Advent Devotions

Today’s author is Prince of Peace member, MaryJo Trapp.

Luke 6:38 – “give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap; for the measure you give will be the measure you get back.”

My husband, Dave, and I were in Memphis, TN  in April of this year. One morning while walking from our hotel to the Rock and Soul Museum (Very cool. Be sure to go there if you’re ever in Memphis) a man, who obviously lived on the street, approached us. I asked what he needed and he said he’d like a cup of coffee. I told him I’d buy him a cup of coffee. As we went into Starbucks an employee immediately told him that he couldn’t be in there. I told her that I wanted to buy him coffee and then we’d leave. He graciously ordered a small coffee. I told him that he didn’t have to get a small.  He thanked me and ordered a larger size.  I then asked if he wanted some food. He looked at the menu board rather flustered and didn’t say anything which is when my husband said “how about a bacon, egg and cheese sandwich “.  He replied, “what the man said”.  I paid and the three of us stepped aside to wait for his order.

Okay, here’s where the experience gets very interesting. Dave asked his name which is Benjamin. Dave shook his hand and said “my name is Dave and this my wife”, but before he could say my name, Benjamin turned to me and said, “are you Mary?”. I said, “Yes, I am Mary. How did you know?” He looked me in the eyes and said “God told me. I believe in God.  My grandmother was Mary, and Jesus’ mother was Mary and God told me that you are Mary.”  I immediately started wondering how he did that little trick. I asked if my name came up on the register when I paid but he said he can’t read, which would explain his confusion when I asked if he wanted breakfast. I’ve been to Starbucks since and your name does not show up when you pay.  The barista never asked my name to write on the cup because she knew it wasn’t for me.

Hmmm. 

Again he looked me in the eyes and said that God told him. I can’t think of any other explanation and believe me, I thought about it all day.  Despite his dirty appearance I asked if it was okay to hug him and he said yes.  Much to the relief of the employees and probably a few customers, we stepped outside as soon as he received his order.  We chatted for a bit and then we continued on our way.  A few dollars and a bit of kindness made his day and ours brighter.  I hope that if you ever get the chance to help someone, even in a small way, you do it.  You never know when God is whispering your name to someone.

Now when I think of Benjamin, I ask God to keep him safe and help him find someone else to buy him a cup of coffee.