A few stories...

I have been here for a little over a month now. One thing that I am learning is patience. Waiting and trusting the Lord means sometimes you have to wait. However, I do want to share a few of the stories that I have heard or situations I have been a part of:

Bouncer next door- He comes in fairly regularly. He comes in a lot when I am here. Last Saturday, a night I wasn't supposed to work, I was here and he came in and played skipbo with me for a while. He started talking to me about his life and then brought up the topic of God. So i was more than willing to listen to his perspective. After explaining his views, he made a statement that has become a driving force in my prayers. he said "I just don't believe that God can work/do anything in a strip club." How this has stirred my heart. He may not believe that God can work in a club, but I sure do. Therefore, that is what i am praying for.

Dancer next door- She seems very independent and has a hard edge, but she is a tiny woman. Either way, she comes in a lot while I am here. Every time she comes in, I say hello and ask how she is doing. The 3rd time, she smiled when she first saw me working. The 4th time, she answered my question and asked how i was. The 5th time, she asked how i was before I even said anything to her. There has been a noticeable change in her demeanor whenever she is in here. The last time she came in, she started talking to me about dancing and what she thinks about it.

Surgery Man- I don't know his name, but he just walked in today and it was the first time i have seen him. He got his coffee and said he was on his way to surgery. I asked what he was having done. He explained that he is having ulcers removed and he has been throwing up blood. As he was headed out the door he said "My wife died, my daughter was murdered, my son drowned and my parents died...it has been unreal" and out the door he walked. I normally say as people are leaving "have a good day" but at this moment, I had no idea what to say. So i feebly suggested "stay warm." After kicking myself, I began to pray. I want him in here again. I want to be able to talk to him! Or i want someone to be able to talk to him or just be able to listen to him.

...to help direct prayers.