An evening well spent

Last night I ventured out to church.  The last Monday of the month, our church hosts "Just 4 Me", the women's ministry night.  There's coffee and treats, door prizes, worship and then we split into smaller groups for prayer, or a cooking class, or a "Woman of Faith" testimony, or a crafty session - or some healthy activity.  Always at least 5 choices to make.
Last night I was waffling between Judy's "Decorating for Christmas" (she's our very own, local Martha Stewart - but with a great sense of humour!) and hearing Samantha's testimony. I chose Samantha's story, and I am so grateful I did!

Samantha is a beautiful young woman of about 22. 10 years ago I taught her art, and possibly coached her basketball, at middle school.  I remember her red hair and a twinkle in her eyes.  A boy in my core class was so lovesick, he could not help but stare at her through every art class!  I was so sad to hear of what Samantha struggled with as a child: her father's unfaithfulness, her parent's divorce, her father living next door with the other woman and her children.  There was also abuse by a family member, anxiety that led to OCD, that led to drug addiction in her teens.  I had no idea of any of this. Yet last night she shared her story to a room of women and teenaged girls. She was nervous, but God was the focus.

God's hand has so evidently been on her life... despite the struggles, and 2 near death experiences (a car accident and a random shooting), she is alive, full of life and hope. God miraculously took away the desire for drugs - He is healing her.  He has a plan and a purpose for her life.  And I had tears in my eyes.

As a public school teacher, I pray silently for my students.  Sometimes I pray over their desks in the morning before school, or in a quiet moment while they are bent over working, and I am watching over them. I was so convicted, listening to Samantha's story, of how important it is to continue praying for my students.  I often do not know about their private or home-life struggles.  Sometimes they share, sometimes they keep it all inside.  I do not openly talk about my faith with my students - I just love them. Yet, I know He who does know them, understand them, love them.  I will continue to lift them up to the One who longs to be a part of their lives and who has the power to save, heal, deliver.

I am so thankful for Samantha - who thanked me for being there last night to listen. There is something powerful about a life story. I'm so glad I know the Author.