A Broken Heart

I love how God brings needy people to us when we minister on the sidewalks of the abortion center. We just never know how we will be used when we are out there.

It was pouring rain, and cold. We were all chilled to the bone almost immediately. Normally, we are so intent on trying to save the babies, that time flies by. Not so much in the wet, miserable cold. Time tends to move a little more slowly then. However, blessings poured down like the rain.

Two women chose life for their little babies, and that is always a thrill. That never gets old! But sometimes, it is the "side discussions" that fill my heart just as much.

We try to stop every car that drives by. Some are heading to the few businesses at the end of the street but the overwhelming majority are there to go to the abortion mill. Anyway, a huge van filled with boxes was driving slowly by. There was a man about my age alone in the van, but I stopped him anyway. He clearly wasn't there for an abortion, but I felt I was supposed to stop him.

He told me he was lost. He was from Chicago, and was going to the big Christmas Expo with supplies. I used to go to that show every year with my daughter, so knew exactly where it was. He was way off the right path. How had he ended up in front of the abortion center?

He admitted he was not thinking straight. His face was very sad. I asked if he was okay. He was not. He had just lost his wife four days ago to pancreatic cancer. He was utterly bereft, and struggling to get through the day.

"She was my everything," J said, "Normally when I travel, I would be calling her." His eyes misted.


I have a friend whose wife died about a year ago of pancreatic cancer. I saw nearly daily posts from him as he struggled through those dark days. While I know he suffered terribly, in the midst of his despair he always clung to God. Almost always his grief was tempered with beautiful illustrations of hope, and faith.

I suspected my friend could help J.


I told J about my friend. I asked if he would want to talk to someone who had been through what he was going through.

"Yes," J told me, "I am so lost. I think that might really help."

I gave J my number and told him to call me later. I would check with my friend to see if he would be willing to talk with him. I prayed with him, and asked God to somehow send heavenly comfort in the midst of this sorrow. J told me he hadn't known why he was stopping to talk with me, but felt compelled to do so. When he saw all of us out there in the rain, standing up for little unborn babies, he had a feeling God had led him there for a reason.

When I got home, I texted my friend. He said he would be happy to talk with J, as someone who could relate to what he was going through.

Praise God for these divine appointments. We all want to be there for the shining moments, the big events, the astonishing works of miracles and wonder. But sometimes, what God would have us do instead is be wretchedly cold in the pouring rain, and simply offer a smile and a prayer to a broken heart.
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1 Samuel 12:24 

Only fear the Lord and serve him faithfully with all your heart. For consider what great things he has done for you.

Colossians 3:23-24 

Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.

Romans 12:1 

I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.

2 Corinthians 9:7 

Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.

1 Corinthians 15:58 

Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain.