Decatur, GA. A person’s outward appearance is one thing, but his inner life is something else. Sometimes we falsely think that changing things externally will “fix” our internal unhappiness. It may be the clothing we wear, the way we walk or talk, the friends we choose, the possessions we have, or even something more significant. We have all been guilty, at one time or another, of this kind of thing. Because we are spiritual beings, created by God for God, happiness is found only in relationship with God, and conformity to His will.
The Atlanta, Georgia St. Paul Street Evangelization team had a very slow day evangelizing in Decatur recently. It was cold and windy, and few people were outdoors. Those who were outdoors, just wanted to get to the next warm place they were going to. The team was only able to give out a few rosaries and wish people “Merry Christmas.”
There was, however, one significant encounter had by evangelist David. A young lady stopped at his offer of a rosary, and accepted one, together with a copy of the tract “How to Pray the Rosary.” David introduced himself. The young lady’s name was “China” (we have changed her name for the story). In response to his questions, China told David that she was Christian, but had not attended Church for a long time. She had that hurt, shameful look in her eyes when she told him this.
“Would you like me to pray with you?” David asked.
“Yes.”
David made the sign of the cross, saying, “In the Name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.” He said, “Please give me your hand, while we pray.”
She took his hand.
“What would you like to pray for?”
“Peace in my life.”
David prayed, asking God to grant her peace, and to forgive them their sins and watch over them until the dawning of eternal life.
China walked away, seemingly grateful. About an hour later, she came back, from a different direction than that from which she had left. She stopped and asked David to please continue praying for her. David, for his part, was touched to the heart. He promised her he would pray for her, and, in fact, was happy to do so.
David could only hardly imagine what China’s life must be like. For China, you see, is not actually a ‘she.’ Please keep China in your prayers as well.