Prayer Lessons
Photo by Jack Sharp/Unsplash
A simple oversight in the bustling Jacksonville airport led to an unexpected encounter that revealed a heartbreaking truth about our divided world. As I rushed to catch my flight back to Dallas after the Council of Bishops meeting, I inadvertently left my driver's license at the check-in kiosk. What followed was a frantic search that led to an opportune moment to pray for the healing of an estranged relationship between a mother and daughter because of opposing political views.
Panic set in as I realized my mistake at the luggage check-in counter. I couldn't find my driver's license in my wallet. Retracing my steps, I searched desperately for my license at the kiosk I had used just a few minutes before, but it was gone. I returned to the service counter to ask if someone had turned it in – no one had. Susan, a sympathetic attendant, asked me to empty my pockets and messenger bag to look for it. When I emptied my messenger bag, my Council of Bishops binder caught her eye.
"No worries," she said, smiling. You'll find your license; the Holy Spirit is with you. You can still travel. I'll issue a new ticket with a note for Customs." Her words were comforting, but what came next was truly unexpected. "Can you pray for my daughter Nancy?" she asked.
Susan's request revealed a pain many families grapple with in our politically charged times. She and her daughter hadn't spoken in over a year because Nicole was, in Sharon's words, "Woke." The term "woke" hung in the air, heavy with the weight of misunderstanding and division that has torn apart many relationships.
At that moment, surrounded by the airport's chaos, I paused and offered to pray. I prayed for healing and restoration in their relationship. This sacred moment was a powerful reminder that there is a deep longing for connection and understanding beneath our political differences.
After praying, I felt a tap on my shoulder. I turned, and a stranger asked me, "Does this driver's license belong to you? I found it when I was signing in for my flight." Yes! Thank you! I responded and proceeded to the security gate with relief.
I drew several valuable lessons from this surprise encounter at the Jacksonville airport:
1. Prayer Transcends Divisions. It offers a bridge in a world where political ideologies can create chasms between loved ones.
2. Sharing struggles helps: Susan's willingness to share her pain with a stranger shows the importance of being open about our struggles. It's through vulnerability that we can find support and solutions.
3. The Power of Empathy: Praying for Susan and Nancy demonstrates that empathy and compassion can happen anywhere.
4. Finding Common Ground: Susan and Nancy desire a better world despite their disagreements. This common ground is the first step towards reconciliation.
5. The Unexpected Nature of Grace: Just as a stranger unexpectedly returned my license, grace often appears in our lives when we least expect it, reminding us of the good in humanity.
As Christians, we are called to be peacemakers, even within our own families. This story challenges us to:
- Listen without judgment, seeking to understand the heart behind differing viewpoints.
- Seek common values focused on shared Christian principles that transcend political ideologies.
- Practice forgiveness, remembering that relationships are more important than being right.
- Pray continuously for healing, understanding, and God's love to bridge differences.
In the end, just as my lost license was found, there's hope for restoring lost relationships. Susan's parting words, "Thanks for praying for me and Nancy," blessed me as I left the service counter. They reminded me that a simple act of faith and kindness can plant seeds of reconciliation in our divided world.
May we all have the courage to bridge the divides in our families and communities, remembering that our identity in Christ is more powerful than any political affiliation.
Peace