Simple Acts = Big Impact

Now that it seems Kevin is truly on the mend I have some mental space to get some thoughts out... I'm too tired to sleep... Too much in my head.

Kev and I have been "plugging in" at FRC as much as we can. I felt like I was meeting some really cool people who I felt strong connections to but I truly didn't think I had done enough yet to cultivate a "real" friendship. I may not have done enough to cultivate it.. but this week... when I needed it.. it was there, over and over again for me. People I jdidn't expect to be there for me... just WERE.. I didn't ask... they just showed up for me in a big way.

I don't know if they'd want it broadcasted with their names so I'm just gonna use a first initial. "J" went through a few obstacles to get in touch with Kevin and I.... but she didn't give up... she hunted down my correct phone number and I got the nicest message... it was real.. heartfelt and GOD did I need it in that moment. She closed the message by saying "love ya friend." After the day I had, worrying about Kevin, not knowing... This unexpected gift came my way and it was like a giant hug that made me feel warm and fuzzy all over... I felt so cared for... so blessed just hearing her words. She has been a source of daily strength for me. So considerate... so sincere. Last night, when Kevin and I were both just fried and felt like we were back at square one... we so thought he was going to end up in surgery this morning... I talked to "J" she calmed me. Then later in the evening I got a text message from her.. I had been having a hard time getting to sleep and then I read her words

"I DON'T KNOW YET WHY GOD PUT U IN MY LIFE... BUT I'M SO GLAD HE DID"

WOW... Let me just tell you... that is something so amazing to hear... I will be keeping that message and re-reading it when I need a little lift. The irony is her words EXACTLY described what I was feeling about HER! I just can't tell you how thankful I am to have her in my life!

She is not the only one that has made my load lighter... "M" she is such a tower of strength... I sit with her for a moment and I know I am going to be okay... she is so inspirational... and she too reached out to Kev and I without being asked. She came to the hospital and had to search basically the whole thing for Kev. She finally found us and sat with us for a long time and talked... before she left, she prayed with us.... We were both so comforted by her. She has remained there for us both through all of it. I am blessed to have her in my life and am eager to pull closer to her in friendship.

"A" stepped up for us too... tracking Kev down himself. He so had an excuse for not being here... actually we'd never met him before... he just knew we were here and knew we belonged to that great big wonderful FRC family.... and so he was here. WOW!

There were group prayers held for us and people we didn't even know praying for Kevin's recovery... You know what? There really is no scientific explanation for Kevin's pain yesterday... they are baffled... and to have that kind of pain... they were pretty sure the CT Scan from last night was going to show some BAD stuff... but to the contrary... it is totally clear.... no sign of anything... You wanna tell me how that happened???? The power of prayer.. I can't thank God and everyone enough for coming through for us.

These are just a few stories, others also stepped up in equally big ways. (C, P, M, F & C THANK YOU!) They have not wavered in their support. I am amazed and overwhelmed. Looking back now I see... what all of these people did were little things... simple acts of kindness that had an ENORMOUS impact on Kevin and I. We now know why Pastor Troy is so adamant about "doing life together." We are both going to be on the lookout for ways to pay forward the kindness and love we experienced through this all.

All of my life I have searched for the kind of friendship I found this week. I just was not ever able to REALLY find it outside of my family. Because of that I isolated myself somewhat... put barriers up.. kept to myself really... Then because of God's nudging at my heart and Pastor Troy's guidance I started putting myself out there again... but this time doing it with Christians... What I found... When you do life with other people that are doing their best every day to walk with God... they are looking for ways to serve others... looking for ways to make a "kingdom difference." So when you are in need... they notice... when God nudges their heart to be there for you... they listen... and MAN does that MATTER! Makes me sorry I didn't start on this path with God sooner. But I am so glad I am on it now... and I feel so blessed to have FRC and good people in my life right now to help me along my way.