YOU Are The Blessing

I was privileged enough to attend  Priscilla Shirer’s “Fervent” women’s conference.  It was powerful to say the least, and although it was something quite rich to be part of, it wasn’t what inspired this testimony you’re reading. This blog was brought about by God’s loving words to me through one of His willing vessels, a stranger who was also an attendee. I believe His words were for whoever stumbles across this blog and manages to read it to the end. 

A bit of backstory; I wasn’t going to this event. You see, I was recently let go from my job like so many other Americans, and obviously, you want to practice good spending habits when you’re not sure where your next dime is coming from. Nevertheless, my good friend in the faith, who happens to be facing even more uncertainties in her life than I am, encouraged me to go anyway. I thought to myself, if she can make it, I can make it, and God will still provide for us both.  

Back to the conference itself: We took a lunch break, and I remember saying inwardly how I wished that I could buy lunch for my friend. I wished I could be a blessing to her, especially because she had to travel much further than I to attend. However, that wasn’t in the cards on this day.  After lunch, we returned to the church and enjoyed the rest of the praise, worship, and the word. Every song and speaker was anointed. Everyone seemed to be learning something and was being touched by God’s presence. 

As the conference ended, Priscilla gave closing remarks, thanked everyone and dismissed the congregation. This stranger sitting three seats to my left approached me and said, “ I know you don’t know me, but God told me to tell you that you are a blessing.” Initially, my response was quite generic, as I smiled and thanked her for her obedience. It wouldn’t be until about 30 minutes later, as I was pulling back into my driveway at home, that I realized why God had her tell me that. 

I was immediately taken back to my thoughts from lunch, where I desired to be a blessing to my friend.  You see, all too often we equate being a blessing to someone by the measure of what we can do for them.  God was letting me know at that moment that my presence alone, my existence alone,  was a blessing. 

Sometimes, we put too much pressure on ourselves to show up and show out when we just need to exist. We should consider just how much of an impact a hug, a smile, or a kind word has.  These things often take people much further than paying for a $15 lunch.  

The truth is that since God made us in His image and likeness, we carry the same spirit, His spirit, that shifts atmospheres and encourages the hearts of other believers. 

So, the next time you feel dissatisfied about not being able to “do something” for a friend or loved one, remember that YOU alone are the blessing, so you don’t have to do anything- yjust be.