How We Impact Others!
Recently my friend Deanna and I were visiting a classmate from our growing up years. We toured the blueberry fields with fascination as Beth points out the different varieties. Rows, and rows of lush green and blue. Soon, we drive up to the farmhouse, when out steps Beth’s mom, Esther. Full of a hospitable smile, she waves us into the house.
Once in, as introductions were made, and our conversation comfortable, I asked Esther what church she attended in the small farming community I grew up in. “The church across from the Grade School.” Her response brought back memories I hadn’t thought about in years. Memories of being handed a small red book, and reading the cover ‘New Testament’ and knowing nothing of God, or the Bible, I honestly thought the ‘New’ meant it has just come out and that ‘I’ was privileged to even have a copy. I went on to tell her, that when I was little, we used to have ladies walk over from that church and get a small group of us and walk us back to the church and teach us about Jesus. Her next words have 
forever changed my life – “THAT was me!”
At that moment, my eyes welled up; I walked across the room, enfolded her in a warm hug and told her “Thank you!” She asked me, “Do you love Jesus?” With heartfelt enthusiasm “Oh yes!” I replied. Beth proceeded to tell her, “Mom, DeDe is an ordained minister now.” I shared that it wasn’t until about eight years later, when I was 16, that I was again shared the gospel and gave my heart to Jesus, I went on to Bible college and now after years of study, a Bible teacher. Esther was so thrilled; she could not wait to share this at ‘testimony night’ at church. I would have loved to have been in the grandstands with the angels when Esther rose to tell her story!
Esther sharing flannel graph stories about Jesus to a group of school kids seems so trivial, but OH NO it isn’t! She planted a seed that laid there until years later when Brenda, another woman of God sat me down and shared the gospel in terms a teenager could understand. That action and those words caused the Esther seed to come alive! The Holy Spirit watered it, it sprouted and gave new born-again birth to a confused and hurting 16-year-old. God is AMAZING!
Never EVER doubt how we impact others! Regardless! Regardless of how small and trivial it may appear. Solomon wrote: “Never walk away from someone who deserves help; your hand is God’s hand for that person.” (Proverbs 3:27 MSG) Paul says, “Each of you should look not only to your own interests but also to the interests of others.” (Philippians 2:4) Thank you, Esther, for being obedient and being God’s hands and looking to the interest of those lil kids, THIS now grown gal is head over heels in love with Jesus and teaches HIM to others. I am so thankful God orchestrated Esther and I meeting after 45+ years, our faith is encouraged, our faith is grown! Be someones Esther!
In Him, DeDe (“Let us consider how we may spur one another on towards love & good deeds.” – Hebrews 10:24)
Note: I looked up what the colored coded lil Gideon Bibles mean: Red, in-school distribution. Green, for college/university. Orange, street evangelism. White, medical use. Dark blue, any other language other than English. (Thank you Gideon’s!) I am still in awe that I am privileged to own, and now teach the Bible!
Inspired Fountain 