My sister Nancy always there to spark the mischief in me.

One Moment One Word
by ~ Anita Skocz
3-8-2013

As I lay in my room listening to the familiar predawn sounds of the hospital, I became aware of an unfamiliar addition, a voice. The distance made it seem faint at first, but as it moved closer, it mixed with, and became a part of this morning hallway symphony. Like a cartoon my ears stretched to listen, and I discerned that the visitor was a minister of sorts. His choice of words filled with “fire and brimstone” identified him to me, but his fear of God language made me dread his arrival into my space. With breakfast coming soon, I did not desire “fear” to be added to my plate. Yes, my lips preferred to pass on that particular taste. But, as soon as I assumed that his menu would be the same for me as the others, an inner voice signaled to my heart; receive his message today.

Within moments of my guidance, my eyes were awed by the towering figure that stood next to my bed. His skin was bronze, like that of an Egyptian, and the size of his hands caught my attention as well. In moments I felt a comforting peace, as his eyes communicated an unspoken proposal to my soul. With our eyes exchanging welcoming gazes, he opened his mouth and spoke.

“Good morning!”

With a smile I greeted him, but found myself taken aback by the tone of his voice. His deep rich delivery screamed Moses to me.

With a sparkle in his eyes he stood like a gentle giant with a gift. Then, after perusing the metal scaffolding around my head and neck, he spoke again.

“Seems like you have quite a “challenge” to deal with dear lady; may I rest my hands on you, and say a little prayer?”

His words had no trace of the fear filled verses he delivered along the way; he kept posed and still, and after his tender prayer, he just nodded sweetly, and walked away.

The word “challenge” stirred in me, and I repeated it over and over. Each time it empowered me, each time I felt its magic. I was an athlete, whose body lay motionless, due to a spinal injury. But, the word “challenge” in that moment in time graced me with a strength of body, mind and spirit.

That visit was thirty five years ago. With gratitude, I replay that scene many times in my mind. It changed my perception on the chapters of my life to come. With an empowered spirit my life would not be a struggle, but a welcomed challenge. When God sent that messenger, the directive was clear. The “determined athletic woman” needed one word, not a bible verse. The word “challenge” fed that spirit then, and continues to do so now.

After that day, it was rare for me to spend time focused on what I could not do. I accepted the challenge to “live” each day with the gifts I possessed. While the sun rose that morning, I was lifted and renewed. I learned from a unexpected visitor about the power that one word can carry. Now, when my inner voice directs me to deliver a message, I no longer question its value and timing. What if that minister did not act on his guidance?  We never know how “one word” in “one moment” can impact a life. We must be vigilant and mindful. At any given time we may be called upon to be God’s timely voice. Will we respond? With the proper delivery, a single word, or one helpful act, in a “holy instant” can change a lifetime.

*** I reposted this piece, because another gentle soul, Andrew Harvey, gave me a few words this week, that once again were timely and life altering for me. Although it was over the phone, minus any visual impact, they were no less empowering. Be open to receive, one never knows when the soul will crack wider to take in, and then be able to dispense more light.