5. Share

One of the biggest hindrances to evangelism or spreading the Gospel is fear of man. What will that person think of me if I talked to them about Jesus and my undying love for the one who saved my soul from Hell? Perception often rules the day and silences the voices that should be heard. I admit that I am not bold enough, brave enough, or verbal enough in most situations. In the beginning of 1982 I wanted to change that. I decided to step out in faith more. I would vocalize my faith more. I would push that pesky fear-monger thought to the side and focus my eyes on Jesus. Discovering a friend in the process was a blessing from God.

During our mid-class breaks, David and I would sit together and chat about the day’s discussions, plans for the week and stuff going on in our respective lives. We genuinely liked each other. His conversation was a balm to my soul and a boost to my spirit. He was grounded in God’s Word unwaveringly, but not in a dogmatic, hard-nosed way. There was a certainty and steadfastness in him that I truly admired.

I began to pray about our budding relationship/friendship. I had my share of crushes before this, but never a boyfriend. I wanted God to be the center of my life and every aspect that came into play regarding it, especially a future husband. And so, I prayed. On the way to school. On my way back home. Whenever I thought about the guy with the twinkling eyes……. Yeah.

I’ve found that wonderful things happen in the mundane moments of life.

Dressed in my grungy clothes, no make-up (This is major, people! No make-up means blonde eyelashes and eyebrows. Ugh!) Hair under a bandana, I was busy cleaning the front rooms of my parent’s home where I lived. I was in the zone humming along with the drone of the vacuum when my mom taps me on the shoulder and says there is a phone call for me. It’s a guy. No name. Okaaaaaay.

“Hello?"

“Hi! Is this Vicki?”

“Yes. Who is this?"

“You don’t know me but you need to check for something outside your front door. I tried knocking but no one answered. ”

“Okay. Um…….actually, I think I know who you are.”

Silence

“Oh. Well. Have a nice evening. Bye!”

I turned to see my mother grinning at me curiously. “Who was THAT?” she asked.

“Not sure,” I replied. “I have to check for something.”

Sure enough, in between the front door and the screen door I found a small bouquet of flowers, two white carnations and one red rose, and a card that read, “Valentine, if I followed you home, would you keep me?”

My first thought? Praise God I didn’t hear the knock at the door because I wouldn’t have answered the way I was dressed! And then I thought about the flowers and the message on the card.

Yes, I think I would keep you.
​Definitely.
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Proverbs 30:18-19 There are three things which are too wonderful for me, Four which I do not understand: The way of an eagle in the sky, The way of a serpent on a rock, The way of a ship in the middle of the sea, And the way of a man with a maid.

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