I’m the kind of person who writes or goes on long drives whenever something seems to be bugging me. It’s weird where just writing mindlessly or going on long drives without having a destination can take you… Where do you end up?

The same way two pieces of wood intersect to make a cross, we cross paths with people in this world and we may not even realize that all of this is part of a bigger plan.

A while back my mom was telling me a story about a woman who she’s been crossing paths with for the past five months. During a church meeting my mom attended a couple of months back, they held a discussion over spiritual gifts. The discussion led to using these gifts to reach out to the community and in particular, New Albany High School. (Our Church is directly across New Albany High School.) During the sermon, my mom felt the need to go to the back of the church. She couldn't explain why this sudden urge came; however, it could that she ran into a woman and needed to greet her. Quickly my mom noticed that this woman seemed a little lost and needed help. An overwhelming feeling suddenly came over my mom as noticed that the woman was wearing an oversized New Albany High School t-shirt. She immediately made a connection with the sermon they were having that evening and took this as a sign, especially since the woman appeared to be on drugs.

My mom walked up to the lady, introduced herself and asked if she could help her in any way. The lady introduced herself as Collie and said that she was thirsty and if she could get something to drink. As the two walked downstairs to grab a drink, my mom told me that the scripture Matthew 25:35 popped up in her head, “For I was hungry and you gave Me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave Me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited Me in.” My mom took this as another sign and to her, this all wasn’t just a coincidence and so she took the opportunity to invite Collie to join the sermon.

After getting a drink and something to eat, Collie followed her upstairs and they both took a seat in the last row of pews in the sanctuary. Spiritual gifts were still the topic of discussion. The strangest thing happened. As soon as God’s name was mentioned, Collie immediately started to get sick. My mom had no idea how to react at first because other than appearing high, Collie hadn’t shown any signs of being sick. Collie quickly jumped up and ran out. My mom followed her and took her downstairs to help clean her up.

Collie then said, “I got to go. I got to go. I have to get out of here.”

My mom replied, “You’re always welcome here.” Then Collie left. My mom walked back up to the sanctuary and shared her experience. The group then decided to pray for Collie with hopes that they would see her again and to help her in any way they could.

A couple of Sunday’s later at church, my mom noticed that a young lady appeared during fellowship time and looked familiar. It took one glance to notice that it was Collie. Again my mom was amazed. What could this mean? While excited to see her, my mom wondered if there was something more that God wanted my mom to do to connect to this woman. Although it was an answer to the church's prayer for Collie to appear again, there was something deeper, a strong connection to my mom. What could it be? How are we suppose to figure it out? The answer to that question is trust in the Lord and know in your heart that He will provide the answer just at the right time.

So I say to you today, never overlook or close your mind, more importantly, your heart, to God and what He plans for you. Just like the same way the two pieces of wood intersect on a cross, so can two hearts connect for a purpose yet to be determined by God.

Be faithful. Love your neighbors. Put out a helping hand. Trust God. Never stop believing. Show hospitality, especially open the doors to your churches and welcome your neighbors... For it is God's House.

"I write so that you will know how one ought to conduct himself in the household of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and support of the truth." - 1 Timothy 3:15.

While my story doesn’t have an ending, there are several of things I’d like you to take away from this:

The Church isn’t a museum for the good people. The Church doesn’t display perfect people. They are hospitals where the wounded, hurt, injured and broken find healing.

Also, keep a look out for who or what crosses your path. You never know where you’ll end up or who you’ll run into. “No one is sent by accident to anyone.” – A Course in Miracles.

And lastly, my mom and the Church have every intention to keep this connection, this bond with Collie. We hope that someday Collie will make this place, this church her safe place. We may not know exactly why Collie seems to be drawn to DePauw, but we know that it’s for a reason.

Until then… “Welcome to My House.” – God.