Throw Back Story: Strangers on the street

By: Rachel L. + Emily H.

Rachel’s Story

Out of all the strangers on the street, I don't know why they stood out among the rest. Some friends and I were out on the Christmas outreach, passing out gifts on the streets of Nashville. My friend and I didn't even have the right gifts, but we headed over to talk to them anyways, unable to shake the feeling that a God encounter was waiting on the other side of the street where they sat against the corner.

In the dance of small talk, they told us their story -- about how they found themselves in Nashville for the day by taking the wrong train and how they planned to be gone when night came. As we talked, something in me connected with the one in the middle and I started to sense things about his story that I shouldn't have known. I sensed that he had known the Lord from an earlier time in his life and because of pain, left what he knew even though he still longed to know that those things were true despite where his path had taken him. 

Attempting to sound as least churchy as possible and afraid that I might be getting it completely wrong, God began to share His heart with me for this stranger and I started describe the way God wanted to pursue him again. His eyes softened and he began to tell me his story, the one that God had shown me just minutes before. They let us pray for them before we had to leave, but I'm still processing what happened today.

In the span of a few minutes, my life intersected with a stranger in a city he didn't belong for a day, sitting on a corner I wouldn't normally go, yet God wanted to make His heart known and I got to step into the story that God was already writing for this man. I don't know what to do with the beauty of a God where he goes to such lengths to find us...for no other reason than to let us know that we are loved, that we're seen and that our story's not forgotten by Him. These are the mysteries that we get to spend the rest of our lives discovering!

Emily’s Story

I love so much that we get the honor to love people exactly where they are! Sometimes that means sitting on a street corner listening to someone's story. Not judging them, not condemning them, not shaming them or telling them what they "should" do, but just loving them and blessing their day. My new friend said even though he hates and doesn't believe in region, he likes Jesus and believes that would "hang out with people like us." And I agree. Sitting on the corner of 2nd Ave, I saw the heart of the Father being poured out through an encouraging word Rachel gave one of these guys! It's such an incredible honor and privilege that God trusts us to be His hands, His feet, His heart, and His mouth!

Danielle's Story: Change of Luck

by: Danielle Helson | @daniellexhelson

I want to share a story about how I chose to step out and bless someone in need! 

The other night, I needed to go get some groceries and so I decided to go to Kroger down the street. It was a lot later than I usually go grocery shopping so I was very aware of my surroundings. As I was walking up to the door, I noticed an older man fiddling around his pockets looking for change. We made eye contact and he very politely asked if I had any change. I knew that I had some change because I just made a quick stop somewhere else and paid cash. 

I told him that I had some change and he went on to say how he just has the worst of luck. I asked him why he felt that way and he said that he couldn’t catch a break. In that moment, I felt an overwhelming sense of compassion for him. I introduced myself and asked him if i could pray for him. He said “of course honey, I’m never gonna turn down prayer”. I prayed for him to have financial provision and that the Lord would bless him not only in his finances, but in every area of his life! After I prayed for him, he gave me a big hug and said thank you! Before I went inside to shop, I asked him if he needed food. He said no, so we said our goodbyes!

After we parted, I went inside and started looking in the produce section. All of a sudden, I saw my new friend out of the corner of my eye. He came in and said how he actually could use some food. I asked him what he would like and he wanted some bologna and bread. Unfortunately our Kroger is under construction and the whole cold cut section was blocked off. He said that he would take some sardines and bread, so that’s what I got him! We checked out and he gave me a huge hug with tears in his eyes and thanked me! 

I love that I was able to bless my new friend and bring the hope of God to his life! Spending $6 on a few cans of sardines and some bread really changed his night! I would encourage you, to step out and help someone in need!