When I was around the age of four, my mom had a friend who needed a place to stay for three months. I was thrilled to have the glamorous Ibis live in our spare bedroom. My favorite part of the day was getting up early so I could watch her apply her makeup as she got ready for work. My little eyes would study her every move because when I got older, I was determined to be just like her. Beautiful, confident, funny, bold, sassy and fun.
“One day I’m gonna be just as beautiful as you are, Ibis!” I declared as if nothing would stop me.
She smiled, tilting my chin towards her. “Do you really want to know what makes me…beautiful?” Her lips cocked as if they were holding a sacred secret. I leaned in to hear this juicy beauty tip.
“Jesus. He lives inside me. This is what you are drawn to. He gives me life and joy and he is at the center of my heart.”
I was confused because at this point, I had not heard of Jesus or the gospel.
She giggled at my scrunched and confused face.
“If you ask Him, He will come into your heart and bring everything to life.”
When put like that, how could I not? Without hesitation, I squealed, “Yes! Yes! Yes!” jumping up and down.
Ibis patted her bed. I climbed up, closing my eyes and sincerely speaking from my heart, said, “Jesus, you can come in.”
Upon opening my eyes, I felt so light and pure as if I could fly! Who would have thought a child so young would be carrying such weight. But all of it disappeared the moment I gave Jesus permission to enter. From that day, I could feel a warm presence follow me, watching over me, giving me the impression I was totally loved and seen.
Despite not ever enjoying the love and affection of my earthly father, at the tender age of four I knew my Heavenly Father was obsessed with me, which only piqued my curiosity to know Him more…because how can you NOT love a God like that?
To those of you who feel as if you can’t make a difference, that God has no plan for your life, hear this: God wants to use your influence to draw those who admire, respect and look to you…so you can point them to Him.
Ibis was a single woman who loved the Lord, makeup and was warm and fiery! God used her in a mighty way to speak to a child who would not be influenced by a stuffy nun, an old man or even my own mother. He used someone I looked up to to point the way to Him and He will use anyone who is willing to surrender to Him.
Are you aware people’s salvation and divine destiny are waiting upon your YES to God’s invitation?
Will you say YES to God using YOU?
