On the train this morning...
Crazy experience on the train this morning.
As soon as I sat down I noticed a rather large man talking to a small and meek woman who must have been at least 70 years old. They both had suitcases proportionate to their size. He was speaking loudly, semi-slurring, reaching out and touching her shoulder with his hulkish hands, telling her he would take care of her and rambling on. Initially I thought they might know each other but from my vantage point I could see that she was uncomfortable. The whole thing made me nervous. I said a quick prayer for discernment, strength and courage. I also prayed for the man that he be freed from his affliction. Shortly after this the man got up and verbally accosted another passenger in Spanish, waving and accusatory and threatening finger as he spoke. He then celebrated this tirade by pulling a half-full bottle of Vodka out of his suitcase, confirming my suspicions. This is when God answered my prayers and gave me the strength to act. I walked into the situation and asked the woman if she knew this man. She did not. Now closer to her, I noticed a fresh and swollen bruise along with some small cuts on her forehead. Verbally fending off the man, I then took her by the hand and led her to another seat, thanking God that he didn't try and attack me. He kept coming over trying to plead his case, finally getting the notice of the other riders who called the conductor. He was removed form the train at the next stop. Sadly, it turns out the old woman was apparently homeless. When we asked were she was going, she said "home" but couldn't even tell us where she wanted to get off.
What is my point? I'm not sure. I don't know if it was sadness for them or the stress of the situation but I just wanted to cry when I got off the train. I'm just glad that I listened to God's voice urging me to act. Had I not been fasting and seeking God, would I have been so quick to act? I hope so.
posted by OP-lo @ 4:53 AM
3 comments
3 Comments:
Loren,
Quite interesting story. It is neat to watch when someone is more spiritually alert, what can happen. I think God really used your readiness to act in the situation. To me, one of the huge benefits of fasting is that we are able to slow down and focus. Do you take the same action if you are cranking music this morning? I am not sure. Even though I am quite hungry, I had a really productive day at work. Not a lot of wasted motion, just focus on what I needed to do.
I admire the commitment of those who have given themselves to this fast. Loren's story is also a testimony of how God can make us fearless before injustice. As I read however - I mostly thought about my own fears and I realized that I am afraid of God. I don't trust him to NOT hurt me if I give him the things he wants to free me from - the things that I feel I NEED and can't live without. I don't trust that God will replace that thing with something much better. That's why I fail when I fast.
I ended up with jury duty this week and I think the fasting process has helped my concentration, focus and resolve in getting through the duty.
Praise God!
I get to do my real job at night after 5, YEA! so it was been a taxing week.
"I can do all things in him who strengthens me." (Phil 4:13 RSV)
Please pray that justice is done by our jury group.
"That men may know wisdom and instruction, understand words of insight, receive instruction in wise dealing, righteousness justice and equity" (Prov. 1:2-3 RSV)
Mark Patzloff
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