My mind frantically sifted through all I had ever done, trying to camp on the right answer to the posed question, listening with only half an ear to others’ responses as the focus moved closer and closer to me. We were at the organizational meeting of the Board of Deacons and we had been asked to introduce ourselves with a word or two description. As a newly ordained Deacon, I knew only a handful of those serving with me. I didn’t have an answer. My heart quickened and, coming up blank, I looked for the possibility of a speedy escape but I was seated on the floor. Yes, in those days, that was my favorite place to sit and I could not only get down to but also get up from the floor gracefully. However, it didn’t lend itself to a discreet exit from the room.
And then it was my turn. Not even thinking, I blurted out, “I’m a connector.” Where did that come from? Certainly not from the catalog search of my brain. But it was true. I was a connector.
I remember things relationally. My brain stores factoids about people — where they went to school, their dog’s name, favorite color, health struggles, accomplishments, experiences — but rarely their name. Coupled with being an observer and having inherited my father’s gift of never knowing a stranger, this results in the storage of a lot of information…much of it unimportant except for an occasional Jeopardy answer.
But every now and then, there is a spark of synapses and a possible and valuable connection pops up. Most often, other than making the connection, I am not even a part of the relationship or solution going forward. More like a catalyst, as my friend Melody described it. And when those connections are plugged into the power source of the Holy Spirit, incredible things can happen.
At our Daughters of the Holy Cross January 2021 Zoom meeting, President Becky Owens asked us each to focus on key words and commit to them. I pledged to “Immediate Responsiveness.” Often I will wait. Sometimes analyze or come up with reasons why not to act. Procrastinate. Be afraid of rejection. The Holy Spirit was nudging me to respond immediately when I get the thought…whether it’s a possible connection, or a need for prayer, or a name placed on my mind. I call them God-kisses because the overwhelming majority result in feelings that just make me smile.
A message to someone you haven’t spoken to in months at just the moment that she is feeling afraid as her husband enters surgery. A shared song or Bible verse in a Facebook post that speaks to someone’s moment of pain or isolation. A connection to just the right doctor or the person who ultimately would get them to the proper treatment. Even the simple spontaneous connection of someone trying to place a dog with just the perfect owner.
The Enemy encourages us to wait, to rationalize, to fear being rejected or embarrassed. God’s people reach out and act…maybe not always in the best way, but to at least start that connection. And the path is not always straight. Years ago, I scolded a beautiful woman I had never met for not going into my husband’s room to sing to him. He was completely bed-bound in those last weeks of his life . To this day, she calls me “Esther” because I was put into her life at a time that she needed me. Yet I was only concentrating on my family’s needs at the time. And I was borderline rude. But the Lord meant that connection to be made, and much fruit has been borne from it. We remain friends to this day.
About 16 years ago, a call to ask for a special purchase for my scrapbooking business to an anonymous sales rep and our unrelated conversation led me to the owner of that very well known company. She was in desperate need of the appropriate treatment for her husband. I knew just the person (a fabulous connector) to give guidance. Within a day, across an entire nation, that connection ended up producing just the skilled treatment at just the right place. Over the years we had lost touch, but the other night I lay awake thinking about her, found a potential link and sent a message on Messenger. Her reply, “I think of you ALL THE TIME and I think it is GOD who put you back in my life RIGHT NOW because I have been wanting to find you!!!!!”
If the Spirit nudges, act. Be bold. Don’t wait. Don’t judge. Don’t rationalize. Enjoy the kisses from God. And return the favor.
Proverbs 27:17 Iron sharpens iron, and one man sharpens another.
Hebrews 10:24-25 And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.
Proverbs 3:28 Do not say to your neighbor, “Go, and come again,
tomorrow I will give it”—when you have it with you.
