I1/9/09 Tanya, about 30
All was quiet on the bus from Minnesota for a few minutes until two "drama queens" boarded, carrying on loud cell phone conversations. These women didn't seem to care that everyone else on the bus could hear their childish arguments with ex-boyfriends, ugly gossip with girlfriends, or profanity-filled ranting at their children. There was no attempt to tone down their voices or hold back on embarrassing details, and it was impossible not to eavesdrop. I didn't even think about being a witness to these women until one called a friend who apparently acted as a sounding board as she shared her problems and asked for advice. "I haven't had a man in so long, should I just go sleep around with anyone I meet? I'm through with relationships and all the games these men play" she asked her friend. I had no wish to talk to this woman, but I believe the Lord really caused me to see her as a lost sheep needing direction, and I began to imagine what it would be like to see her getting off the bus in Milwaukee without even an attempt on my part to talk to her. "Excuse me, I don't mean to be offensive, but I really feel led to talk to you about a few things." I said across the aisle. After she figured out that I was sharing about the Lord her eyes grew wide and she quietly said "Go on, I need to hear this. I know God sent you to talk with me". I had to agree. Though she had a church background, Tanya had never heard the Gospel explained in the context of God's law, and she had many questions. She had used God as she needed Him to get what she wanted, and one commandment that seemed to really convict her was when I explained the kind of attitude we have toward God when we take His Name in vain. The other woman listened in to our half-hour conversation, along with possibly many other passengers, and afterward the bus was strangely silent. I hoped and prayed that Tanya was thinking it all through and responding to God's truth. When she got off in Milwaukee, she thanked me for talking to her, saying again that she really believed God sent me to talk to her that day.
Gospel conversations from the streets and marketplace....
1 comment:
It's amazing that often when you come across people that are so loud, they're actually screaming out to you that they have a big need and that they're actually ver insecure. Well done that you talked to her, I know it's very tempting in such circumstances to think of oneself just wanting "to get off this bus"! Thanks for your insipring blog!
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