Listening has not always been one of my best qualities. That reality is hard to admit. I tend to see a situation and try to immediately try to see how to make it better while not always taking into consideration what the whole story looks like. Despite these tendencies, God still placed me at Lubbock Impact.
Daily there is a need to stop, listen and pray. Visiting and listening to individuals’ stories has become one of my favorite opportunities at Lubbock Impact. Each of us is on a journey and has a story that is uniquely our own. I find that so many are amid monumental moments in their journey and are looking for someone just to listen and bring reassurance that God gives us a hope and a future.
Several months ago, the Lord brought a man to our parking lot who was wanting to end his life. The burdens of life had become too much with multiple losses of loved ones, loss of a job, and terrible illness. He just wanted relief from the pain. Our office was closing, we had a community event this particular evening and I had planned on spending two hours catching up on some paperwork before the event. The Lord had different plans and instead of paperwork, I spent the next two hours just listening and praying. I was reminded of the grittiness of life, how much it can hurt and there is not always an easy solution. We talked about some options that were available at Lubbock Impact and resources within our community but underneath all the practical struggles he was facing, those resources were not what this new friend needed. He needed a listening ear and to not be alone in his despair. He said he pulled into Lubbock Impact’s parking lot because he knew someone would pray and listen and that is what we did. That evening he joined us for the community family night we do once a month and he asked to wash dishes. He wanted and needed purpose. His journey continues and now he has more people to continue alongside him. The road continues to be rough, but God has multiple times shown him that he is not alone.
Listening is not always about heavy subjects at Lubbock Impact. There are so many lighthearted conversations about the arrival of a new baby and adjusting to no sleep, listening to someone share about their new job, or even listening to a new recipe. Yes, a new recipe! We had some butternut squash donated a few weeks ago and I asked before Community Meal prayer for any recipes anyone might have. After dinner, several participants excitedly gave their recipes. My favorites came this last week from Mr. Don who wrote down two recipes he wanted me to try out for Community Meal. These recipes he shared, Mama’s Sunday Dinner Layered Casserole and Magic Pumpkin Dessert, were ones that he knew other participants would love. Even more exciting than the new dishes to try was the fact that he trusted me to make them one day and knew I would listen as he shared the history of his beloved recipes.
Surrendering my time and willingness to listen has brought so much joy and empathy for fellow journeyers through this life. Daily I am reminded that God has chosen to turn towards me and hear my cries. Why should I deny others the same opportunity? “I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry.” Psalm 40:1. My prayer is that I will be willing to turn and hear the cries of others and guide them to the love of our heavenly Father.
Blessings,
Becky Robertson
Executive Director