A simple cup of coffee changed my life.
Years ago, I was in the pit of discouragement. I was battered and beaten, and the blows were from fellow Christians.
Like Judas’ kiss, the pain ran deeper, because I’d expected the Lord’s love and kindness from them.
It was my “Year of 22 Funerals” and my heart was broken with loss of family members and friends. I was criticized for not smiling. When women’s gossip was believed and not validated, my husband and I were removed from a ministry.
The more I suffered, the more I was criticized and rebuked. I fully understood the saying, “only Christians shoot their wounded.”
I had a bulls-eye painted on my heart.
The world knows better.
They offer sympathy cards, meals, and kind words. Even at your lowest time, the world knows what to do.
I was at one of the twenty-two funerals. It was a good place to be since crying was expected.
The funeral was for a friend’s friend, I was there for moral support. But, my friend was so late she missed the funeral. People would occasionally turn to stare, probably wondering about the stranger mourning the death of their miscarried child.
Some of my tears were for them, but once the floodgates let loose, my broken heart couldn’t stop.
After the funeral I sat waiting in a lone hallway, where chairs were strategically placed for solitude.
I went through piles of Kleenex, thankful for a scene where my tears would not be challenged, criticized, or scorned.
I wept and prayed and wept.
Mark 9:41
Whoever gives you a cup of water to drink in My name,
because you belong to Christ, assuredly, I say to you,
he will by no means lose his reward.
A man in a dark suit came quietly and offered me a Styrofoam cup of coffee
and a few animals crackers on a plain, inexpensive white napkin. I thanked him, a bit surprised, because I didn’t know I had made my presence known, as the funeral party had long since left the building.
He had the quiet manner of one trained to comfort others, but it didn’t matter to me if this was his job or not, his simple act of kindness comforted my heart in such a way,
it was as if the Lord Jesus Himself had reached out to touch my heart and calm me.
The Lord made His presence felt through this one small act of kindness.
I was so starved for love and affection from others, that the animal crackers and coffee ministered to my parched soul like manna from Heaven.
It doesn’t take much to minister to one who’s broken. He didn’t buy me a car, a gift, or a dinner. He poured a cup of coffee, found a few crackers, and offered what he had available.
This moment was one of the most profound experiences in my life.
Through this time of suffering I also learned how to get out of the pit, forgive those who haven’t confessed their sin against you, rejoice in sufferings, be falsely accused, and how to turn to the Lord in all my grief.
Even though it was a cup of coffee and not a cup of water, it still fulfilled what the Lord is asking us to do to others – to refresh them.
We’re to bind up their broken hearts and sooth their ruffled souls, to give them strength for the day and bright hope for tomorrow.
All around us broken souls longing for that cup of water, soothing spiritual refreshment for their parched souls.
Can we answer the call?
What if this man had shook off that little nagging feeling to serve me?
What if he said –
“I’m too busy.”
“That isn’t part of my job.”
“I really don’t have a good snack, just a few old crackers.”
We need to be sensitive to those around us and to hear the voice of the Lord as He asks us to do little things for others.
A cup of cold water is all the Lord asked us to offer.
Or in my case, a cup of coffee.
**********
If you want to be encouraged in the ministry you can have with just a cup of coffee,
I highly recommend the book
First We Have Coffee by Margaret Jensen
…or a pot of tea! I'll never forget the first time I was served a pot of tea and simple cookies by a friend. It was such a blessing.
…or a pot of tea! I'll never forget the first time I was served a pot of tea and simple cookies by a friend. It was such a blessing.
I have been exactly where you described and it is not a fun place to be…Time has passed. We have moved on, but truly, Mister has never recovered. Sometimes the wounded do not ever rebound. We Christians are gonna have to learn to be more gentle when we rebuke, even if we feel justified. I am thankful that I have found a way to rebound, but sad that Mister suffered permanent wounds to his soul.Loved this post!
I have been exactly where you described and it is not a fun place to be…Time has passed. We have moved on, but truly, Mister has never recovered. Sometimes the wounded do not ever rebound. We Christians are gonna have to learn to be more gentle when we rebuke, even if we feel justified. I am thankful that I have found a way to rebound, but sad that Mister suffered permanent wounds to his soul.Loved this post!
I am so happy you left the best comment I ever received on my blogs so that I could find yours! The comment you left really made me feel good!! Your blog is filled with amazing posts! Being a mom of many I know there is a lot I can learn from you!! Thank you for sharing your testimonials. Later on tonight when the kids are resting I am coming back for more. God is good! And there is nothing I love more than to hear how he has his hands on somebody. I know he isn't finished with me yet!!
I am so happy you left the best comment I ever received on my blogs so that I could find yours! The comment you left really made me feel good!! Your blog is filled with amazing posts! Being a mom of many I know there is a lot I can learn from you!! Thank you for sharing your testimonials. Later on tonight when the kids are resting I am coming back for more. God is good! And there is nothing I love more than to hear how he has his hands on somebody. I know he isn't finished with me yet!!
I don't know exactly how to respond to this beautiful post. I have a lot of thoughts and feelings I don't know how to stuff into words. But I'll try. I am so sorry for your pain… and I understand it. I am so grateful God used it as a back drop, some silver lining, to teach you such deep truths about Himself and loving others. I pray we all do this—this offering whatever we have for the glory of the LORD and the comfort and encouragement of each soul He has made—more and more every day!I don't know that I said what I feel well… but …THANK YOU.
I don't know exactly how to respond to this beautiful post. I have a lot of thoughts and feelings I don't know how to stuff into words. But I'll try. I am so sorry for your pain… and I understand it. I am so grateful God used it as a back drop, some silver lining, to teach you such deep truths about Himself and loving others. I pray we all do this—this offering whatever we have for the glory of the LORD and the comfort and encouragement of each soul He has made—more and more every day!I don't know that I said what I feel well… but …THANK YOU.