Colorful Connie and Her Cart
The Great Commission
I was preparing to go out and do my ‘Jesus En Plein Air’ outreach Saturday morning. I decided to read the Great Commission before leaving my house.
Mark 16:15,16 helped me focus on my reason for going; preach the gospel, get people saved.
But there’s more to the Commission. It also includes casting out demons, speaking with new tongues, taking up servants, surviving deadly drink and laying hands on the sick for healing. Those signs would follow the believer. I’m a believer. Speaking with tongues…check. The other signs are either very infrequent or nonexistent, but I know they are included for a reason. If not me, someone will need them.
I parked my car near Pasadena Central Library where I would pitch my easel. I arrived and was setting up my tripod when I saw an elderly woman struggling to get across the street. She was pushing a 4-wheel cart. A young man helped her make it across safely, then he went on his way.
She continued to struggle as she came my way. I pointed at the cart and said, “Ma’am, the front wheel is broken. You’ll have to lean the cart back and push it on the two good wheels.”
She said, “I cant walk unless I push it on 4 wheels.”
The Power of Words
I said, “I believe God will heal you and make you strong so that you won’t have to lean on the cart to get around…in Jesus Name.”
The lady threw up both hands and shouted “Praise the Lord, thank You Jesus!” She backed away from the cart and ran around it in a big circle. We both praised the Lord for a while.
When we calmed down, we introduced ourselves. I’ll call her Connie (not her real name). Connie was very colorful, in dress and personality. She stayed at my easel for about thirty minutes while I painted. I learned a lot about her life; one filled with triumph and tragedy.
Eventually Connie went on her way. She tilted the cart back, stood erect and pushed it on its two good wheels.
I went on to finish the painting and pass out The Great Escape tracts to curious onlookers.
