On my way home from work today, I couldn’t decide whether I wanted to grab something quick to eat(fast food) or just wait until I got home to cook something. I didn’t have any cash on hand, so I stopped by the ATM and took out a twenty dollar bill; just in case. Still tossed, I decided to just go home and find something when I got there, but then, out of nowhere I sudden got a serious craving for some chocolate chip cookies.

Figuring it was worth the detour, I stopped by the store and ended up picking up not only one, but two packs of my favorite fix. (Seriously, chocolate  and cookies are my ONLY addiction and together it’s just pure bliss!) That’s when this woman whom I have never seen a day in my life came walking over to me with a huge smile and an extended out a hand. It was quite contagious, so I had no choice but to smile back and take her hand.

“I’m Deborah” she said. It’s a pleasure to meet you.

“Likewise” I said. “I’m Siobhan.”

“You’re so pretty with all that gorgeous hair! I’m just fat, black and ugly…but I still praise God that I’m here.”

“Uh uh! Don’t talk about youself like that!” I said, in here defense. “You’re beautiful!”

“No, I’m not” but thank you.

That’s when I realized that she wasn’t just talking non-sense; she was serious. It hurt me to my soul. This woman clearly had some SERIOUS self esteem issues. I felt something inside of me shift and the sudden outburst of compassion just couldn’t contain itself inside of me. I complimented her in every way I could to the point where I felt like I was preaching from the bible of self-esteem. It clearly wasn’t for nothing because her attitude began to change.

“Do you really think I’m beautiful?” she asked.

“Absolutely! I said, “In more ways than one and especially where it counts the most!” You shine so bright that I need shades just to look in your direction!” I said, playfully squinting. She along with everyone in the store laugh. The crazy thing is, I had been completely unaware of their presence up until that point. There had to be at least ten of them.

“Thank you!” so much she said. “No one has ever told me that I was beautiful before.”

“Well I am honored to be the first, but its a shame how many blind people live in this world.”

By now, she was smiling from ear to ear. “I’m starving! She said. I ain’t have nothing to eat nothing all day. Do you have a dollar you could spare so I could buy some chips or something?”

“Sure, but chips isn’t food. How about I treat you to some real food?”

“Are you serious?” she asked.

“Yes, anything you want! What do you have a taste for? I was about to get some chinese food a little while ago, but changed my mind.”

“Oh, chinese food sounds good!”

“Then chinese food it is!” I said. “Lets go!”

On our way there, I thought about the the faith stone that I had always kept in my bag, just in case  I ran into a situation like these. I always keep at least one on hand. I rumaged through my bag for it; I couldn’t find it fast enough.

“I have something for you, Deborah.” I said.

“For me?” She asked, sounding surprised.

“Yes” I said, pulling the faith stone out of my bag and placing it into her hand. It’s a faith stone. “Always keep it in your pocket as a reminder that Jesus is your rock. He’s with you every step and when you have faith, fear simply can’t exist.”

“Thank you so much!” she said gratefully as she squeezed me tight. I will always keep it with me.

“Please do.” I smiled.

I was so glad that I had decided to take that 20 dollars out of the ATM. I later realized that I hadn’t even taken it out for myself. It was a set up, pure trickery(more like divine intervention lol)…and so was the sudden craving for those chocolate chip cookies that I so miraculously no longer had a taste for. I wasn’t even hungry anymore. God sure has one sense of humor! LOL He was simply using me to be a blessing to someone else, as I always ask of Him. I was more than satisfied! That was better than all the chocolate and cookies in the world and if thats not sweet enough, then I guess something must wrong with my taste buds!

By Siobhan Gamble