The instant brother

Like many of my Christian friends, I wear a cross on a chain around my neck. It is an outward sign of my faith, but that's not the only reason I wear it. In fact, I don't think that's even the main reason. For me, it's a reminder of how I want to try to live my life, and that God is always with me - which in turn is a great comfort. It's an anchor, a talisman, a beacon. It's the world in a tiny piece of gold. And that little cross has brought me so many blessings.  

Today, I had a doctor's appointment, after which I wasn't feeling my best. My ride let me down at the last minute, due to unavoidable circumstances, so I headed to the taxi stand to catch a cab. That was the plan anyway, but I only made it halfway. There are worse places to faint than in a hospital, but I didn't want my hair all over that floor! I was leaning against the wall when a security guard making his rounds came by. He accelerated past me, and I thought no more of it. A couple of minutes later, he came bustling up with a chair! "You don't look so good, I think you'd better sit down, " he said. I sat, and he dashed off again, only to return with a cup of tea. He waited with me until I felt better, then asked how I was going to get home. When I told him he tsked, and told me that idea was a wash out - the heavy rain meant there was an endless queue and not a taxi in sight. I'd be waiting for at least an hour, maybe more. I said I had no choice, so I'd wait. The security guard pointed at my cross and said, "I can't abandon anyone, especially a sister in Christ! You wait, I'll sort this out."

He whipped out his phone and called his brother, who it turns out was a cabbie. 15 minutes later, I had my ride! While we waited, the security guard told me a little about himself, and how he believed God's grace had worked in his life. I won't repeat what he told me, but I will say I don't think I've ever met anyone with as much conviction as this man, or anyone who was so utterly filled with the joy of his faith, and so free of doubt. It was a blessing just to talk to him, and the quick prayer we said together was somehow particularly moving. It didn't matter that it was the middle of the day, a few feet away from a taxi queue seething with impatience. It was a beautiful, quiet, serene moment and I'm grateful this man crossed my path.