Natalie
by Ricky Doc Sauceda
Isaiah 43:1 - But now, this is what the LORD says-- he who created you, Jacob, he who formed you, Israel: "Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine.
Yesterday, I decided to go and eat a fried chicken lunch on a last second impulse. I drove to a restaurant nearby that I knew of but had not tried yet. I have eaten at other locations but not this one.
I paid for my meal and selected the things that I like to eat and then served my beverage. I sat facing a wall mounted HDTV. Later a lovely woman entered and followed the same routine. She seemed to be in a pleasant mood - I did not detect any sadness in her. She too was alone.
I finished my meal and went to wash up. As I was leaving I noticed that the woman was gone. I exited the restaurant to discover her parked next to my car. I could hear her talking to herself.
She looked over at me and asked,"Is this your car?" I responded that it was indeed my car. She then said,"I used to own one just like it until a couple of months ago. I traded it in for my new car. I guess you heard me talking to your car. I was complimenting it on how good it runs. I miss mine."
I agreed that it was a good car and then shared an observation. I told her that she seemed to be in a happy spirit. She looked at me blankly and said,"I guess I must be doing a good job of covering up my pain then."
I asked what it was that troubled her. She shared that she had just lost a teenaged child within the past couple of weeks...13 going on 14. She also said that she was taking medication for her depression. I knew from that very moment that I had to be very careful with anything I said from that point on.
I told her that she had probably been hearing a lot of advise from various people in her life. People that care about and love her. People who are only trying to aid her in this time of sadness. I also said that unfortunately people tend to give generic advise and really don't understand what it is that they are saying. They truly are not helping at all.
I told her that my Grandma Janie taught me five words that can cover a multitude of situations. Be strong and have faith. I told her that when it comes down to it, she will need to be strong by her own decision. I said it is normal to be heavy with pain at her point...this event is fresh. She needs time to grieve.
I told her that soon she must put all of this matter into God's hands. To trust in Him and choose to be strong. She responded with hope in her eyes,"I do believe in God." She said it ever so softly. I was very touched by her event and humbleness.
I asked what her name was and she told me that it was Natalie. I introduced myself and shared how she can contact me if she needs to. I also told her that I would be praying for her. She smiled and we shook hands and then parted ways.
On my drive back to work I was overcome with empathy and emotion. I did indeed pray and had to be comforted by the Holy Spirit as a result. I was so touched by Natalie's story. I could have gone home to lunch like every work day but I chose to do something different. As a result I met her and was able to aid this wonderful person.
Peace to you, Natalie. Bless you in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.