Enkindling

Luke 10:38-42 tells of a visit Jesus had with two sisters of Lazarus named Mary and Martha:

38 As Jesus and the disciples continued on their way to Jerusalem, they came to a village where a woman named Martha welcomed them into her home. 39 Her sister, Mary, sat at the Lord’s feet, listening to what he taught. 40 But Martha was worrying over the big dinner she was preparing. She came to Jesus and said, “Lord, doesn’t it seem unfair to you that my sister just sits here while I do all the work? Tell her to come and help me.” 41 But the Lord said to her, “My dear Martha, you are so upset over all these details! 42 There is really only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it–and I won’t take it away from her.”

My mother passed away 11 years ago. When I received the news my heart sank because I did not know if she had ever accepted Jesus. I left Seattle immediately to go to North Carolina and make arrangements for her funeral. While there I met a pastor who agreed to conduct the memorial service. As we talked he asked me if I was worried about her eternity. Tears ran down my face as he told me my mother had come to his church two months prior. He took me in the church and showed me the steps where my mother knelt down to ask Christ to save her. My prayers all those years had been answered!

When I was twelve I was invited by my best friend’s (Kevin) family to attend a youth bible study on a Friday night. It was there that I heard a woman named Iris share how she had used drugs and been a prostitute. A man witnessed to her as they sat on a curb where she worked. She spoke of how Jesus saved her from a life of addiction and shame. I knew if Jesus could do that for Iris He could do it for me. That night I accepted Christ as my Lord, Savior, and best friend.

All of these women have something in common which brings me great joy. All knelt at Jesus’ feet. All stood up a LADY. And He washed them snow white.