mercy in action
10.15.2012 
Today, on Mercy Monday, I choose to share about one person who has shown me more about mercy than perhaps any other.
Silvia worked alongside me in Honduras where we served as missionaries by fostering four boys. She served our family by helping us with cleaning, cooking and laundry. At one time, seven children gathered round our table. That’s a lot of mouths, socks, and leaves tracked in on shoes. Silvia walked to our home in the mornings arriving around 8:00.
Although she could not read, Silvia hid God’s word in her heart. She memorized large portions and could retrieve verses to fit particular situations. She never came across proud or as if she had this spiritual thing wrapped up.
On days when tensions swirled in our house, La Casa de Isaac, I would hear Silvia talking to herself as she worked. Gradually I figured out that she was praying. Her presence brought a calming balm.
When I think of mercy in action, I picture Jesus at the last supper. John 13 says he “knew” the hour was near. He “knew that the Father had given all things into his hands.” And he took up the towel and washed the feet of his disciples. Judas had just left the room to go and rat him out to the high priests. So he knew he was being betrayed at the time.
This knowing that God the Father had given him all things is the opposite of Eve. Eve doubted that God had given her everything she needed. She grasped the apple in an attempt to have it all and live apart from God. In contrast, Jesus grasped the towel to bend low and serve.
I saw this in Silvia. She served people because she knew the Father had given her everything she needed. Now, when I look on from my vantage point, I question: did she have everything? She did not have concrete floors. She did not have electricity or running water in her home. She had a “pila,” pronounced peel-a, outside by her front porch. She used rain water and a hose that carried water from a nearby stream. She did not have an education. I could go on, but you get the picture. In spite of what I may judge to be her lack, Silvia “knew” she had it all spiritually.
To be served by Silvia. To be prayed for and loved by her. These I count as humbling and life-giving days. I saw Jesus in her. I am changed because of her mercy.
Honduras, heroes, mercy Monday
Reader Comments (4)
Yes! I am Eve most days, tho I wish to be Jesus. What peace I miss out on when I doubt Him. Thanks sweet Gigi
Gigi-
What a beautiful memory about Silvia. Silvia has been a faithful participant in the sewing class that I've taught to 11 mountain woman at the ranch. We've spent 7 weeks sewing together over the past 2 1/2 years and her sweet demeanor is such a blessing. Each day at sewing I share a devotional with the women. I don't know where most of them are at spiritually but I want to be intentional about imparting God's word to them. With your permission may I read a portion of this to the women when I'm there this January? I think it's such a beautiful testimony.
Miss you girl!
I would be honored, Colleen, for you to read this to them. I thought today of what it would be like to get to share this with Silvia. I got a little chuckle picturing her surfing the web. And I hope she gets to hear how much I love her and the place God gave her in my life. She is special.
Gigi, what a blessing she shared with you and you have shared with us. Thank You!