Wild Child Ministries

Encouragements

In life there are those who touch our hearts unintentionally. It may be through a seemingly tiny act of kindness shown during a time of need (perhaps it came during that day which threatened to never end, and a kind stranger allowed you to skip in front of her in the grocery line). Or just an unexpected kind word or warm smile.

At times, we all need encouragement.

During the years that I wandered further and further from Christ, He was faithful to touch my heart with many such encouragers. Some were my friends whom I continued to push away by my bad choices. Others were those I silently watched from a distance as their lives portrayed Christ’s humble grace.

Today I would like to bring encouragement to you (each one who unknowingly touched my life personally)—with my thanks.

The Girl Who Said No

It was the summer of ‘85 and I was attending a two-week Christian camp for teens. Boredom had set in. But not to worry, I had devised a plan. I had finagled a one night pass for my friend Cassie (from school) to come stay at camp. I had also handpicked two other friends to come along. Suzi was a childhood friend from Madison and Sydney a party girl from Milwaukee I had just met.

The plan: after “lights-out” I would lay awake for 45 minutes to be sure everyone in the cabin was sleeping. Then I would tap each of the other three in their beds and we would quietly sneak out and down to the water front. We would canoe across Spider Lake to the public boat landing where I had arranged for a car full of friends from town to pick us up to party. We would shove the canoes back into the water so they looked as if they had simply floated away from camp. We would return along a small path that followed the lake and creep back into bed before the morning bell sounded. It was a genius plan! And yes, for those who are curious, it was executed; and until this day of confession, no one has ever found out.

However, that evening Suzi had come to me and declined the adventure. She admitted it sounded fun, but also she felt uncomfortable with breaking the rules.

And so we went as a threesome in one canoe instead of two.

Suzi is still my friend. She is still following the Lord with her life and has a beautiful family. She stood alone for what she knew would be honoring to Christ that day so many years ago. Today I thank her and every person who has stood up under pressure for their Christian faith. Suzi has touched my life over the past 30-some years that I have known her. Her life, her love, and her faith have encouraged me greatly.

As a renegade rebel I lost touch with many such friends as Suzi. But today you are all still out in this world living your lives for Jesus. I thank you. Thank you for standing firm and not losing your witness. Thank you for drawing wayward souls toward heaven with each day you live out His love.

Thank you for reaching out to me once again now that I have returned home to Savior.

Unintentionally you have brought strength and joy to my life. To my friends Amy, Aaron, Jarod, Karilee M., Suzi, Joy, Scott, Becky, Tim, Toni, Jill and many others: you represent the small part of my past that remains pure, and I am deeply grateful for all of you.

And to you, whoever you are, now reading these words, understand this: your testimony of love for Christ touches people in ways you may not know until God reveals His plan in glory.

You all matter greatly. Today, I simply want to thank you for standing for the truth that has set me free.

“I thank my God in all my remembrances of you.” Philippians 1:3

~ Wendi English