"Welcome to My House" - God. | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Lifestyle

"Welcome to My House" - God.

"The Church isn’t a museum for good people, it’s a hospital for the broken." - Unknown.

70
"Welcome to My House" - God.
Directlyrics

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.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

15 Mind-Bending Riddles

Hopefully they will make you laugh.

183992
 Ilistrated image of the planet and images of questions
StableDiffusion

I've been super busy lately with school work, studying, etc. Besides the fact that I do nothing but AP chemistry and AP economics, I constantly think of stupid questions that are almost impossible to answer. So, maybe you could answer them for me, and if not then we can both wonder what the answers to these 15 questions could be.

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

Most Epic Aurora Borealis Photos: October 2024

As if May wasn't enough, a truly spectacular Northern Lights show lit up the sky on Oct. 10, 2024

10487
stunning aurora borealis display over a forest of trees and lake
StableDiffusion

From sea to shining sea, the United States was uniquely positioned for an incredible Aurora Borealis display on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024, going into Friday, Oct. 11.

It was the second time this year after an historic geomagnetic storm in May 2024. Those Northern Lights were visible in Europe and North America, just like this latest rendition.

Keep Reading...Show less
 silhouette of a woman on the beach at sunrise
StableDiffusion

Content warning: This article contains descriptions of suicide/suicidal thoughts.

When you are feeling down, please know that there are many reasons to keep living.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

Power of Love Letters

I don't think I say it enough...

454750
Illistrated image of a letter with 2 red hearts
StableDiffusion

To My Loving Boyfriend,

  • Thank you for all that you do for me
  • Thank you for working through disagreements with me
  • Thank you for always supporting me
  • I appreciate you more than words can express
  • You have helped me grow and become a better person
  • I can't wait to see where life takes us next
  • I promise to cherish every moment with you
  • Thank you for being my best friend and confidante
  • I love you and everything you do

To start off, here's something I don't say nearly enough: thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of my heart. You do so much for me that I can't even put into words how much I appreciate everything you do - and have done - for me over the course of our relationship so far. While every couple has their fair share of tiffs and disagreements, thank you for getting through all of them with me and making us a better couple at the other end. With any argument, we don't just throw in the towel and say we're done, but we work towards a solution that puts us in a greater place each day. Thank you for always working with me and never giving up on us.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

11 Signs You Grew Up In Hauppauge, NY

Because no one ever really leaves.

24639
Map of Hauppauge, New York
Google

Ah, yes, good old Hauppauge. We are that town in the dead center of Long Island that barely anyone knows how to pronounce unless they're from the town itself or live in a nearby area. Hauppauge is home to people of all kinds. We always have new families joining the community but honestly, the majority of the town is filled with people who never leave (high school alumni) and elders who have raised their kids here. Around the town, there are some just some landmarks and places that only the people of Hauppauge will ever understand the importance or even the annoyance of.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments