My life? "Sad & depressing"

Jessica opened the door, assuming that someone from Facebook marketplace was stopping by. Instead, she was warmly greeted by a couple of smiling Cru students—Jadyn and Zion.

On behalf of local churches, students who attended Cru’s Winter Conference were out connecting with neighbors. After introducing themselves, Jadyn and Zion asked if she was willing to answer a couple of questions.

“What words would you use to describe your life right now?”

“Sad. Depressing”, came the reply.

Jessica shared that she had recently lost her 11-year-old son.

He had a terminal illness and, at one point, was having 40-60 seizures a day. Jadyn and Zion listened intently as she poured out her heart.

Jessica talked about the in-home palliative care nurse who would play worship music during her visit. This annoyed Jessica. But she was happy for the nurse's care for her son.

During her son’s last days, he required nutrition through a feeding tube. Jessica remembers the nurse still lifting her son’s spirit saying things like:

“Jesus has the best ice cream waiting for you in heaven.”

Jessica’s heart softened, and eventually she started watching The Chosen. Seeing how God was at work in Jessica’s life, Jadyn and Zion asked if they could share a short summary of how she could know God in a personal way.

Through tears, Jessica prayed to begin walking with God.

When I re-gathered with the group of students that went out that afternoon at our church, the organizers, Daniel and Ana, heard story after story of the students’ experiences. And they also prayed through tears—out of awe of God and the inspiring faith of the students who participated.

Life is hard; and we all need people who notice us and care.

God used a faith-filled, radiant nurse and a couple of students to let Jessica know that He notices and He cares—very much.