...A Device to Turn Stone Hearts into Flesh Again.
If I could invent something, it would be a device that could turn stone hearts into flesh again–one that could soften those who have become hardened by life, fear, or pain. I say this because of a woman I once knew named Lucy. She was a co-worker of mine at the elementary school where I used to work every day. Lucy had one of the kindest hearts I’ve ever encountered in my entire life.
A few days ago, I received a phone call from my former supervisor. She told me that Lucy had passed away. I was shocked. I hadn’t even known she was sick. She had sent me a text in October, and I never answered. I was struggling with my own medical challenges and had withdrawn, trying to protect myself. But she wasn’t a danger to me. She was one of the most genuine, good-hearted people I had ever met. She never complained. She always greeted me with hugs, taught me Spanish words and phrases, and even cooked for us, like a mother caring for her children.
But while she was showing love to others, she was privately enduring her own trials. I wish I had answered that message. I wish I could have been a comfort to her during such a difficult time. But I was scared; scared of being vulnerable, of letting people see my own struggles. I didn’t want anyone to know what I was going through. I felt weak hopeless.
Now, I regret it. I was looking forward to returning to work and seeing her again, to giving her a big hug. But now, that moment will never come.
Lucy was rare. People like her don’t come around often. I’ve experienced so much betrayal and abandonment in my life that I’ve built walls around myself, always on guard. But Lucy was different. She was the kind of person who reminded me that not everyone has ill intentions. And it’s because of people like her that I’m finally starting to lower my walls, to trust that pure kindness still exists.
“I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.” -Ezekiel 36:26
I wish I had a machine to turn cold, stone hearts into flesh. That way, rare hearts like Lucy’s wouldn’t be so rare and questionable to trust fully. But only God can do that. Only He knows what’s in man’s heart and how to change it.
“The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.” -1 Samuel 16:7
I only wish I could have given Lucy the same warmth that she gave to others. I pray that God has welcomed her spirit into His kingdom because she truly deserves it. She was a golden soul; one whose life and death touched many, perhaps more than she ever realized.
In memory of her, I want to be more open. I don’t want to let fear rob me of the precious gifts that God sends my way. I don’t want to doubt kindness when it is freely given. I pray that God will help me to trust in the love He places in my path, so that I don’t miss out on the beauty of genuine human connection.
“Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.” -Hebrews 13:2
God, today I pray that You soften my heart, so that I may recognize and embrace the love and kindness You place in my life. I pray that You bless Lucy's soul and that her legacy of love continues to inspire those she left behind. Thank You for allowing me to know her, even if only for a season.
“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.” -Matthew 5:8
In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, I pray, Amen.
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I pray many many many many many many many many many many many many many many many many many many many many many many many many many many many many many many many many many many many many many many many many many many many many many many many many many many many many many many many blessings over you,
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Rosalyn Rose