A Fine Line

Getting out of the car, I see their faces and watch as they begin to walk the fine line between trying to sell you their wares and not begging you to buy. I listen as they call out and say, "mama, I make you a good price." What I hear, however, is something entirely different. What I hear is, "mama, do you see me? Do you see that this is the way I feed my child and support my family? Mama, I have a story, do you want to know?" This all takes place in a matter of seconds. It's in the final seconeds that I see the line being drawn. Do I continue to try and sell this to feed my family or do I look away with a look that says, "oh well, someone else will come along?"

Honestly, I haven't thought of those ladies since I left their stalls by the waterfall, at least not until this morning. You see, I've found myself in that same place lately. Asking, "do you see me? Have you forgotten all about me? Remember the promise you made? I have a story, do you want to know it?" Walking that fine line between not begging for support and trying to sell you my wares. 

My wares are not tangible trinkets that can be looked at, admired, and taken home to show people I went to Africa. My wares are of the spiritual kind, the kind you can't see with your natural eyes. My wares are teaching tea time to eight beautiful and amazing ladies whose lives are being changed. My wares are standing by the bedside of a child clearly stricken with Aids and TB, getting down on his level, touching his face and saying, "nbubani ligama lakho (what is your name)?" My wares are chasing children down the hall of the hospital trying to brighten their days just a little bit. My wares are touching a mama, whose child is in the hospital, and saying, "can I pray for you?" My wares are handing a plate of food to a tiny little body and praying as I hand it to her, "God protect this small one. Heal her body." My wares are singing, dancing, and telling stories to hundreds of children each week. 

This morning God gave a fresh perspective on the ladies at the waterfall and in the process broke my heart for them. They will no longer be just women selling their wares. I will see them. I will hear them. I will understand that just because I may never know their story, doesn't mean that they don't have one. 

He also reminded me that, though others may not see me and the wares that I sell, He does. Though others may not understand the intangible aspect of my wares, He does. He sees me. He hasn't forgotten about me. He keeps His promises to me and, most importantly, He knows my story and He loves me.

Psalm 37:25- I was young and now I am old, yet I have never seen the righteous forsaken or theri children begging bread. They are always generous and lend freely; their children will be blessed.

One last note...thank you to @HighRockWest! You have seen us. You have not forgotten about us. You have adopted us into your family and for that we are truly thankful and blessed!

If you wish to give, please click on the link below. Your donations are tax deductable. Thank you!

http://goo.gl/Ec