"But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law."
Galatians 5:22-23

Friday, June 4, 2010

Patience

Today I met Linda Marsh for coffee at a local Starbucks. I was a little nervous when i was driving over to talk with her because she is the first member of the community that i was really going to ask about the community. Dave and i looked over a questionnaire ahead of time to see if the questions sounded good. Oh how funny it is to me now that i worried so much. Needless to say this morning was a wonderful conversation that seemed less work related and more like coffee with a friend. Linda is a 65 year old woman who seems more like a 28 year old living in the body of a 53 yera old woman. She had so much life and energy that she was just simply refreshing. She has lived all over the Sacramento area and currently lives in one of the mobile home communities. She was telling me about the changes in the neighborhood over the years and the one that affected her the most was the huge increase of homeless people in the area. She is a hair stylist, and for a while she was involved in a ministry that would go to the homeless peoples communities and cut their hair. Her love for people and desire to help those who are hurting is so prevalent, especially with youth. She told me how an increasing population of homeless teens is increasing in the Sacramento area. People my age and younger are living on the streets here. There is such a need for the youth in this community. She is such a strong Christian and extremely humble in her faith. She was telling me how she daily gives everything to God so that she can be used in what he sees fitting. It isn't easy letting God take control of the reins, but his plan is the best plan. I continuously need to learn to do this in my own life, as well as be patient to see what God might be trying to show me. Linda was so encouraging and such a blessing. We ended up talking for almost two and a half hours this morning, and i am sure we could have kept going.

In an area of so much poverty and people with deep hurts God is using people like Linda, like Dave and Susie, and many other people not only at bridge of life, but all over the community to show others the love of God.

Learning to lean on God and to be patient,

Kristen

1 comment:

  1. Kristen, this is so amazing! Conversations like that are priceless. I shall call you soon sister and not just after I watch a scary movie :)

    Love ya!

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