My mother’s story began in a small town in the southern state of Tamil Nadu in India. Born to staunch Hindu parents living in abject poverty, my mother did many odd jobs to support her family financially. She contributed in ways like selling firewood, picking wild lemons and mangoes to sell in the market, crushing large quantities of dried chili, and other similar jobs to help make ends meet.
When she was around ten, one of the jobs she took upon herself was to milk the cows at the crack of dawn and sell the milk to their neighbors. One cold morning, with around two liters of milk leftover, she set off in the early hours – too poor to afford footwear and squinting in the dark. As was customary for her to do with leftover milk, she walked half a kilometer to the nearest hospital to sell it to the visiting families of the patients admitted there.
As she carried her precious cargo and walked down the road, she stepped on a stone and stumbled. Crying out in pain, she accidentally let go of the bucket. To her utter dismay, the bucket tipped over and a lot of milk spilled to the ground. Gingerly hopping on one foot and with eyes filled with tears, my mother looked into the bucket to assess the damage. Only a cupful of milk remained.
Unwilling to return home with no money to show, my mother walked to the hospital to sell the little milk she had left. A woman answered the very first door she knocked on.
“Aunty, I only have a little milk today. Would you like to buy it?”
“Yes, I would. How much do I owe you?”
“10 paise.”
“Here you go.”
(my mother hesitated for a second but was emboldened thinking of the tearful face of my grandmother if she showed up at home with no money)
“Umm.. aunty… Can I ask you for a favor? All the milk I was supposed to sell today spilled on my way here. If I go back home without any money, it would break my mother’s heart. Can you please give me the money for two liters of milk today? I will compensate you by delivering a quarter liter of milk every day for the next week.”
Recounting the story more than forty-five years later, what my mother remembers most vividly is the compassion in the lady’s eyes. She gave my mother the money for two liters of milk and told her she didn’t have to repay it since her husband was getting discharged that evening. My mother could scarcely believe her ears as her heart filled with gratitude and she thanked her profusely.
Before the lady could close the door, my mother noticed a cross hanging from the chain on her neck.
“Aunty, are you a Christian?”
(smiling) “Yes, I am.”
As she skipped home with a happy heart, my mother thought of only one thing the whole way back – If a Christian can show me so much love, how much more loving would their God be? That was the first seed of the Gospel planted in the heart of my mother.
Today, I cannot imagine that there was ever a time she did not know Jesus.
I often think back on this incident that shaped the course of my mother’s life. Although she’s told us this story many times over the years, each time her eyes shine with gratitude. This has led me to wonder if I have ever inadvertently affected the life of someone who needed the Master’s touch. Imagine the impact we would have if we, as Christians, presented a united front in exhibiting Christ to the world.
We often hear the famous phrase “preach the Gospel at all times, when necessary use words”. Are we truly mindful of how we lead our lives? Does living a holy life spring from the abundance of the Spirit of God dwelling in us or are we finding it increasingly hard to maintain a pretense? Make no mistake, only the transformation that Christ brings is genuine and lasting. Every fleshly attempt will leave us feeling tired and drained.
It is of utmost importance that those on the outside looking in can perceive Christ in us. We ought to constantly analyze ourselves to see if this is our reality. If that isn’t the case, we would truly benefit by “offering up prayers and petitions with fervent cries and tears” – asking God to help us lead a life that is worthy of being His ambassador.
What assurance Paul had in the transformative work of the Holy Spirit in his life! He boldly declares, “you should imitate me, just as I imitate Christ” (1 Corinthians 11:1). Can we make such a bold declaration in our places of work, in our church, among friends, and most importantly – at home? Can others look at our lives and see a reflection so bright that they have no choice but to look for the source?
Dear friend, the world needs our persevering influence. Keeping that in mind, we would be wise to constantly ask the Holy Spirit to help “renew our thoughts and attitudes” (Ephesians 4:23). We may never know the far-reaching impact of the witness we have to offer. For the majority of people that you come across, the only proof of the Gospel that they will see is you. “You are the light of the world… let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:14,16).
Everything we say or do makes an impact on the lives of the people around us – either leading them towards God or seeing no difference in us that causes them to take notice. When a man has surrendered himself to the rule of the Holy Spirit, people will take note and wonder “how”. An old hymn written by B.B. McKinney comes to mind.
While passing thro’ this world of sin,
And others your life shall view,
Be clean and pure without, within,
Let others see Jesus in you.
Your life’s a book before their eyes,
They’re reading it thro’ and thro’,
Say, does it point them to the skies,
Do others see Jesus in you?
What joy ’twill be at set of sun,
In mansions beyond the blue,
To find some souls that you have won.
Let others see Jesus in you.
Then live for Christ both day and night,
Be faithful, be brave, and true,
And lead the lost to life and light.
Let others see Jesus in you.
Dear Father, I am aware that only a life that is saturated by the Spirit of God has the power to direct people to You. Often, this isn’t the case with me. Help me to fall so in love with Jesus and pursue Him so aggressively that He influences every area of my life. I want to be more like Him in every way. Help me lead my life with the wisdom that comes from You – a life that does not ruin the opportunity for the Gospel. May others be drawn to Your love through me. In Jesus’s name, I pray, Amen.
25 comments
Now sara aunty is blessed to many people. She is our good God fearing servent of our lord almighty Jesus Christ.
What a great reminder. Thanks for sharing! Definitely a reflection of the Lord in the flesh here on earth. I really liked the fact that the post could be read, as well as have the option to read it.
As I read through, this, there is a hymn resounding in me:
Show a little bit of love and kindness,
Never go along with hatred blindness
Take a little time to reap of joy and wear a happy face,
Sing a little bit when the days are dreary,
Give a little help to a friend who is weary,
That’s the way to make the world a happy place.
The hymn dwells more on shinning our lights and brightening the little corner where we are.
I love the encounter your mother had, must have been the turning point in her life. We never know how far our little kindness can go in pointing others to Jesus.
This post is a reminder, to be conscious of our acts, and reflect Jesus in all we do.
Thank you so much for this reminder, it blessed me a lot Evangeline.
To God be the glory! 🙂
This was so powerful and brought tears to my eyes! It is often those seemingly small things that make the biggest impact! I pray that I will be sensitive to God using me this way for His Glory and to win souls for His Kingdom.
What a beautiful prayer! That is mine, too.
Loved this post so much! The wonderful story of your mother so illustrates the point that we can draw people to Christ or not. It’s so worth our time to reflect on what our witness is to others. And thank you for the prayer – “May others be drawn to your love through me.”
Beautiful story of a generous heart, courage & God’s provision. Loved reading this!
Wow! Such a moving post! Your mom’s story is incredible. I love to hear about how God leads people in finding Him
as Saviour. I also love the prayer you included at the end. This is my prayer, too. I long to be used as an influence for Christ. I want others to see a difference in me, the Holy Spirit of God, that leads them to want Him, too!
Blessings! 💗
Beautiful story of God’s love and something we can forget in our busy schedules, but l always love reminders where we should never forget God’s enduring grace towards us. Thanks for inspiring us!
What a powerful testimony from your mother! My heart feels so incredibly convicted about how I behave when I think that “no one is watching.” It is so important for me to be preaching the gospel with my life and the way I treat people at all times. Thank you for this powerful reminder.
This was such a powerful and encouraging story! It is a good reminder that we never know how our simple actions of kindness can impact others for the Kingdom. So grateful for God’s loving grace to us and how he works through us to show others His grace!
Wow! So beautiful. This is something I’ve been trying to focus more on recently…to be so focused on God and full of His Grace, that it shows on the outside. Thank you for this beautiful reminder, of how important it is for me to keep pressing on closer to Jesus!
Such a generous heart! I LOVE this post. I love all your writings sweet friend. You take us places and into the hearts of the people you write about… ❤
Bless you, Donna. 🙂
What a beautiful story! A great reminder that we are to show others Jesus through our actions.
This was so touching, I cried! Truly the life we live can shed light on other’s paths. Thanks for sharing.
Love that beautiful story you shared. Your posts are always so moving! Thank you for sharing this!
Such a beautiful story! And I just love how you write. Thanks for inspiring and encouraging me today to let Christ shine through me as I interact with people throughout the day!
Wow! You have reminded me to always represent Jesus well! That kind, godly lady changed the course of history in your family! Oh how loved we are by God! Thank you for this treasure that you shared today!❤️
Absolutely. God used her to change the course of history in our family. What a blessing!
Hi, Evangeline. Thank you so much for the inspiration and wonderful reminders. May we always continue to be God’s light in everything that we do. God bless!
What a beautiful post!!! I pray that I will be an example of God’s love. We need to display this. This is what will bring people to Christ. Thank you for the beautiful post.
This is so beautiful Thank you for sharing your mother’s story.
I can only imagine how upset she must have been and the courage to continue anyways.
God works in mysterious ways with such little hope.
How beautiful! It is amazing how the simple moments can leave such a lasting impression.
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