Loved Fiercely—Carly Van Laar

It’s a God thing.

That’s all I can say about this story. It keeps going and the things that have transpired show that our God is at work all around us.

If you haven’t read part 1 of this story, you can do so here.

If you have, then here’s where the story picks up….

The next morning when I drove by the bus stop on my way to work, it was empty. No Jackie.

Two thoughts popped into my head…

Thought #1: Oh my goodness! What if Jackie was an angel of the Lord to test my obedience?! What if she’s not even a real person?!
Thought #2: Oh no! Jackie had to find another bus stop to get away from the crazy lady! (That crazy lady being yours truly.)  This is the thought I leaned into.

Later, a friend reached out to tell me that she was approached by a lady near that bus stop who told her an amazing story of God at work. The lady said, “I need to tell someone what happened today,” and she shared the story.

You guessed it; it was the same story! Jackie was sharing about what happened at the bus stop. You guys, this is only something God could do. Only He could keep a story like this going. This story glorifies The Father, God at work, proving that He is truly alive and active, and that He cares for us.

Fast forward to the next day…my husband asked if I’d like to join him for a lunch date at The Taco Stand, which is directly across the street from the church where I work. I told him that I’d meet him there, since it was a short walk.  In the 10 years I’ve worked at the church, this was the first time we’ve met at this restaurant, which again, had to be a God-thing.

As I’m about to cross the street, guess who is walking straight towards me? Jackie! I was SO glad to see her and told her so! She was the same way, and said,

“Listen, you’ve got to come to my work and tell them that you’re real.”

I about died! I told Jackie that I had thought the same about her…about not being real! Before parting ways, we set a day and time for me to come to her work. Jackie waved to my husband who was waiting across the street for me and he waved back. It was such a simple gesture that warmed my heart, because our community just got a little smaller, and I love it when that happens.

On the agreed upon day, I went to Jackie’s work. The sweet gal at the counter asked if she could help me, and I told her that I was wondering if Jackie was available. The gal stepped to the back to get Jackie and that’s when I caught a glimpse of her. She looked my direction, smiled, put her hands in the air and gathered her co-workers, beckoning them to come to the front with her. (The store owner was so gracious to allow these moments of conversation and to be a part of them.)  We greeted with a hug, and Jackie made the introductions. After doing so, she said,

“Tell them our story!”

I did so, and as I did, I teared up (testifying about the Holy Spirit at work will do this to me just about every time), they teared up, and then they all ended up in a group hug. From somewhere within the group hug, someone said,

“Don’t leave Carly out.”

So the group opened up and in I went. Into a big group hug. With people I just met.
It. Was. Awesome.
Then, Jackie asked,

“Could you say a prayer with us?”

So, I did, and we all held hands. As the prayer ended, there was a customer standing at the counter, and the day revved right back up. But, for a moment in that day, I was able to approach the throne of grace and pray to my Lord with new friends around me, and thank Him for being at work around us in such a big way. I hope this story continues…because this is evangelism. This is spreading the gospel story, letting The Light shine, sharing the love of Jesus Christ—how Jesus was sent from God the Father to take the punishment for our sin, die, and rise again. By doing so, He conquered the death that sin brings, and for those who believe this, confess it, and live their lives for Christ, they will be saved, spend eternity in Heaven and be called Children of The King. A King who cares.

“Heavenly Father, You are amazing. You took an ordinary day and made it extraordinary. You are so awesome at this, for You change everything. By knowing and loving You, life is viewed in light of You, Your love, and eternal life in Heaven. Thank you, Lord, for all that You do, including hearing our prayers, and having us cast all our cares upon You, for You care for us. Lord, I pray that Your Holy Spirit would be felt and experienced afresh by believers everywhere. I pray that You will help me be sensitive to Your stirrings and not be so distracted by all the trivial things around me. Thank you for being such a truly amazing, relational God. I love you, Lord, with all my heart. Amen.”

“If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.”  Romans 10:9