How to Save a Life:
Be nosey
Get involved
Pray like you mean it
Breathe
At least that’s what I experienced in Fredricksburg, Virginia on Saturday afternoon. No joke, it was one of the most memorable weekends of my life. For starters, I had to put my lips on another man’s mouth and Matt totally forgave me. [Before anyone gets their bible belts out to beat me, just hang on one moment.] Secondly, I preached in a parking lot to an audience of one. There are firsts for everything, right?
The best part of the story was when a bystander saw me pull a man out of a car to perform CPR and then asks, “Do you know what you’re doing?” To which I yell, “I’M A LIFEGUARD!” Friends, I haven’t been lifeguard since in over 15 years, but in that moment I was David-Flipping-Hasselhoff! Move over Baywatch, there’s a new Hoff in town. [Yup, as in OltHOFF. Boom.]
It’s a long story, but the background to this whole weekend reminded me that when God asks us to do something, we have the opportunity to obey and be invited to great and CrAzY things. Oh you know, like SAVING SOMEONE’S LIFE. It also reminded me that we don’t have to be perfect, polished, and pretty to proclaim the simplicity of the gospel–just do it.
When I felt impressed to teach on the Good Samaritan at Lifepoint Church this past weekend, I felt like it wasn’t good enough. I felt like it wasn’t new enough. I felt like it lacked the je nais se quoi needed for a church I was visiting for the first time. [Yes, I dropped some French words to feel fancy. Don’t judge.]
But did you read that last paragraph? I, I, I. When on God’s great earth did it become me and what I wanted or what I thought would be best? I am simply a conduit of the Lord. I am simply a voice crying in the wilderness to make way for the Savior. The moment we make our life about us is the moment we confuse the messenger with the message.
If you want to watch the message from Lifepoint, Pastor Daniel and the team posted it on their website. If you want to just listen to the story, it starts around :30 minutes in.
Preach the gospel. When necessary, use words.
So glad to hear how awesome your weekend was in Fredricksburg!!!
Amen, just do it! Obedience! I miss out so much!
Spoke Loudly the part about making life about “me”. God help me with that
Wow! Saw your mom Sunday and she shared the story. But listening to your message I balled like a baby!
What a special moment of Gods word coming to life. And His divine appointment. Cannot even imagine!
Your special B! Xoxox
I adore your contagious personality and courageous faith. I never comment on here, but felt lead to simply say “thank you.” Thank you for being an inspiration to women like me and a constant voice so many refuse to speak. Not because you saved that dudes life, I mean.. thats LEGIT. Like, pffft… But really just for stepping up, letting go and being who Christ made you to be. Thank you for paving the road. Xo
Seriously girl you ROCK!!! Holy cow did God use your “old outdated Samaritan story” to bring new real tangible life to what it means to you. For you to be able to use that story to empower and ignite more people for his Kingdom! Go God and praise him for that “random” occurrence.
HOFF!
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Hi Bianca! I just wanted to say that I am so encouraged by your words. I have been following your blog for years now and I can honestly say that it is so awesome to read about your experiences and adventures with our Father and see how He is using those experiences to not only grow you and your family, but also grow others through you!
I also wanted to share with you that the Lord has been taking me on some pretty insane adventures as well. For example, I was “supposed” to leave on Monday for Lithuania to study abroad this semester, but a couple days before the trip, God said “no.” SAY WHAT?! It sounds crazy, but more than anything, as I am seeking God and surrendering every aspect to Him, I am realizing more and more the truth of what you talked about in your blog. I am simply a conduit of the Lord and will go (or stay) where He leads me. It’s like a treasure hunt of sorts, where we are on the journey to discover something beautiful and God keeps reminding us each step of the way that it will only get better as we seek His face. This is the type of radical lifestyle we see the superheroes of our faith living and now we get to be those superheroes!
So, anyway… I guess I just wanted to say thank you for the encouragement to be that superhero of sorts! Keep it up (even when life seems to get a bit cray cray at times). May we never underestimate the power and love of our Father or the work that God will do through us!
WOW! So great. I’m so happy for you! Thanks for letting me know. I’m so inspired by your and glad we could connect 🙂