Women Connect: Sharing His Love — Christine Turner

ponder

She gave this name to the Lord who spoke to her: “You are the God who sees me,” for she said, “I have now seen the One who sees me.”Genesis 16:13 New International Version

Her name was Hagar. Her story is somewhat odd and unacceptable by most of us. Yet in her desperation she called out to God, and He answered her.

I love when she says she was seen ...by God the Father, no less!

Do you ever feel unseen?

I think it happens to all of us. We go through life - most days doing the best we can. But an underlying invisible feeling can creep in unexpectedly. Sometimes camouflaged by busyness or idleness, it's still there, nagging at our heart.

And then out of the blue, a friend calls or texts. You receive a handmade card from a child. A neighbor brings over a plate of cookies. The grocer or barista calls you by name. You're seen. And you recognize these simple acts of human kindness as gifts from our loving Father.

What if WE were more intentional about seeing others?

I know someone who is good at that. And I want you to know her too…my niece…and really good friend.

meet

Christine Turner just celebrated her milestone 50th birthday. At the age of seven, she was our flower girl. So I've had the joy of watching this precious one grow up. (As she's watched me grow older! :)

Now married with four beautiful daughters, Christine loves Jesus with all her heart. And her family. And the rest of us. And she has a huge heart for those who don't love Jesus yet. Or are unseen.

One reason I love my niece so much is at a moment's notice we can stop what we're doing - call or text - to share a “God story.” Something only HE could do. When Christine calls and says, ‘Aunt Judy, I have one for you…” I bolt in. I know it's going to be good.

Highlighting just one favorite 'God + Christine Story' is a daunting task. I want you precious women to know ALL of them.

Like the time God spoke to her as she opened her trunk loaded with Christmas gifts for a Women's Shelter. His two unexpected words, "So what?," caught her off guard. Believing she was doing a good thing, she entered the shelter and handed out the gifts for the women to place under their tree.

While greeting the ladies, one of the women said, “We need a Bible study!” Christine knew right away that's what God wanted her to do. She started leading a bi-weekly Bible study at the shelter. More than two years later not only were their lives changed - it was life-changing for Christine. God does that.

Or, I would love for you to hear about Christine's flight encounter with a woman sitting next to her, ashen white and scared to death of flying. After introductions and small talk, Christine offered to pray for the lady…and to hold her hand the entire flight. Needless to say, they had a hug-fest at baggage claim. This woman got to meet a Jesus follower up close and personal.

Then there's the story of the young woman who ran away from the shelter. Christine poured out her heart to God - asking for guidance in finding 'Abby'.

In Christine's words, "I felt God leading me to turn into Burger King. Behind Burger King was a motel I never knew existed. There was 'Abby' on her second-level balcony. She saw me and ran into her room. Room 201."

"I called her pastor and said 'The Lord just led me to Abby,' giving him the motel name and room number. After the pastor and his wife visited her, 'Abby' called me, and I got to share how the Lord led me to her. She allowed me to pick her up and go to church that night."

You get the gist. Christine walks into the day with eyes and heart wide open, asking Jesus, “How can you use me today?” Interestingly…there's no job shortage.

Last week I got to be with Christine to help celebrate her big half-century birthday.

On a morning walk around her neighborhood (where they recently moved), it was special observing how many neighbors called Christine by name, and vice versa.

I asked her about her newest venture. She's calls it 'Testimony Tuesday'. Every other Tuesday morning, women are invited to her abode. Each time she has one woman share:

• A short life overview
• When she invited Jesus into her heart
• How faith in Christ has impacted her life
• And a story

The women's openness to hear and share their stories is palpable. So simple, yet transformational.

Please pray for Christine as she shines brightly for Jesus. If you'd like to reach out to her to cheer her on, her email is: christineandbrett@hotmail.com

thankful

for Christine and others who are so comfortable sharing their faith. Perhaps YOU are one of those! I would LOVE to hear a story of how YOU shared your faith. I know sometimes these can be personal, and we may not always feel comfortable sharing.

But remember when Paul wrote (and I love the Message translation) “And the special gift of ministry you received when I laid hands on you and prayed—keep that ablaze! God doesn't want us to be shy with his gifts, but bold and loving and sensible.“ 2 Timothy 1:5-7

Like Christine, your story can encourage and bless others. I will only share with your permission. Please reply to this email if you have a story…or just want to say 'hi'.

This song has been around a while…but the message is so clear… People Need the Lord.

heart

Please know you are loved and seen by our good, good Father.

If you haven't yet accepted Jesus into your heart - or you want someone to pray with you - or you need a Bible, please go to this link.

judy popineau wick