OLIVE OYL. There is a special lady who goes to our church and reminds me of what I picture Olive Oyl to look like in her 60s or70s. Im not sure what it is about her, maybe her interesting facial features or perhaps her long black hair pulled back in a tight pony tail. What distinguishes her the most, however, is the fact that she has had a stroke and the right half of her face is completely paralyzed. Add to this her slurred speech, and you have someone who might be having a hard time rejoicing. I recall her crying one time as she stood to give a testimony, saying that her husband was in a nursing home and she was lonely and missed him. I first noticed Olive Oyl sitting in the lobby after church one Sunday as she was trying to get the little children to talk to her. Most were frightened by her appearance and her difficulty in speaking, and they clung to their mothers as she reached towards them. This dear saint comes to church on the van and usuallly sits alone in the back, but today I found her seated across the aisle from us, just a few rows back from the front. As I sat in clear view of her, I couldnt help but notice how engagaed she was in our worship service from the very beginning. Singing Amazing Grace with conviction, clapping softly along with the music during the offeratory, then clapping heartily after our guest missionaries sang, and whispering, Thank you when they finished. I was not distracted at all, but I remember thinking that I had not seen anyone enjoy worshipping as much as she did in a long time. When the service ended, I walked over to where she was standing and told her that I would be praying for her. She immediately looked up and pointed towards heaven and said, He always takes care of me, and I agreed with her that our Heavenly Father does indeed look after his children. I reminded her of how much God loves her and of his great faithfulness, but somehow I had a feeling that I was talking to somone who already understood this...and much more. I began my day today in a state of anxiety, concerned about so many things and trying to put them in perspective. I prayed and asked the Lord to help me to let go and to trust him, and He answered that prayer through a little woman who reminds me of Olive Oyl. One who has many strikes against her, but has learned how to trust in his love and his promises, no matter what. Now I know why she could enjoy her worship so much his morning. She has a faith that is simple yet strong, and a peace that only God can give. May the Lord bless her.
Posted on: Sun, 10 Aug 2014 20:33:41 +0000
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