Several decades ago, I was sitting at mass. I was alone. My mother had passed the fall. My life partner had recently died in my arms, my daddy had just passed away after that, and I had sold my business. It was all too much for me.
I remember looking back at a group of people standing in the front of the church and they were al so lovely. All well dressed and they were all helping the parishioners. Something made me get up and walk to a man and ask, “Do you need any help?” That moment was the turning point in my life.
The man, Dan, said, “Why yes”. I handed out bulletins at the end of the service. Dan then asked me if I would like to be a Hospitality Minister. Dan is now one of my dearest friends and life-long mentor in faith and in life. I went on to a 20-year run of being a Hospitality Minister, Eucharistic Minister, and Team Leader. We sponsored “Dancing with our Stars” for 7 years and had an amazing time in service.
All this happened because I listened to the still small voice while still deep in my grief. Then I acted on the unction in my heart and then I asked if I may help.
For 47 years with Arthur Murray, the opportunities that have come my way happened because I asked for guidance, for opportunities, for ways to serve, and then I asked for ways to serve and give back. I have never listened to the voices of doubt in my life and have always asked, no matter how frightened or unsure I was at the time.
The courage to ask has always come from my faith. Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen. Hebrews 11:1
Do you need something in your life? Do you need something right now? Have you given up or are you impatient? Well, then, in a quite moment, say what you want. Pray what you want. Meditate on what you or someone else needs. Then believe and be patient.
My only advice is be careful of what you ask for, because there is a great chance that it will come to you. You’ll be surprised that the answer might require some very hard work and commitment and be more challenging than you imagined. That’s OK, for with the answer will come the strength.
Ask, believe, receive, work, maintain, be thankful and grateful and hang on. For you will then need to ‘pass forward’ your blessing to someone else.
Ask, ask, ask. Don’t be afraid. You’ll soon see your ‘evidence of things hoped for’ and you will be blessed.
Be happy. Never give up. It will get better. Find the greatness in others and in yourself.
Thanks for reading,
David Woodbury