This entry is a guest write-in from my oldest son, Jordan. He shared an experience with me today that was very encouraging. I love that he not only uses his faith by risking in real life to follow God in everyday situations, but that he later thinks about them and tries to continue to grow by learning from each thing. He's a generously caring person, and along with that has inherited his mom's super practical evaluation system as well. This can make it tough for him to sometimes do things out of his comfort zone. What is beautiful is that he continues to try to follow God's voice, even if it seems uncomfortable to him. That said, the experience he shared with me today was particularly poignant one. I am glad he agreed to allow me to post it here for all of us to be encouraged. Kim Gentes
Helping Others
Jordan Gentes
7.21.09
In our daily lives we constantly see people in need all around us today I saw an example of that.
Today I went to go get gas at Higley & Baseline at the Desert Fuels Station. Just as I was done filling our Mazda 3 a black guy mid 20's-early30's pulls in a white Pontiac with the rap music blaring.
He opened his door and asked me "Do you like Rap music?"
I said "What?"
He said "do you like rap music? Like Eminem?"
I said "No man, I don't"
He said "Oh, I was hoping you would, because I wanted to sell you a Rap Cd so I could get some gas, my car is almost f-#@ing dry."
I said "Sorry man, I don't have any money on me"
He said "What? Look at what you are driving, your a f-#@ing pimp."
I said "No, I'm not a pimp".
I then got into the car and as I sat down I felt like the Lord said to fill his tank with gas. So I waited for him to come out of the store, (He had gone in the store to talk to the clerk). He had also got a small soda from the refreshment fountain (Indicating he had at least 0.79). In any case I walked up to him and asked "Are you still needing that gas?" And he said "Yes."
So I said "Ok well I'll pump you some gas"
He said "Well here let me give you one of my rap cd's, I don't want you to feel like your getting taken advantage of"
So I said "No, its ok. Take it as a gift, a blessing from God. God's love for you in a practical way"
He said "Well, I love God and other people, but man, just take a cd, your gonna be a pimp, no a G"
I said "No I don't think so, I will not take a CD, trust me. I would have just as soon left when you walked inside the store. I'm a Christian and when I sat down in the car I felt like The Lord told me to fill up your car with gas, so that is why I waited."
He said "Wow," and yells "I love ya man". Then says "well God Bless you man, I'm a Christian too, tell God thanks, and I need to get my Black butt in church or I'm gonna be in trouble".
I chuckled, and said "Well, God loves ya."
He then proceeded to give me a hug, and said "I've got your back man, if I see ya around I'll give ya a hollar".
He then headed back to the store. And as he walked up to the store he was yelling and thanking me. I don't know that I've ever seen anyone with such a smile on their face.
That said, I hope the Lord uses this to change this guy....