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Divine Whispers in the Midst of Unruly Eyebrows
I am convinced within each new day, there hides a gift of possible connection. An interaction with someone else that will seem quite random- but in reality is not happen chance at all.

It’s divine.

If we’ll make the choice to unwrap this gift and really listen to those we come in contact with, we’ll hear whispers from God. These are invitations to hear what people need and connect that need with your love of Jesus.

It happened to me the other day when talking with the lady waxing my unruly eyebrows. You know, the ones I make a habit to pluck in the carpool line whilst entertaining all the other moms? Yes, those.

Anyhow, I was having some plucking issues and decided it was time to call in the expert at my local Lovely Nails and Tan.

That’s where I met Emily.

A precious woman who I once feared was making fun of my lack of plucking professionalism when she spoke in a language much more exotic than English. But, somewhere over the wax and in between broken lines of communication, we bonded over the shirt I was wearing.

She love it. She love it much. She love it much in blue.

I told her I got the shirt at Steinmart and attempted to move our conversation back to my need to better understand the ancient Chinese secrets of eyebrow shaping.

But Emily would have nothing of my eyebrows inquisition. She wanted to tell me about how hard it is to have small children and take them shopping. She has wanted to go to the Steinmart store I’ve referred to many times. But for one reason or another, it just never worked out.

Plus, it’s not really in their budget for her to get new clothes when the kids have so many needs.

It would have been so easy for me to just listen, agree that taking kids shopping is hard, and make a comment or two about the difficulties this economy is having on a lot of household budgets.

But my love of Jesus could not skip past her need.

It’s not that she really needs a shirt like mine. However, she does need my Jesus. And if me going to get her a blue shirt helps make a connection that eventually leads to me to earn the right to tell her about my Jesus- then why not.

Interestingly enough, when I got to Steinmart they only had one shirt left in Emily’s size. And though the shirt came in four different colors, the small one was the exact blue sweet Emily wanted.

I can’t wait to take this shirt to her tomorrow. And I can’t wait to see what God does with this. Maybe I’ll give her the shirt and that will be that.

Or maybe, I’ll give her the shirt and one day get to see all of eternity shift in her life.

What a thrill it is to listen for God’s amazing divine whispers.


48 Comments:

Blogger lisasmith said...

Lord, may I hear you like this and may I always say yes.

Praying for sweet Emily and that she'll hear you...and say yes.

Blogger Shanda said...

I love it! May God use that blue shirt and your willing Spirit!

Blogger Running My Race said...

Right on, way to wear Him well sister.....

Cris in Cali.

Blogger Wendy said...

What a wonderful story. Don't you just love those divine moments of connection that can echo into someone's eternity? Reminds me of the moments Bill Hybels talks about in "Just Walk Across the Room". Bless you for listening to her wants but hearing her needs. Whether you see the outcome or not, know that God will use that moment in her life and heart! Will be anxious to hear what the next page of this story holds.

Blogger Joyful said...

Ah Lysa, I just needed to know that God is still whispering today.

Praying for you as you give Emily His gift today...may she feel wrapped in His love and one day accept the invitation to dress in His righteousness.

Listening,
Joy

Blogger Melissa said...

What a sweet story! I can't wait to hear how Emily responds. I'm praying that this will open the door for you to lead her to Jesus.

Blogger Kimberly said...

:) This makes me think of your red coat story and the precious lady at the laundromat.

I love how He works...I mean, who else would think to use eyebrows and blue shirts? :) And I love how available you are for Him.

And thank you for sharing this. How exciting that we all get to pray for Emily as you get ready to take her that shirt!

Blogger Joy in The Truth said...

Through you loving her in Jesus through this blue shirt, may she come to know intmately "the God who sees me"!

Genesis 16:13
She gave this name to the LORD who spoke to her: "You are the God who sees me," for she said, "I have now seen the One who sees me."

Can't wait to here what happens! Praying for Emily!

Blogger Beverlydru said...

It will be like Christmas on a Tuesday in March for BOTH of you! What a wonderful story. And you write so well, it goes straight to the heart.

Blogger Shelly W said...

"It would have been so easy for me to just listen, agree that taking kids shopping is hard, and make a comment or two about the difficulties this economy is having on a lot of household budgets."

Oh, yes. How often do I do that? Like, every day!

Awesome reminder to me that I need to be more intentional.

Anonymous Anonymous said...

Christmas time...I was inside our local mall. I had just gotten lunch at Chick-fil-a (seriously), I was going to eat it in my car so I began walking back towards the store I came in. I looked and saw a big sale sign. Stop. Even though I had never been inside this particular store before...I was drawn inside. *I don't ususally take food inside a store - I'm not a rule breaker - but I made an exception. I passed the line at the front of the store and immediately decided that I would not be purchasing anything (TOO LONG!). Still I walked all the way to the back of the store. Why I couldn't tell you at that moment - but I knew once she spoke. An employee smiled and pointed to my lunch and made a comment about it being lunch time - I smiled and said yes. I turned to leave - embarassed that she had noticed that I had brought it in the store - I started to leave. Stop. I heard Him silently say to me "Give her your lunch". Normally I would dismiss this thought thinking she doesn't know me what if she doesn't accept it I will be even more embarassed. If I had thought about it long enough I would have chickened out (excuse the pun)- but I turned around, went up to her, and gave her my lunch - dr pepper and all (funny that I hadn't even put the straw in - I normally would have been sipping on it right after I got it). She accepted it and said thanks. I turned and left the store thanking God for the gift He had just given me. To share a moment like that with Him - well it was just wonderful. I love the way God works!

Blogger Lysa TerKeurst said...

Oh sweet Anonymous from above-

What a GREAT story. Thank you for taking time to let us know. It just encourages me so much when others share their experiences of listening to God with me--- it just spurs me on.

I don't know who you are but I'm sending you a big cyber hug from me.

Sweet Blessings!

Anonymous Helen Martin said...

Blue like your eyes, I wonder? You are wonderful. Thank you for showing up for your divine appointments.

It was great to see you again on Saturday. Your story still makes me cry. It sounds fresh and relevant every time I hear it. SO relevant.

Love you,

Helen

Blogger Stephanie said...

The Lord works in mysterious ways!

Blogger JottinMama said...

Oh I just love it! When I first started reading this post - I knew you were gonna buy her a shirt! I can't wait to hear how it goes :) I'm praying that Emily will be so blessed by that blue shirt and by our Jesus!

Yearning to hear the whispers too,
Kate :)

Blogger DeenafromIowa said...

I think this falls into the if we only listen God will direct us to do his will.
I believe that no matter what Emily's response is you will have planted a seed
Have a happy day!

Blogger Melissa said...

Lysa,

I have no adequate words to convey the way you touched my heart over the past few days. Not only did you ask your readers to pray for my mom, but you also made sure they couldn't leave comments on yours. As a result, I have 169 comments over on my blog, the most I have ever had. The only time I got anywhere near that was when I wrote about sex last summer! I cannot even put into words how overcome I am with some of the deepest feelings I've ever had. I want to cry, I want to praise our Almighty God, I am at peace in the midst of turmoil, and it just makes me fall to my face...so in love with Jesus and thankful for friends and sisters in Christ like you.

I pray Emily gets even just one ounce of what I received due to your gift.

May you and your blog followers be blessed and know how much all of those prayers mean to me and my mother.

Love you to pieces!
Melissa

My husband and I had our own "Emily" recently--only this time it was a young man, the unsaved Marine husband of a girl who started coming to our church. And now? He's in Jesus, sitting next to his pretty bride in church.

It's never in vain...

Blogger Grateful Gramma said...

Thank you SO much for this post. It's such a good reminder of what I need to do. So often I'm just not present in the moment and I know I'm missing opportunities God places before me. Blessings to you for your sensitivity and love.

Blogger Melanie Dorsey said...

Yaaaay! What a great opportunity to bless Emily.
And of course, in God's "economy" - you receive a blessing, too.
Melanie@Bella~Mella

Anonymous Anonymous said...

Wow Lysa! Amazing story that really inspires! Like you inspired me last March in McLean, VA...and the journey i've been on since then got even richer this past week-end when I got to hear Kay Arthur. She exhausts me (and my Bible) but I thank you both for being such fabulous women of God and women of influence! :) Robin

Blogger Jamimania said...

Lysa, that's so great that you were still enough to hear God's voice in this opportunity. How many times do we just push the whispers aside and say we're too busy or refuse to recognize that it's God's voice because that would require action on our part? Thanks for being an inspiration to listen and obey even when it seems a little out of the ordinary. :) I know she will love the little blue shirt and I pray that she will allow you to share with her about the Lord YOU love. Our God is amazing and could truly use this simple act of giving to draw someone to himself. Isn't our God so awesome?!

Your post really caught my eye because it was titled Divine Whispers and I just added a fragrance to my product line called "Divine Whispers". It is heavenly! I'd like to send you some of my wonderful Goat Milk Honey and Shea Butter lotion in this fragrance... can you let me know where to send it? :)My email is jinny@jinnycrickets.com Thanks!! Have a blessed day and I hope you'll let us know the outcome of your shirt delivery to Emily!

Blogger Liz said...

Lysa,
I love this post and I love your obedience to that divine whisper. The blessings are so sweet when we listen. I am praying that our Lord Jesus will whisper in her ear and she will hear Him. I can't wait to hear how it goes.

Anonymous Anonymous said...

Thanks.

I needed to be reminded to listen when I hear his voice speaking - even if others dismiss my thoughts as dumb or unrealistic.

May I hear Him and obey.
-s

Blogger Brown Eid Girl said...

Lysa,

This is beautiful. Thank you so much for sharing your life with us.

Blogger Julie B. said...

Lysa,

I wish I could be a fly on the wall when you deliver the gift to your eyebrow saint! I loved the anonymous story from above as well.

It is the little things that really matter. Last week, my husband found out he has Esophogitis-which basically means he has to give up everything he loves to eat. On that note, we went to a local mexican restaurant-Jabenero's. LOVE IT. Anyway, they do the table side guacemole made to order. The gentleman who made our guace was very friendly. He told us how this is his first winter here in Wisconsin. He was born/raised in Mexico, lived in CA for the past 9 years and came to Wisconsin just in time to meet old man winter. After he was done, my husband gave him a tip. When he left the table, we held hands and said a prayer before eating. Our new friend came back over to the table and said he just had to come thank us. He was thankful for the tip, but most of all, he was thankful for seeing us pray. He said it reminded him of when he was growing up. His parents always prayed before every meal and watching us pray helped him feel like he was home.

Have a blessed week. With all His love,

Julie

Blogger Dena said...

I heart you for listening so close to His whispers.... :) And I heart Him for making His voice heard to any of us.

Blogger Tammi said...

What an encouraging, inspiring, yet simple story. Oh, how God's message would go so much further if we (I) just did a better job of listening. Thanks for your reminder of listening to His whispers, so that we may live intentionallly for Jesus.

Praying for both girls with blue shirts...:)

Blogger Carol said...

Love this story and love your heart!

Blogger DOJ Momma said...

I got my "Holy Spirit" chills when reading this. I'm sure that it will be much more than just giving her the shirt even if you don't see it right away. I love the way our God allows us to be a part of his plan.

Blogger Bobbie said...

Tell me what happens next!

Blogger Mocha with Linda said...

Oh I can't wait to hear your Paul Harvey "rest of the story". And yet I suspect the complete "rest of the story" may not even be revealed until eternity.

Thanks for your sweet availability and example.

Blogger AP said...

wow!! that is awesome!! thank you for sharing nad remnding us to keep our eyes and ears open to hear the needs of those around us and all the intersting ways God allows us to cnnect with them

Blogger Digging for Pearls said...

Hi Lysa,

It's been a while since I've been able to stop by. This year has been a blur for me and I can hardly believe my son will be turning 18 on Friday.

How is your daughter doing that was in the car accident a while ago? Is she feeling completely better. Our son finally has recovered from his MVA.

Just wanted you to know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. Hope you are well.

Blessings,
Pearls

Blogger B His Girl said...

I left Target with bags, yes bags of really good chocolate to give my children and others for Valentine's Day. As I was driving home, I saw a lady sitting on a bench waiting at the bus stop. She looked poor. I felt a nudge to pull into the parking lot nearby. I knew the Lord wanted me to give her a chocolate valentine from Him. Grabbing a bag out of my Target bag, I ran to the woman. The bus was fast approaching and I told the woman "the Lord wanted me to give this to you. Happy Valentines Day." Her face lit up and she smile. The choice to obey the whisper didn't afford me the time to decide whether it made sense or not to do it. The blue shirt is God ordered. Just give it. The rest of the story is in His hands. It is a blessing to be a part of His story. B

Blogger Miss G said...

cool! cool! cool! way to pay attention to the God whispers. This is so exciting. Kelly

p.s. I found a big fat nothing at Steinmart this past weekend despite having a 20% coupon. Oh well. :)

Blogger On Purpose said...

Thank you Lysa for bringing Jesus out of the "box" and allowing us to see just how GREAT He looks! He looks just like this...a real woman who is willing to hear her Jesus whisper in her ear that Emily needs love in the form of a blue shirt!!! Oh my feet are dancing...just knowing how this love is going to make Emily feel when she sees this shirt. Knowing my Jesus is all over this situation and He too is sitting in anticipation of whispering to her heart! Thank you Lysa for your witness...and spreading Jesus...in REAL ways in the everyday. Love to you my friend!

Blogger Laurie Ann said...

Praying blessings all over that blue shirt, Lysa! What a wonderful ministry opportunity. Who knew God could use a blue shirt as a witnessing tool? He did! He placed her in your path for a purpose. Praying for her heart right now.

Blogger the j-crew said...

It's amazing where we meet God's children! I've had similar conversations with my nail tech as she explains the land she fled years ago for the prosperity and safety of America.
BTW, I met you this weekend at the Set Apart Weekend on Saturday (loved it!) and wanted to tell you thanks!
Hope to meet you again for the She Speaks!

Anonymous Anonymous said...

May all glory be to our Lord Jesus Christ! Who grants us every grace possible to do His will with purity of heart and shine His light on those who do not know Him!
Praying for the light to be seen!
Christ love and peace be with you!

what a great opportunity and you grabbed it! i hope you'll update us with what happens next.

Blogger Marla Taviano said...

Let's see a pic of the shirt!

Anonymous Debbie said...

I'm praying that your gift of a blue shirt results in the greatest gift of all, eternal life. Our pastor used to carry a small plastic oval change carrier in his pocket and if any one would comment on it, he would give it to them and they would say, "no, I can't accept that!" and he would say, "I insist! But may I also tell you about another free gift?" And then he'd share Jesus. Let us know how it goes....as if we could keep you quiet!

Blogger Erin said...

What a gift! Thanks for your willingness!

Blogger Erin said...

What a gift! Thanks for your willingness!

Blogger Oh Dear said...

I got to do that with toddler shoes for our server at a Chinese Rest. God worked on that young woman and later sent a group of teenagers to her. They sat at her table, ordered nothing, left a $30 tip and note and walked out! She saw my husband with some of them one day and showed him the note they left that said, "Jesus Loves you." That young woman wanted to hear about our Jesus! Isn't it fun being a Christian!!!

Blogger cautious1 said...

Love this story - I am quickly seeing God at work in those situations you just mentioned. I am a counselor at a PUBLIC high school in WI and I had quite an interesting conversation w/one of my students (he is seriously the nicest boy ever). Anyway...I'll try to keep this short..we had a senior die at our school yesterday (had a brain aneurysm and was taken off of life support 5 days later) and my student came in to talk. When Josh (my student) visited John in the hosital he told him (John was in a coma) that he would "see him on the other side". Hello - opportunity to talk about JESUS! Josh told me he was an atheist but had begun to think that there was a "Higher Power" somewhere out there. He was curious to learn more about Jesus. Long story short, I will be purchasing the book "Letters to a Skeptic" tomorrow for Josh to read. He was extremely interested in reading the book. I thought that that would be a good place to begin since he's not so sure about this whole "Jesus thing".

Blogger Encourager said...

Beautiful Post, and story of your heart to hear her heart and God Whispers, Thank You for your Obedience and sharing your heart with us. We all hear and need to listen to God, you never know the need, GOD does!!!!

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