BE BOLD - SEPT 2009

073 – SEPTEMBER 2009

BE BOLD

There are times when your prayers will result in miraculous victories and there are other times when the same prayers of faith seem to not line up with your expectations.
I do not have all the answers for that, but I do know that I am called to pray … and then trust the resolve to God.

James 5:16 ” … and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.

Because of our faith, Pat and I have never been shy to pray for people - especially in the marketplace. (My def: marketplace - anywhere outside of the church, synagogue, or other location where one might expect prayer or other religious activity.)
We try to be alert to pray for people at conventions, Dunkin’ Donuts, and on the street. We are not reluctant to pray for strangers or new acquaintances … in the elevator, at the studio, or attending a ball game.
Sometimes the situation is such that we are not able to follow up.
However, just these last 3 months, we have been excited to receive a significant amount of reports from some prayers through the years:
* During High School Senior portrait season, 3 different parents shared how we prayed for their children during baby portrait sessions … 16 years ago !
* One Senior boy is a tae kwan do champion and instructor. His mom reminded us that we prayed for him at our studio when he was a baby with health issues regarding growth and strength development.
* One woman stopped by the studio to remind us of our prayers in the studio for her husband. She had scheduled a family portrait session because the father had been diagnosed with untreatable cancer. She shared that, today, he is alive and well.
* Another lady, during a family portrait sale with Pat, asked “Do you remember me?”
Pat tried to recall as the woman proceeded to share an experience with Pat that had happened 5 years before.
She said “Remember? I had a cane and you asked ‘Why?’ You then laid your hands on me, prayed for healing of lupus, and I have since regained health. No cane! It changed my life in other ways also and I am so thankful that you had the heart to pray for me.”

Psalm 31:24 ” Be of good courage, And He shall strengthen your heart,
All you who hope in the LORD.

I believe the past 3 months have been a supernatural time of God sent encouragement. It served the challenge to continue to have courage, to love, to serve, and to engage our life into actions of caring and compassion.
And think about it - Most people are encouraged to know that God cares (and are surprised that some non clergy/photographer person would boldly pray with them.)
So, be bold! When someone has a need – love on them! It’s important! Pray with them and watch what God might do through your actions of love and faith.