What a strange title for this blog, huh?
A week and a half ago, Sierra was challenged with this question from a friend of hers who she's been sharing the gospel with. She responded that she thought she would forgive them.
Then, just a few hours later, a woman marched up to her and punched her in the face. No warning, no reason.
She had been laying on the grass in the park, spending some time with Jesus when she noticed a woman walking toward her. She sat up, thinking that maybe the woman hadn't seen her, and said 'hello'. The woman rocked up and punched her twice in the face. Then she began to yell at her to get off her turf, so Sierra stood up and started to walk away. The woman punched her two more times in the face and head, and then turned and walked away in the opposite direction.
Sierra called me, and was quite shooken up (as you can imagine). We got her to the base and calmed her down. Less than an hour later she was doing really well. Her first response was one of forgiveness for this woman. She reluctantly went to the police and made a report.
Since then, she has been standing strong in forgiveness. She has no fear or intimidation and is celebrating and praising the Lord for His goodness! She knows that what the enemy meant for harm, God has used for good. What a testimony!
A few things that I thought were so interesting...in the midst of this woman punching her, she did not protect herself - verbally or physically. She did not respond with any words. She did not put her arms up to ward off the blows. She simply walked away. She says that after the first punch, the first thought that went through her head was "I don't think this lady has very good intentions". What a strange, funny thing to think!
She felt full of peace in the midst. Her response reminds me of what Jesus says in Luke 6:22-23, 27-29: What blessings await you when people hate you and exclude you and mock you and curse you as evil because you follow the Son of Man! When that happens, be happy! Yes, leap for joy! For a great reward awaits you in heaven...but to you who are willing to listen, I say, love your enemies! Bless those who curse you. Pray for those who hurt you. If someone slaps you on one cheek, offer the other cheek also. If someone demands your coat, offer your shirt also."
A few days after this incident, Sierra saw this woman again as she walked home. Without fear, she said 'hello' to her again. The woman showed no signs of recognition. She was carrying a bottle of booze and just slurred a 'hello' back. Please lift this poor woman up in prayer, that she would be saved from the demons of addiction and violence.
Please also pray for us! Although we are in a "western" nation, the battle is huge! We need your prayer covering. I am realizing more and more how imperative this is...it is not just a nice thing to do - you are actually entering into the battle with us, girding us up and encouraging us on. Just like Aaron and Hur had to hold up Moses' hands in order for the Israelites to win the battle, so we need you to hold us up (Exodus 17:11-13).
We live in an area where there is a lot of violence, prostitution, drugs & alcohol (literally right below us). Sierra goes to a school where every evil is celebrated and God is mocked. I am working amongst a people who have been deceived about who God is and have lived through every evil imaginable. I do not say this to alarm you or make you worry, but to you encourage you as to the necessity of a strong prayer covering. We covet your prayers!!
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