Tuesday, October 01, 2013

B33 - Beacon of Light


B33  - Be a Beacon of Light

Matthew 5:14-16 “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.  Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

January 2013
Even in my somber mood, I turned just a teeny bit giddy at the thought of the gate being “33.”  33 was everywhere lately, and it was my beacon of light.  I took it to be just a shred of hope.  These emergency flights home were becoming a bit more frequent, and with each one, the news a little more scary.  I would cling to anything – even 33.

As the announcements came for each delay at DFW, my hope was fading.  I just wanted to get home.  Surely these people surrounding me didn’t have as big of need as mine.  Couldn’t American Airlines do a better job of scheduling their crews?  What was the hold up?  I remained positive, getting to know my travel mates names, hometowns, travel plans, and any other info we deemed acceptable to share during our wait, until our focus turned to a young lady sobbing loudly.  Some gawked.  Some stared.  Others looked away.  I prayed.  I wasn’t sure what was making her cry uncontrollably, but I was certain, I wanted to cry just the same if only to make her feel better.  It was like a magnetic force pulling me towards her -- the kind that pulls you out of your comfort zone.  I was perfectly content sitting with my travel buds, discussing travel mishaps and delays, but God insisted this lady needed me.  I love to argue, but it does no good arguing with Him.

I walk over, and ask if I can get her some water or a tissue.  I do.  She shares her father has just passed away, and she is desperately trying to get home to Shreveport.  I silently chide myself for thinking I had the biggest need on the flight, and ask if I can pray with her.  In the middle of DFW, we stand outside gate B33 praying.  What I prayed for, I have no recollection.  I would have to guess comfort and peace, safe travels, a hedge of protection, understanding, a flight crew….

The crew came, and as God would orchestrate, we were seatmates on the plane.  She shared her name, so I could add her our prayer list.  Danya.  I shared that I have a cousin named Danja.  I hadn’t known anyone else.

July 2013
While in Beaumont shopping, I received a phone call from my cousin, Louellen and Danja’s sister, asking if I had prayed in the middle of DFW with a young lady.  I had almost completely forgotten because once we landed, my focus turned to helping my family.  I am ashamed to say that I prayed for Danya for a few days, but not much after that. 

As it turns out, Danya was named after Danja.   Danya had shared our story and what it meant to her, with my cousin and others at the visitation of her father, but she didn’t recall my name or relation. 

Louellen just wanted me to know that I had made a difference. 

October 2013
I believe people are beacons of light to others everyday just as people need others to be a beacon of light for them.  It is such a small world, and never did I think anyone would ever know of my experience that evening.  But I smile remembering how I felt to know it DID make a difference, not only to the young lady, but my family.  We never know when God may call us to be a beacon, but we know he calls us to let His light shine everyday!

·      Who can you give hope to today?
·      Have you told someone lately what a difference they have made in your life?
·      Have you paid it forward lately?



RIP Brandon

Matthew 5:14-16 “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.  Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.

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