My Life a Testimony

I sat in the bus terminal, waiting for the next bus to take me home.

It had been a long day, filled with unusual demands and several unplanned incidents. This was the first time in about nine hours I could pause and take a breather.

As I reflected on the happenings of the day, my reverie was interrupted by a young man who was in deep discussion with someone over the phone.

He raised his voice at times, gesticulated, and moved intentionally as though relating a step-by-step procedure. I chuckled and continued to observe him, though he remained unaware of my presence, so intent was he on the conversation at hand.

My gaze shifted from him to a lady sitting across from me.

She seemed to be talking to someone she loved.

She crossed her arms tenderly across her chest, and her smile was charming. She lowered her voice as though whispering a secret.

I looked around and noticed I was surrounded by people on their phones, engrossed in conversation, each one an actor in their individual stories.

Then I turned my gaze away from all the characters around me for a moment of self-reflection. I wondered whether the stories I had conjured up about my fellow travelers were true. Though their actions and nonverbal communication were so powerful, had I correctly guessed their stories based on their actions? And what about my actions? What do my actions tell others about me? Do they see a loving person who emulates her best Friend, Jesus? I resolve today to bear witness of a loving and caring God. My prayer is that others will see His character through me. I want people to see, without having to ask, that I have been with Jesus, that I reflect His life. It is He who rules my life. May my life and actions speak louder than my words.

I am reminded of the old expression, I had rather see a sermon than hear one any day. Precious God, help me to daily live a life in such a manner that others will clearly see You and hear Your voice through my actions and my deeds.

Gloria Barnes-Gregory