Some might think my granny would now collect a pension from the phone company. Why? Well, she has always served as the community operator. Before I knew 411 existed, I realized that you could call our home and “mama” could give you every phone number you needed. While she has been given address books, none of her numbers are alphabetized or in any specific order. Everything is written in pencil and no one else understands her system. When it comes to getting people connected, she is Johnny Mae-on-the-spot. If you need the cousin from the country’s phone number to let them know the cousin in the city died, call Louise. If you cannot find your drunken friend, call Louise and she can put you in touch with a neighbor who lives on the corner where they hang out. If you need a few dozen crabs from the crab shack on the street behind her house, call Louise. Trust me, she has the number.
This service was often a source of contention in our home, as her clients thought her husband and children were at their disposal. Sadly, we often refused to answer the phone and concluded: “they callin’ for mama and she ain’t home.”
These days, you cannot call another person for a number or even an email address without hearing, “well, let me see if it is okay.” Louise never gave those types of responses; she just made connections and updated her address book. She is from another generation. She remembers when people looked out for one another. If you knew something, you had to share it so everyone could survive. She came of age in a time when very few people could read proficiently, so they had to pool their skills so they could understand the messages coming into their community and homes. They could not avoid people with caller ID.
Even if she is not always the friendliest operator, she and so many others of her generation adhere to that one verse: “If I can help somebody, as I pass along, then my living shall not be in vain.”
So often people think they have to be rich or smart to help someone else. We fail to realize that just a simple word or deed can make a difference.
Could your co-worker prosper if you just suggested that she proofread memos before sending them out? You have heard them laughing, but have you used your relationship to encourage her to make improvements?
Do you have some information about a summer program or activity that would help another parent? I know, I know, I know. If you share the info, your child may not get one of the five remaining spots. Remember, you would not know about the program if someone had not shared it with you.
Does your friend just need a word of encouragement? What is stopping you from delivering the message? Send a note, buy a book, or make a simple phone call.
Have you invited a friend or loved one to Christ? Have you shared the Good News? I refuse to believe that you have not shared salvation with them because it threatens your position as Super Saint. I refuse to believe that today!
I think I have taken after Louise, as I am always sending an email that may be of interest or use. I may not be able to use it, but it may help somebody else.
What can you share today?
Running on to see what the end is going to be,
Arlecia
The photo above was taken last week on the morning of my 35th birthday (Tuesday May 26). Lord knows it was too early, but I suggested the time. LOL! In the words of the old deacon, I was thankful that my bed wasn’t my cooling board and my sheet wasn’t my winding sheet. I started my day off by having breakfast with members of my Iowa Sister Circle. At some point or time, they have rescued me from something. They've picked me up from the airport and the hospital, and shared in so many ways. I call them friends and I don't use that title loosely.
Come to think about it, I've even been in a car accident with one of them and slid off the road in a snow storm with another one. Thank God we are women of prayer and people are always praying for us.
