Wednesday, March 7, 2012

God spoke to me at Goodwill.

On my way to Goodwill today, I passed a young man walking down the street. I idly wondered where he was going.

I found a few treasures in the store and went to check-out. That same young man was also checking out. Of course I don't have a picture of him, but he was dressed as so many young men are today. He had his cap on backwards with a baggy shirt and pants around his hips. He had tattoos on his neck and forehead.

As he paid for his white oxford shirt and khaki pants, he commented that he needed some clothes for church. He said last week he wore his "street clothes" ~ his words, not mine ~ and he felt uncomfortable.

I told him how uncomfortable I feel when I wear pants on Sunday. We agreed that the other church people don't care what we wear, but we still felt uncomfortable.

He then said to me, "Some people don't believe I go to church, but I do."

Judge not, that ye be not judged.   Matthew 7:1

Does God ever speak to you  in unusual places?

27 comments:

my thrifty closet said...

What an incredible story! We should see more people like him going to church! And he was buying a prim and proper church attire? What a sweet spirit! That's a great verse...we shouldn't judge a person by how he looks, God always look at the heart!

mongs
mythriftycloset.blogspot.com

Southhamsdarling said...

Hi there. I love that verse from Matthew 7. It is so true. I agree with my thrifty closet - it was really sweet of that young man to be buying 'proper' Church clothes, although hopefully the Lord wouldn't mind what we wore to worship him. It is a reminder to all of us that we should never judge a book by its cover. It is SO good to be back with you all again!

LindyLouMac said...

I wonder if this is how the expression 'Sunday Best' came about as people always used to dress up to attend a church service.

bj said...

Love that story.
One of my heartbreaks is when I hear people talk about the way someone is dressed, judging that that person is PROBABLY a drugie or a no-gooder. Some of the nicest young men and women, dressed in their far out clothes, I've ever met had earrings in his ears, tatoos on his/her body, long hair for the guys, dyed purple for the gals....
xo bj

Unknown said...

What a great experience. Sometimes, we just never know. Thanks for sharing this post. Really makes you think differently.

Pat M said...

Oh, this gave me goosebumps! What an experience! God is so good to us...using the most unlikely (to us) folks to teach us lessons.
Hugs, GraceinAZ

Oregon Gifts of Comfort and Joy said...

Grammy, this is such a neat story. Oh, yeah, God sure does use everyday circumstances to speak to me.

Kathy M.

Nezzy (Cow Patty Surprise) said...

Oh I could tell ya stories...the answer is a big old yes!!!

I pray we use Gods eyes to look at others and see what's in the heart instead of lookin' at the outside.

I never ever want to make anyone feel uncomfortable 'round me...no matter what.

This was beautiful sweetie.

God bless and have yourself a fantastic weekend!!! :o)

Unknown said...

What a lovely moment. I always feel uncomfortable when I go to church in jeans... But there are so many people that show up in sweats and praise Him. I try to remember what the act of worship is really about.

Ann from On Sutton Place said...

God planned that encounter you know. He works in mysterious ways for sure. I usually go to mass on Sunday evening because I love my mornings at home. It's very casual so I like that too. Hope all is well with you...have a good weekend!

Shannon@Cozy Home Scenes said...

Grammy, you are a sweet, kind person who exemplifies what we all should strive to be. You were just the person that young man needed to talk to at that time. I will try to remember that verse next time I am tempted to judge someone's appearance. Hope you have a wonderful weekend.---------Shannon

Michele M./ Finch Rest said...

WOW. That is so poignant!

It is an important reminder, too, thank you - I needed that today.

Have a blessed remainder-of-Sunday.

I always get off kilter on a spring forward time change day. It's difficult to lose an hour.

Debbie-Dabble Blog and A Debbie-Dabble Christmas said...

Love this post!
Only proves the old saying wrong, you cannot judge a book by it's cover!
Thnaks so much for your visit and always kind comments!!

Hugs,Deb

Jil~Say It With Roses said...

I am always so happy to hear people say they are going to church! I was brought up to always look my best for church and God, so I do feel very uncomfortable if everything is not perfect for that day!

As long as we are at church to give Him our undivided attention, I don't really think he minds...

So happy I found you! I am a grandma many times over and one that loves to go "junkin', too.
♥ Jil

Cottage and Broome said...

Loved your story. And as the old saying goes you should never judge a book by it's cover. People are often surprising…. Thanks for stopping by, Laura

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Judy Biggerstaff said...

Good post, just like the saying, "don't judge a book by it's cover." Thanks for sharing and for stopping by my blog and leaving a message.

Nezzy (Cow Patty Surprise) said...

You were on my heart today. I just wanted to pop in and wish you well.

God bless and have a magnificent day!!! :o)

Debbiedoos said...

I think that is very sweet...and oh so true, never judge a book by it's cover.

Lana Kim White Austin said...

Oh, yessssss.............God whacks me upside the head and back side for judging all the time...I never mean to and I absolutely try to be kind and objective all the time...and yet it still creeps in. I love this post from you!!! I love all of them...but I REALLY love this one! :)

Love/hugs/blessings,
L

Jeanine Byers said...

I agree with your first commenter, that God looks at the heart. One of the things I love about my church is that you can dress any way you want to dress. Some people dress up, in dresses and suits, and others dress much more casually.

Diana Joy said...

Love your story. God talks we just have to listen. Hope you are well.

Have a Daily Cup of Mrs. Olson said...

Yes he does, and I have so learned not to judge a book by it's cover. You will find good and bad people dressed in the finest of fashions and the same with poorly dressed individuals. It's hard to see the intent of their hearts through all those clothes.
Hugs,
Jann

Wsprsweetly Of Cottages said...

:) all the time! ALL THE TIME!
Have a wonderful Sunday!
Hugs,
Mona

Debby said...

God works in many ways doesn't he?

middle child said...

Judge not is exactly right.
God has spoken to me and it usually comes from such an unexpected source.

Melissa G said...

What an awesome opportunity to encourage another believer! I'm sure it encouraged you as well.