julie. Did I interrupt you?”

  My heart skipped a beat. “No, I’m glad you called.”

  “Is there any way we could meet for lunch?”

  “Sure. Where and when?” I grabbed a pen from the World’s Greatest Mom cup Elianna had given me when she was ten.

  “How about Jersey Girl? Do you know it?” Julie’s tone actually sounded somewhat upbeat.

  “Yes, I’ve been wanting to try it. How about 12:30?” I was having trouble forming words, trying to get past the shock of Julie calling me.

  “Perfect, I’ll see you there.”

  Staring at my phone for several minutes, I couldn’t believe she called. I should, God was working, but that was certainly a quick answer to my prayers. I immediately texted Griffey, asking him to pray for me.

  I arrived at the small restaurant before Julie. I requested the vacant booth in the back and moments after being seated, Julie entered. She spotted my waving hand and weaved her way past the many chattering patrons and plopped down across from me with a heavy sigh. She wore a pink cap with the breast cancer ribbon on it. Her face didn’t appear made of hard granite today. I was relieved at the softened expression.

  I glanced down at my open menu. “What do you suggest?”

  “If you like fish, the grouper sandwich is the best. Of course, I’ve never had anything here I didn’t like.” She dug around in her purse and pulled out a small pill case. Then, she glanced at the screen of her cell phone and laid it on the table with the case. She appeared relieved when the waitress appeared.

  We placed our orders, and our drinks were delivered. I sipped on my diet soda fiddling with the straw. Would I need to start conversation or would she? Julie folded her arms and propped them on the table.

  “I guess you’re wondering why I called?”

  I simply looked her in the eyes and smiled.

  She diverted her gaze from me to the table, straightening her napkin and silverware. “After my treatment, I went home and found the Bible my mom gave me a few years ago. I read until late.” She chuckled and met my gaze. “My mother had marked various verses.” She gnawed her bottom lip. “Most of them said exactly what you said—that God loves me.”

  “So, do you believe it? Do you believe He loves you?”

  “I want to.” Her expression was one of desperation. “I’m ashamed to say that I learned to tune my mother’s preaching to me completely out.”

  “Well, let’s start simple. Julie, do you believe that Jesus is the Son of God who died for you?”

  “Yes.” Her voice was filled with emotion.

  “You simply admit you’re a sinner, ask for His forgiveness, and then ask Him to come into your life as leader and boss.”

  A tear rolled down her cheek. She bowed her head and prayed. Tears now flowed from her eyes.

  And I cried with her. I didn’t even try to stop.

  When she finally looked up, something was different in her face, her demeanor. She smiled a lopsided smile through the tears. The stone façade had crumbled. Her eyes appeared more alive and devoid of anger.

  We were still wiping our eyes when the waitress arrived holding our plates and staring wide-eyed. She stepped forward setting our food on the table. “I’m sorry. I can come back...”

  Julie waved her hand. “No problem. Everything’s OK now.” She dabbed at tears with her napkin and grinned at me.

  If I hadn’t been required to have radiation therapy...I couldn’t believe that at that moment I was actually thankful for my illness. Conrad was right. Some situations didn’t seem to contain blessing, but they did. God brought good from cancer. Amazing.

  As we ate our meal, we chatted like two old friends. Julie shared more about her cancer journey. She asked me about being a pastor’s wife and my cancer experience so far. We even found ourselves talking about her mother.

  I was still filled with joy at the end of the meal as I took her check. “I’ve got this.” I w
aved her ticket.

  “Thanks for meeting me.”

  “Thanks for calling me. I’m so happy for you. I think I know someone else that will be ecstatic.”

  She nodded. “My mom.” She grinned. “I’m gonna call her on my way home.” She sipped her soda. “I don’t know what she’ll pray about now.” She giggled.

  We rose and made our way to the small counter to pay. As we stepped outside onto the sidewalk, Julie touched my arm. I pulled her into an embrace. I stepped back. “I guess I’ll see ya at radiation therapy.”

  “And you’ll see me at church.”

  I nodded.

  I wanted to skip to my car but refrained lest someone think I’d totally lost my mind. But, I was skipping and dancing on the inside, thanking God for yet another miracle He let me experience.

  11

  With radiation therapy behind me and clear scans to encourage me, I ventured out for a walk. Everything looked brilliant even though the late fall had stolen much of the color.

  “His creation is inspiring no matter the season. Don’t you agree?”

  A warmth spread through me. “Conrad.”

  “Addy.” My name rolled across his tongue with kindness mixed in. “There’s another facet to your countenance. You look more like Him.”

  I brought my hands to my cheeks. “Do I?”

  “Yes, child. The more you continue in your job of blessing others, the more you’ll resemble Christ. You must continue to seek ways to be the blessing to others. For a short time you’ve had prompting, but now you must pray for God’s heart to be your heart. Ask Him to place on your heart what’s on His. Be His hands, His feet, His voice.”

  I wrung my hands. “I’ll try.”

  He laid his hands atop mine to still them. “He is with you always. Stay in the Word to hear His voice. Pay attention as His Spirit guides you.”

  I nodded, and we walked in silence back to my house. As usual Conrad was there one minute and gone the next. He was right, of course, I needed to pay attention to the Spirit.

  After showering, I dressed comfortably ready for a trip to the grocery store. It was time to do something for my husband. Poor Griffey had put up with eating whatever he could find during my treatments. I found I had little energy for my normal duties. As I collected my purse and keys and contemplated what goodies I could find for my husband. I began to feel Edna, my neighbor, needed me. I had met her five years ago when I was learning to encourage others. A long-time widow, she often needed help with one thing or another. I jogged up the porch steps and knocked. When she opened the door, her face lit up.

  “Hey, Miss Edna, I was just getting ready to go to the grocery store, but I couldn’t get you out of my mind. Are you doing OK?”

  She motioned me inside. “I reckon I’m doing all right.”

  “Is something wrong?” The interior of Edna’s house was like stepping back in time, boasting a floral print couch and heavy end tables. Everything was laden with some crocheted item.

  “I’m low on groceries myself. My friend, Bonnie, normally takes me, but she’s been sick. Oh, listen to me going on like that. With all you’ve been through I’m sure you don’t have time for my pitiful ramblings.” She waved her hand dismissively.

  Now I knew why I couldn’t get Edna off my mind. I clapped my hands and clasped them in front of me. “Well, this is just perfect.”

  She looked at me, brow wrinkled. I placed my hand atop hers which rested upon her walker. “I didn’t want to go to the store alone. We’ll go together. How long do you need to get ready?”

  Her face brightened. “I’ll change my shoes and get my coat and purse.”

  “I’ll pull the car to your side door. OK?”

  “OK.” She nodded.

  I walked out to the porch. “Don’t forget to lock this front door. I’ll be right back.”

  I scurried home and backed the car up to Edna’s side door. She hobbled down the two steps carrying her cane and purse. She plopped into the passenger’s seat, buckled in, and glanced at me.

  I tapped my chin with my finger. “Have you had lunch?”

  “Nope.”

  “We better have some lunch first otherwise I’ll be hungry at the store and buy everything I see.” I winked at her.

  Edna smiled wide. “I do fancy the potato soup and rolls at Justin’s.”

  “Oooh, good idea.” I nodded.

  Edna laid a hand on my arm as I was about to shift the car into drive. I turned back toward her. Tears filled her eyes. “Addy, you are such a good friend to me. God truly blessed me when He placed you in my life.”

  My gaze blurred with my own tears. I patted her hand and smiled. “I thought it was me He blessed with you.”

  12

  My neighborhood bloomed with spring— new life, new beginnings. After all I experienced and learned this past year, my life felt new. I breathed in the scents as I walked through the neighborhood.

  “The Father outdoes Himself in the spring.”

  “Conrad.” I glanced at him as we continued to walk.

  He flashed a smile. “Addy, I needed to give you one other message.”

  I stopped and gazed into his eyes. “Yes?”

  His compassionate expression and eyes probed deep. “Now comes the time for you to teach what you have learned.”

  A knot formed in my stomach. “But, I’m not a teacher or good at speaking.”

  “Really? What about the Pregnancy Center?”

  I ducked my head and heat rushed up my neck. “Yes … well … I suppose if it’s on a small scale.”

  Conrad laid a hand on my shoulder and looked me in the eyes. “Addy, God is calling you to share what you’ve learned. There are those who need to know these lessons, and you are meant to teach them.”

  I bit my bottom lip and nodded.

  “Just like Moses, God will give you the words and a helper.” He smiled and nodded. “Do not fear.”

  Those words washed over me giving me peace. And Conrad was gone.

  I told Emily about Julie and the scripture I’d read about being ready to give an answer for the hope in me as we sat across from each other in our familiar booth at the Chinese buffet.

  Then, I sighed. “I’m so thankful to be able to sit here and have lunch with you. What a year!” I shook my head.

  Emily’s gaze met mine, her eyes filled with tears. “I’m thankful you’re here, too.” She sniffed. Her mouth opened as if she were about to speak then she stopped.

  I set down my fork. “What?”

  “I’m not sure how crazy this is going to sound, but there’s something that I can’t get out of my head.”

  “What is it, Emily?”

  “Let’s teach together. You know, about what God’s taught you.”

  Chill bumps ran up my arms. I smiled. “I guess you’re my Aaron.”

  Emily’s brow wrinkled. I explained further about my last encounter with Conrad.

  The rest of our lunch was spent excitedly planning for our women’s class.

  When Griffey arrived home, I pounced on him, chattering away about the teaching plans. He just smiled and shook his head.

  ****

  That Saturday morning Elianna came for a visit and asked if just she and I could go for a walk around the neighborhood. I agreed. As soon as we left the curb in front of our house, she started talking.

  “Mom, I wanted to tell you that I’m being pushed from my comfort zone by someone I’ve met walking at our recreation center.”

  Conrad’s face came to my mind immediately. Of course, he would come to mind since he had walked with me pushing me from my comfort zone. “Who is it? Another minister’s wife?”

  “No, an older man. His name is Conrad.”

  I stopped and felt my eyes bulging.

  “He said he knew my mother.”

  I nodded and swallowed. “Yes, I know Conrad.”

  “He’s different than anyone I’ve ever met, but I trust him. He told me to not be afraid.”

 
I smiled and embraced Elianna. “You can trust him.”

  As we finished our walk, I wondered what lessons Conrad had to impart to Elianna. Whatever it was, she was in good hands. I couldn’t wait to see what assignment God had for my daughter. I would do my part to encourage her to leave the safety of her comfort zone and go out on the limb with God. What an incredible view awaited her.

  Study Guide for Be the Blessing

  Be the Blessing contains situations and topics conducive for thought and discussion, thus a companion study is included. This study can be utilized as an individual study or a guide for a small group. First, read Be the Blessing in its entirety, then journey back through the story with this study as a guide. The study contains main points addressed in the story, scriptures, personal questions, and applications.

  It is my wish as the author that Be the Blessing would be more than a story to entertain. I pray it would encourage our Christian journey and spur us to "be the blessing" God intends.

  Session 1

  God wants to make us more like Jesus. For Addy, this meant learning to be a blessing to others. What new facets has God added to you to make you more like Jesus? Explain.

  How might someone bless another person? Give examples.

  Have you been blessed by someone? Explain.

  Read 1 Peter 3:8-9

  What do these verses say about blessing?

  Read Philippians 2:5-13

  Our attitude should be as Christ’s. What attitude is portrayed in these verses?

  Session 2

  Have you ever been unexpectedly called upon to serve or help another person? Explain.

  Read Colossians 3:12-14

  What do these verses say about how to treat others?

  What virtue is above the others and binds them all together?