THE LIGHT LADY

How was Jesus able to walk through doors? Was it because He was a ghost or spirit…or was it because He was more solid and the things of earth are the shadows? 

C.S. Lewis deals with this in his book “The Great Divorce.” 

He contends that the reality in which we live is the shadow and the stuff of heaven contains what is true and solid and lasts forever. 

In his allegory of heaven and hell he describes a man who encounters the light lady who is described as one of the great ones of heaven. While all others are unable to walk on blades of grass without cutting their feet, her feet are untouched as she joyfully treads the greens followed by a bright light, animals, and “sons and daughters” who met her on earth who were transformed by her love.  

“Who is she?” he asks. “Oh, no one you would know.” Is the reply. “But someone who is celebrated in heaven for her ordinary, selfless acts of love and kindness!!”

As my daughter and I were sitting in the waiting room while my husband was having open heart surgery, we chatted about life, books and the story of the light lady. We encouraged one another. She in her role as a mom, pastor’s wife and friend. Me as a wife and mom who has already raised her children, and a Mimi who loves on her grands. 

Plenty of opportunity to be the light lady! Let’s do it!! Ha!!!

Well, wouldn’t you know it. God opened doors right there in the hospital and is continuing to do so at home. 

We met Mike who was sleeping on the couch in the waiting room. His best friend was shot and recovering in ICU. Found out that this stocky guy had an injury in high school that prevented him from pursuing his dream in professional football. Though he didn’t say, it appeared that his disappointment may have caused him to take a turn in his life. We talked about the importance of good friends, and the danger of bad companions that may hurt you in the long run. He nodded his head. Then my daughter, full of the Spirit, began to share the hope of the gospel and the new heaven and the new earth. He leaned in with tears in his eyes. He had not heard of the new heaven and new earth. My daughter said, “Playing harps on clouds for eternity seems kind of boring.” And we all laughed. 

“Eye has not seen and ear has not heard, nor has the heart imagined what God has in store for those who love Him.” (from 1 Cor. 2:9)

We gathered in a circle, held hands and prayed right there in the waiting room. “Just wait,” he smiled, “I may surprise you one day and come to church.” We hope so☺  

Then there was Syndi. A young woman who was put on a plane at the age of 19 and sent to America from England. Her Dad said it was time to make it on her own. Gave her some money, enrolled her in a college in Arizona and said, “Go for it!!”

Her story was incredible. 

She studied in Arizona, became a nurse. Moved to Chicago and ended up in Texas working in ICU at Baylor.  She said, God told her to come to Texas. So, she left her job, her live in companion and came to Texas. 

She opened the door to talk about God, so we did. 

I don’t remember exactly how the conversation went, but we did end up talking about the next step. Following God also means fellowshipping with His children and going to church!!

I am amazed at how many people claim to be believers, but do not go to church. So, there we were sharing stories, laughing, giving little pokes and sharing words of encouragement. 

Interestingly, people began to come to our room while my hubby was still working his way through anesthesia and recuperating from heart surgery. Oftentimes, just small talk and sometimes the door would open to deeper conversations. Even the cardiologist pulled up a chair and visited for over an hour!!!

People we would never have otherwise met came to us. They served us well!! Oh my, were we well-taken care of…and I trust by God’s grace; we left a pathway of light.

I hope this encourages you. God has given each of us a platform to shine. The very place we are may be the place we shine the brightest!!