Blessed
October 30, 2006|
You already know what happened at SpouseBUZZ Live (if not, you can read the liveblogging here and here.) But I have a good story about what happened after we all left Texas.
I sat down on my flight home next to a man on a cell phone, whom I initially assumed would be a quiet businessman. But when he hung up, he asked me what I was doing in Texas. And you know that feeling you get in the two seconds after you mention that you're a part of the military, the hold-your-breath feeling where you wait for the person's reaction? It was going to be a long flight, and I didn't want to deal with anything unpleasant. But this situation couldn't have been better.
I was sitting next to George Pearsons, the pastor at Eagle Mountain International Church. He was extremely interested in learning what military families go through. He asked me many questions about what military spouses experience and what we think about various political issues and current events. We talked nonstop for two and a half hours. He told me about a program they have at their church that supports families of military servicemembers called Troops 91, named after Psalm 91. I told him about SpouseBUZZ and encouraged him to let his parishoners know about our website if they're looking for a place to connect while their loved one is deployed.
Right before we landed, he said he wanted to do something special for my family. He gave me a donation on behalf of his church, saying that we should use this money to go to dinner or do something to cherish our precious time together. He said he wanted to give me this money "to bless my family." I couldn't believe how much money he wanted me to take! He wouldn't let me refuse, and we parted ways a little better for having met each other.
As I drove home from the airport, I thought about this money and I realized something: my family is already blessed enough. My husband said the exact same thing when I showed him the money and told him the story. So I hope Pastor Pearsons doesn't mind if I use his church's money to bless some people who probably need it more than we do.
I'm going to donate this money from Eagle Mountain International Church to two organizations that have a connection to SpouseBUZZ. I'll send half to Sew Much Comfort, GBear's organization that makes adaptive clothing for wounded troops. And I'll send the other half to Project Valour-IT, an organization inspired by Joan D'Arc's husband that provides voice-activated laptops to troops whose wounds prevent them from communicating via computer with their loved ones.
Pastor Pearsons blessed me with his money, but what he really blessed me with was his kindness. He was a wonderful listener, a concerned American, and a man who is genuinely interested in understanding how we spouses cope with life in the military. I was blessed to have been in Seat 19E yesterday.
I too had an interesting flight!!
How...
funny, how the hand of God works....
Posted by: armywifetoddlermom | 10/30/2006 at 13:47
I too had an interesting flight!!
How...
funny, how the hand of God works....
Posted by: armywifetoddlermom | 10/30/2006 at 13:47
Oh My God. Literally.
That is so amazing.
Posted by: airforcewife | 10/30/2006 at 14:10
What a wonderful thing that you and Pastor Pearsons have done.
Posted by: Terri | 10/30/2006 at 16:25
Beautiful story! It never ceases to amaze me how many wonderful people are in the world, and touch lives at just the right time.
Posted by: Kath | 10/30/2006 at 17:04
how wonderful! psalm 91 is a wonderful prayer. i say it every night for my boyfriend in IRAQ. it is a true warriors prayer!
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=PSALM%2091;&version=31;
Posted by: cat | 10/30/2006 at 18:47
What a great story, and what a wonderful thing to do with the money, Sarah.
Posted by: Andi | 10/30/2006 at 21:01
Sarah, What a great story! I'm so thankful to both you and Paster Pearsons for thinking of the wounded troops! We really appreciate the support - both at Sew Much Comfort and Valour-IT!
Posted by: GBear | 10/31/2006 at 08:52
How wonderful & the Pastor is VERY smart! :) I'm sure he knew that you had a good heart & that you would use that money in a way to receive an even BIGGER blessing. A dinner or something else would be nice, but think of the BUZZ you'll get knowing all the good that money is doing with Sew Much Comfort & Valour-IT. :)
Posted by: Guard Wife | 10/31/2006 at 09:12
And that wonderful act of kindness, is how we can stay kind-hearted so pass it on,and on,and on, let's keep it rolling. it only makes this a better place to live. signed brat/wife
Posted by: madeleine ladd | 10/31/2006 at 22:29
Sarah - what a marvelous story and experience for you. You and Russ are such kind spirits.
Posted by: toni | 11/04/2006 at 23:09