Antonia

I was doing abs in the gym when I saw her.  An elderly woman, with beautiful black hair and almond-shaped eyes, straining to maneuver from one place to another as she exercised.  She had a neck brace and a walker, and she could not have looked more in need of prayer, alone and struggling.  

And I knew.  I knew I should go and ask if I could pray for her.  But I didn’t.  I was too unsure.  Unsure of how she would feel if I did.  Unsure of her pride’s offense, the gap in our ages made me question how to ask, what to say to make sure she would understand I did not pity her.  I could simply feel God’s love for her, and so I loved her too.  

How do you tell a stranger who is suffering that you love her?  How do you explain so they can hear the heartbeat of an eternal God, and not the awkwardness of human lips?

After moving to another part of the room and finishing my workout, Morgan caught up with me and we headed for childcare to get the kids.  There she was again.  Silently, thoughtfully, reading the Bible that they keep right there on the desk.  God was calling her to Him since I wouldn’t step out and love her.  But I know He loves me too and He asked me to pray for her so I could know His love for both of us better.  And this time, I would not lose my chance.

This time I knew she was not a suffering stranger, but a seeking sister.

So Morgan and I, we went and I asked her name, and I asked if we could pray for her, and she lit up radiantly like a smoldering log that has been touched and moved.  Her name is Antonia, but we could call her Toni, she used to pray for people all the time, she needed prayer so much, and thank you.  Oh, how she loved Jesus.

When I passed by again on my way out she was still there with ancient words of love open before her.  This time, her hands were lifted, low beside her, and tears were on her cheeks, and still her face shone like an angel.  In my heart I knew, the gratitude belonged to me now.  Toni had taught me that obedience and love, they are sisters too, and that love cannot offend, no matter the age gap, no matter the difference.  A heart offered is a gift and it is the giver who receives as much anyone else.

I have continued to pray for Toni this week.  The pain and scars she showed in her body were a great gift to me.  Her suffering taught me to trust the voice of the God who loves so well, so fully, that He can make a stranger your sister, and bring His daughters together for a beautiful moment.  I hope He sets her free from the pain she so gracefully endures. And I hope when I see her again she is walking toward me, shining just like she did that day.

God bless the beautiful Antonia