Never judge a book by its cover

I just finished my first mission trip. I had convinced myself that this would be the hardest thing I've ever done. Now keep in mind that I signed up for this trip almost a year ago! A year is a long time to mentally prepare for the hardest thing you've ever done! To say that I got on that plane with a little anxiety is an understatement!

I wanted to believe that still small voice whispering in my ear - "I've prepared you for this very moment," but it would be a lie to say I had no doubts. The humanness in me very much doubted my abilities to help in a shelter for women rescued from human trafficking... for a week!

With each new day during our mission came a new lesson... for me! I may have planted a seed in someone else's life, but God planted an entire garden in mine! One of the biggest lessons I learned was I cannot judge a book by its cover! For example, one day a young women from the shelter sat at my table - not really by choice, everyone had to sit at one of our tables. She was very shy, never looking up from her lap and never making eye contact. My first thought was - she's never going to talk - we're never going to get anything out of her. And she certainly wasn't going a participate in any of our activities!

One of the activities was coloring. I know that sounds weird, but coloring makes you use both sides of your brains. One side contains logic and helps you focus on what you're doing and the other side works with your creativity. So coloring makes both sides communicate. During the activity, we were all told to color a picture as to how we view God. After we colored, we broke out into different rooms - each table having a different room. I shared my drawing first and asked if anyone else wanted to share. It was completely voluntary. To my surprise, the shy, introverted young woman I spoke of earlier lifted up her picture and expressed how thankful she was to have God in her life. My mouth hung open! This young lady's face lit up as she shared her experience with our Lord and Savior!

I went to bed that evening apologizing to God for making such a horrible judgment call about the young woman. I realized I had judged a book by its cover -- never giving thought to what the contents were inside.

Before the team departed for home, our leaders prayerfully challenged us to listen to that still voice. To not brush off DOING something when the Holy Spirit urges us. To not let our human responses stop us from acting when He says MOVE. To not let "why" or "that sounds absurd" or "I'm not doing that" overpower "I've prepared you for such a time as this." That voice that prompts us to step outside our comfort zone and just DO instead of analyzing it to death!

I left trying to file away all that had happened during our week there. I was overwhelmed by it all and realized it was going to take time to process. Those of us that had flown in were conveniently dropped off at the airport and to our surprise, each of us were flying on different airlines, so we said our goodbyes and parted ways. As I was headed to security, I passed one of my favorite vendors. Cinnamon and sugar pretzel bites was EXACTLY what I needed!

I took my bag of treats and looked for a place to sit and enjoy them. My eyes caught sight of a well dressed young lady sitting on a bench. That still small voice prompted me to sit next to her, despite that fact that there wasn't much room left on the bench. The argument started in my head. Really God? There's a dozen other places to sit with more room! But just hours earlier I had promised Him that I wouldn't over analyze - that I would ACT instead of over think. So I sat next to her.

She was quiet... and beautiful! I could hear that still small voice, almost yelling at me. "Talk to her!" And almost without thought, I opened my mouth. "Would you like some? I'll never be able to eat all these." She sheepishly said thank you and took a treat. I offered another, to which she responded, "Thank you, I'm starving." She then explained to me that her ride had dropped her off several hours before her flight and she was just waiting... and waiting. We introduced ourselves and told each other what we did for a living. We engaged in some small talk and soon it was time for me to go. Before I got up to leave, I handed her my business card and offered her the last few treats left in the bag. As I was gathering my things and stood up to leave, she held out her hand for a handshake and said, "I hope you have a wonderful flight. And Angie, it was really nice meeting you."

My heart knew immediately that God had put me on that bench - not just for her, but for me also. Her quiet voice was so sincere, so thankful. God had put that lesson in bold lettering... don't judge a book by its cover!

I had failed to realize how easily I fall into that pattern. Days earlier I had made a judgment call way too early about the young women from the shelter and now I had made a judgment call about this young woman. I would have never reached out to that young lady at the airport had it not been for the still small voice. She was well dressed and looked "all put together" - nothing like the woman from the shelter. Yet I had made the same mistake with both of them.

Only God knows a person's heart. Only God knows your story. It's not up to us to decide who needs a kind word or a hug or a handshake. That's God decision and all we're required to do is listen for His prompting. Whether your mission field is thousands of miles away or right outside your front door, you'll probably be asked to step outside your comfort zone!

I know I have talked when I should have been listening and I have kept quiet when I should have spoken. Many times! So, from the one that is learning SLOWLY... I'm challenging you to the same challenge I was presented with last week. I challenge you to not just listen to that still small voice, but obey it. ACT before you talk yourself out of something that is meant to bless someone. And maybe, just maybe, the blessing will be for the book inside your cover.

Isaiah 55:2-3 ESV

Why do you spend your money for that which is not bread, and your labor for that which does not satisfy? Listen diligently to me, and eat what is good, and delight yourselves in rich food. Incline your ear, and come to me; hear, that your soul may live; and I will make with you an everlasting covenant, my steadfast, sure love for David.