There are people who come into my life that leave impressions. Some are family members, some are coworkers, some are strangers and some are friends. Recently I have been blessed to make a new friend, named Mike. Mike's life has been completely changed. He has the history of anyone who has been abused by their father, raised in a violent home/school, in and out of jail, battled with addictions, lost his family and ended up in a place where the only place he could look was up. UP! Knowing Mike now you would never know he has battled these pains, these trails, this road. We recently celebrated the fact he got his license back after having a few DWIs. But I don't want you to judge Mike. He is a walking example of the power of Christ being lived out on this earth. The power of the kingdom of God on earth. I met Mike in the Diner, continued to be her waitress for many months, then would see him in there later at night and would just start general conversation with. As our conversations deepened i learned it wasn't until he finally gave all power, all his life, all his 'control', over to God and let him take care of it. Mike will be the first to tell you he can't do it on his own but he isn't going to worry about what might happen because he knows that his power comes from God, the God that created the world. Sometimes I get discourages, sometimes I struggle with my own addictions and habits and in those times I remember Mike. I remember his life and how the power of God gives him strength and it's that same power in me that gives me strength. Thank you Jesus. So Mike is an impression maker.
Rebekah is also someone who has recently left a lasting impression on my life. There is power and freedom in forgiveness. It's a long story with a few years in the making but I was recently asked if I would accept an apology from someone I didn't really know. To be quite honest, it was very surprising to me and I would have never thought anything about it if she had never apologized but she did. Now, I won't go into detail but let me just say impression maker. We all have times when we do something wrong and pride will get in the way and cause us to make reasons in excuses as to how we are right, then a long period of time will pass when we think its to long now to ask for forgiveness and we never do. Well, it's not to late. No matter how long the time that has passed forgiveness is forgiveness. Through Rebekah's act of obedience to the spirit I myself have had recent encounters where I had to ask for forgiveness. I will tell you, Rebekah came to mind each time when i didn't want to humble my own self and face the music of my wrongs. But let me tell you without her simple act asking for forgiveness I know my own recent weeks would have been bigger battles in swallowing my own pride. Rebekah is an impression maker.
We all leave impressions on this earth and in the lives of the people we interact with. What impression do you leave. Let it be one that brings glory to this earth. Be the Mike. Be the Rebekah. Be an Impression Maker!
