6/9/11 Lord, she needed to cover up. I was too embarrassed to go over to her to say, "We need to get you a shirt." Too much was showing up top. Way too much.

It happens that way when the temp soars in the mid-nineties for several days and not much lower at night. Temp goes up, clothes come off around here. So I went to Amanda, our social work director, and said I needed help.

Amanda, as privately as possible, kindly said, "You'll either need to put a shirt on or you'll need to leave." She said, "Well, I guess I need to go." I figured that statement was made with an attitude. I was wrong.

I was at the front window checking on a phone message when she appeared at the front window and I hoped there would be no trouble. She was steadily pulling up a shirt that wouldn't.

"I would like to have a t-shirt please," she asked so politely. I was surprised. Debbie went straight back and quickly produced a nice clean t-shirt. She immediately put it on. That's when You changed my heart, Lord.

She started out the door, but I caught her to say, "I really appreciate your spirit. Thank you for doing the right thing. I think you know that with the way you were dressed and some of the guys who come here, it's like dangling a pork chop in front of a pack of hungry dogs. They should control themselves, but surely you realize where you are." She shook her head in agreement, "I'm sorry, it was all I had." A lump formed in my throat.

"By the way, what is your name?" I asked. "Mariam," she smiled. It was at that moment that I understood You had taken what Satan meant for evil and was turning it into good.

I noticed a bit later that my new apprentice, Chase, was visiting with Mariam's boyfriend over a game of dominoes. He came to visit with me for a moment, and because I sensed Your Spirit moving in this, I asked Chase to go and let You lead him to hopefully get a Bible study with Mariam and her boyfriend, Sadaris.

Next thing I knew, Chase was walking into my office with Mariam and Sadaris. We talked about her name being like that of Moses' sister. We talked about their walks with You, and long story short, Sadaris asked to be immersed, and Mariam agreed she needed to give her life to You as well. They were so happy and thankful to become Your children. Smiles were big.

Lord, thank you for showing me that what I perceive to be a problem is so often a relationship yet to be developed. Lord, help me to know that Satan so often wins because I'm focused on correcting things rather than being patient to love people "just where they are."

Since you are my rock and my fortress, for the sake of your name lead and guide me. Psalm 31:3, NIV