Jane has the heart of a world-changer. She recalls that she has always wanted to change the world in some big or small way for the glory of God.
Yet when I ask Jane about her love for international missions, she humbly calls herself a newbie. Friends, this lovely newbie is wise and encouraging. She has been serving others her whole life and has been serving globally for the past thirteen years. You can trust her voice to be one of discernment and love.
For more than a decade, Jane owned and operated my very favorite small business of its time, a local Christian bookstore and coffee shop with a big mission. Jane was always spearheading efforts to raise money for clean water and supporting the efforts of full-time missionaries as they dug wells with the all the resources a booming small business could muster. Jane was always willing to stop for the one.
May I tell you a quick story, sweet reader? I once visited Jane’s shop with a heavy heart in an attempt to find just the right gift for my close friend as she and her young family moved hours away. As always, Jane and I had a short but meaningful conversation as the purchase was made and the bills were counted. I told Jane how sad I was that my friend was moving away.
You know, Courtney. I’ve learned that some people are in our lives for a season. We just have to cherish people as long as God has given them to us.”
Days later, I received a card in the mail from Jane reassuring me that she would pray for my heart as my friend moved so far away. I found out later that week. The afternoon I had visited the shop, Jane’s father had passed away. Yet, she encouraged my aching heart. She truly stopped for the one.
I believe she always does–that she has made a practice of pausing for hearts that need encouragement. We can trust her heart as we seek to follow Jesus.
You can watch my interview with Jane here, friends!
May your heart be the one encouraged today. May we all listen to the still, small voice that tells us when to go and when to stay. May we always have hearts that stop for the one and listen to The One.
From my heart to yours,
~Courtney
We were in a write 31 days mastermind group together, but it never seemed to take off. So just taking a moment to say “hi!” and hope you are enjoying the fact this is the last day of the journey! 🙂