When I met Wilma, she was seated on a plush arm chair in her living room, awaiting our arrival. She offered us some spice cake and a cool glass of water before engaging us in one of the most significant conversations I've had in a very long time.
Wilma was a tiny little wisp of a thing. With her white hair and bi-focal glasses, she looked like she could just just topple right over if there were a breeze. But as soon as she began to speak, I saw a strength in Wilma that could withstand the strongest hurricane forces.
Her first question to my little group--Will and Luana, two of my colleagues with Young Life Portugal--was, "Well, tell me. What are you doing for the Lord? Because Young Life can turn into just a social gathering, but I want to know that you're not forgetting that these kids need to know the love of God!"
Will, Luana and I exchanged glances--guess there's no small talk for Wilma! The questions kept coming--"Are you memorizing scripture?" "How are you reaching out to kids?" "Are you praying and singing to God every day?" MY goodness--did she challenge me!
Though there were many serious questions and discussion topics brought up, I didn't feel grilled or uncomfortable. Wilma had a sort of quality about her that made it impossible to feel uncomfortable. In fact, what I really wanted to do was to simply sit at her feet and learn. When she talked about memorizing scripture, she spouted off at least four different Psalms...something I'll admit I can't do. She didn't do it to show off, though; in fact, when she began to quote a Psalm, she'd close her eyes and say it as though she were praying--as if she was offering up her thanks to God.
There were many points during our hour long conversation that I had to hold back tears. First, because sweet Wilma reminded me of my own sweet grandmother who is a Rock of faith and an encouragement to me every single day. But also because Wilma is one of those people in whom you can SEE God. She is so overflowing with the love of God--that you can't help but be drawn in and fascinated by her. Wilma spends her days studying scripture, praying, singing hymns, and writing letters of encouragement to the many people who have been fortunate to meet her. When I looked at Wilma, I could see God in her...and that's an incredible thing.
I hope that I can be like Wilma. I hope that I'll be able to ask the hard questions and seek after truth. I hope that when people look at me, they'll see God in me.
Wilma prayed for us before we left. She raised her hands and sang her thanks to God for bringing us to spend time with her, and prayed that our work with kids in Portugal would be effective, honest and true. She then reached over, touched my hand, and asked me to pray for her. What an honor it was to pray with Wilma. I had to fight back the tears again as I thanked God for allowing me the amazing opportunity to meet Wilma and for the blessing and encouragement she'd been. We closed with an "Amen," and then Wilma asked if she could play the piano for us. She played the sweet melodies of hymns--some I was familiar with and some I was not--all from memory. As she closed with Amazing Grace, I thought--THIS is faith. THIS is love. I whispered my own thanks to God, for giving me a glimpse of Him in Wilma.
One of the first Psalms Wilma ever memorized was Psalm 121--which I'll close this post with...
I lift my eyes to the hills--where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of Heaven and Earth. He will not let your foot slip--he who watches over you will not slumber; indeed, he who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep. The Lord watches over you--the Lord is your shade at your right hand; the sun will not harm you by day, nor the moon by night. The Lord will keep you from all harm--he will watch over your life; the Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.
