Unaware of your impact

When it comes to sharing my salvation story, i am quick to talk about the man who helped me "seal the deal" for Christ. Thing is, there were many others who helped guide me in the path towards knowing my Lord and Saviour. I rarely talk about them. Their role in leading me to Christ was just as integral. It took many people to get me where i am, now. Not just one person.

As a young, confused, troubled, self-loathing kid, my "dysfunctional" family and i had these next door neighbors who were christians. They were schoolteachers. Norman and Donna Whittum. Mr. Whittum was my fourth grade teacher. My sisters and i spent a lot of time over there, since their children were friends of ours. They always invited us to church and vacation Bible school that they led. We always did stuff with them.

I went to these activities, just for something to do, but, my attention span wasn't very long, and i never really gave this Jesus they talked about, much thought. Looking back, the Whittum's poured their love of Christ into us. 


Then, my parents divorced. My mom, her crazy, abusive boyfriend, his kids, my sisters, and i, moved to California, never to see our neighbors again!!! 


Last week, i helped a lady and her son move. Afterwards, they bought us lunch. In our conversation, unbeknownst to me, this woman knew the Whittum's!! she is great friends with them, currently!! they go to the same church!! they are alive and well!! this is crazy!!!


Today, i drove by their church. I felt the Lord telling me to go seek them out. It was potluck sunday....lol!!! there they were, Mr. and Mrs. Whittum, sitting at a table, eating. I just walked up and sat across from them. Haven't seen these fine people in thirty-three years!! it was surreal!! i could not believe that i was with these folks, who invested so much in me as a youth!!


I did not stay long, but, just to be there with them. To let them know that my life took a few crazy twists, but one day, at twenty-five years old, i came to know jesus Christ as my Lord and Saviour, the one that they always told me about!!! i could see this touched them!! they have no idea their impact on me!! they'd tell you that they didn't do much!! that is who they are, quiet, humble, unknown, obscure saints. What they did for me has changed my life!! Given me eternal hope!! it's a big deal!!!!


It was emotional for me to thank them from the bottom of my heart, but i did!! it feels great to express to people how much i love and appreciate them!! the difference that they have made!! they MUST know!! i have to tell them!! i barely left there without falling apart!!! i hadn't seen them in thirty-three years!!!


Just remember,  you may think that you've never impacted anyone for Christ, but, how  would you feel if thirty-plus years from now, a lost soul from long ago, walks back into your life, thanking YOU for being a great example to them?!! my hope and prayer is that this happens to YOU!!!! you really have no clue about the difference that you've made!! you are unaware of your impact!! thing is, you have. What a great day it will be to share this sacred, tender moment with the person that you least expect to come knocking at your door.