I regularly get encouragement and stories from friends and associates. This one is from the esteemed Tracy Griffin, long time friend and fine person. I asked if she’d guest blog it for me. She kindly agreed. Please enjoy. –
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Last weekend I traveled to Atlanta on business and was routed through Chicago while all my colleagues all had non-stop flights. Strange, but I wasn’t too bothered by it. While walking up to my plane’s departure gate I noticed a woman sitting by herself with the big gold letters of “CHAPLAIN” on the back of her jacket. She was just sitting down to a meal so I quietly went up to her and, as you know us military families like to do, put a hand on her shoulder and thanked her for her service. She looked up at me with tears in her eyes so I asked where she was headed. “New Mexico” she answered. Her mentor Chaplain of over 20 years had just been murdered by his teenage son. The boy killed both parents and three of his sisters. http://www.foxnews.com/us/2013/01/21/teenage-gunman-kills-5-in-new-mexico-home-officials-say/
She asked if I would pray for her and I did immediately and then said farewell with a hug. When I turned to go she called me back and gave me her card (I know this was a sacrifice for her as she only had a couple left) and a copy of a book about Psalm 91 and its protection specifically for the military. When I got to my hotel I quickly looked up the story from New Mexico right away and read about the horror. She was going into that horrible situation to perform crisis intervention for the family and community. I prayed again and started an email to her where I shared with her my credentials in the areas of life coaching and grief therapy. She wrote back how that certainly was a surprise but agreed we met for a reason. She was surprised to hear this and then asked if I’d ever considered Chaplaincy. I hadn’t considered it but am now thinking of ways I can be involved in such a blessed ministry. I sense a true blessing in this meeting and that it was divine intervention for me to be routed through the Chicago airport. I mean, a little girl like me going through big old scary Chicago all on my own… there was a reason for all of it!
I ordered a case of the books to distribute to military families and friends of the same. While searching for the book’s title, I found this beautiful little video which sums it all up. The book she gave me: Psalm 91.
Who will you touch on the shoulder to thank them? Where will it take you? When God whispers, please take action.
