A young lady, an employee at a store that I frequent, wears bracelets on both arms nearly up to her elbows. The colorful bracelets catch your eye, but when you look closely, they are intermingled with scars.

One Saturday while checking out, I saw her but did not take the time to really notice her by sharing a compliment or asking a question to take a step into her world. I drove away from the store that day challenged because I did not have the courage in that moment to notice, and most women want to be noticed.

Throughout the Bible we read stories of Jesus and the apostles noticing people and engaging in their world through healing, encouragement, understanding, and hope.

In Luke 4:18-19, Jesus says of His own calling, “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, for he has anointed me to bring Good News to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim that captives will be released, that the blind will see, that the oppressed will be set free, and that the time of the Lord’s favor has come” (NLT).

We cannot bring hope to the women around us until we first take the time to notice and step into their world. Now, when I see this young lady at the store, I notice her, and begin a conversation.

What about you? Who will God place in your path to notice today? Will you have the courage to step into their world?

The Courage to Notice
Sarah LeBlanc

August 19, 2016 [printfriendly]