Small Mercies

My purse got stolen Wednesday morning.

And if that sounds like a familiar sentence at this blog, that would be because it's the second time it's happened to me in eight months. 

The lesson in this would be that if you have something that is valuable to you, DO NOT ASK ME TO HOLD IT IN MY PURSE FOR YOU.

This time, I was making a quick dash-in to a building--I was going to be inside for under three minutes and reasoned that I could just lock my purse in my car.  But in the blink of an eye somebody actually broke my car window and grabbed the purse.  In broad daylight.  In a full parking lot.  Right next to a building.  On a busy street.

From now on, I will never ever be leaving my purse in my car.  I will also, at my friend Queen B's suggestion, consider investing in a Knight Rider-type vehicle that can beat the bat-snot out of the next person who tries to take my purse. 

Oh, I joke now, in sort of a laugh-or-go-crazy kind of way.  But Wednesday morning, my outlook was a little different. 

As soon as I discovered the broken window and missing purse, I called my husband (who instantly began canceling credit cards/checking accounts) and then the police.  I filed an incident report with the business who owns the parking lot. 

And I tried really, really hard to hold it together.  It's just a purse--I know that.  But the truth is that this little incident was the final straw in what has been an unusually difficult couple of weeks.

I choked up a little when I talked policeman, and  I fought back a hefty sob when my husband showed up to help me with all the broken glass.  But I mostly kept my cool.  While  Hubs and I were both making frantic phone calls to the insurance company, credit card companies and bank, a woman from a car several rows away approached me.

"Excuse me," she said gently.  "I couldn't help but overhear your conversation.  You looked like you could use some flowers."

And then she handed me this:

And the floodgates, how they opened. 

I burst into tears, grabbing this sweet stranger's hand, wailing something about "thank you" and "God bless you" and "restoring my faith in humanity".  Undaunted by my blubbering, she offered Corrie and me some cold bottles of water from an ice chest in her van, and she even offered to go get Corrie some lunch.

I don't know who she was.  I don't know why she had flowers and cold bottled water in her mini-van.  I only know she was paying attention to what was going on around her, and she had the courage to step out in kindness.  And I cannot even express how profoundly that simple gesture ministered to me, in an otherwise crummy week.  It was a little bit of Jesus, right there in a broken-glass-filled parking spot.

So I've learned many lessons about purses and cars, but I've been reminded of something even more important:  a little kindness goes a very, very long way.

Find somebody who needs you today. 

Comments

[Natalie Witcher]

mmm, that's sweet. My 4 month old needs me..gotta go!

[Pink Paper Peppermints]

Shannon to me this is a perfect in-the-flesh example of spiritual warfare.

The devil wants you discouraged (i.e. purse stealing) but God will always encourage you (i.e. flowers and cold water).

It makes me smile. And also think of that scripture in Romans 5, "where sin abounds, grace does much more abound."

God is so good. And what a wonderful reminder to be available to the Lord so He can use us to encourage someone else.

And one more thing. Your blog is frequently my flowers and cold water.

Just thought you'd like to know that.

Melissa~

[Heather @ Desperately Seeking Sanity]

and now my flood gates have opened....

[Tara]

((((hugs))) Gotta love those love letters from God.

[Blue Hare Mom]

Shannon, I'm so sorry you had to go through this again. Anything I think of typing comes up cliche :o/

Thanks for your example of grace under pressure and your inspirational words of wisdom.

Susan

[momhuebert]

Beautiful. I'm so sorry you had to go through this AGAIN. But how wonderful there was someone there to encourage you. It makes me want to be that kind of person myself.

[Nancy]

God love you, dear. Just God love you. Thanks for sharing the powerful inspiration. I'm out to find a cooler, ice, some bottled water to put in my car!!

[Heather]

That is beautiful -- I actually teared up. I really hope everything works out with your purse.

AWW! That is SO wonderful! It made me get all teary (not that that's new in my excessively wildly-fluctuating hormonal state these days). What a sweet smile from God to you; bless that soul for her obedience to the Holy Spirit's prompting.

And may I just say that I am OUTRAGED on your behalf??? Breaking a car window to snatch your purse!!?? In our lovely little state, even?? It's just beyond belief. Almost.

(((((HUGS))))) to you, My Friend. I'll be saying an extra prayer that things only go uphill from here on out.

[LifeatTheCircus]

Isn't it awesome the way our loving Father knows just what we need and cares for us so much that he sends flowers to you in the midst of a crisis. What a loving Father we have!!
I am sorry to read you are going through such a difficult time right now.

[Anna]

Wow. That is beautiful!

[JanMary, N Ireland]

Lovely for that to happen. God looks after us through others when we need it :)

[Tyler]

Beautiful. Touching. Who says miracles don't happen today?!

[Susanne]

I'm so glad you shared this. How beautiful.

And I'm so sorry about the purse and car.

[suburbancorrespondent]

Sweet! And now you get to go purse-shopping!

[Christy]

I can't believe that happened again. Wow.

Isn't it wonderful when people rise to the occasion though?

[Kim]

So sorry about your purse! Ya know I do that so much, you have made me rethink leaving it in the car! God bless that lady that were Christ's hands and feet!

[momrn2]

Agonizing for you at the loss of your purse and the cruelty of sin... but rejoicing with you that God chose to reveal Himself in such a personal way!

Thanks for the challenge to open my own eyes a bit more to the things around me and the opportunity to show forth kindness.

[Staci at Writing and Living]

Oh, I'm so sorry! I'm glad that woman was there to bless you.

[pam]

What a true blessing that woman was at just the right moment.

May we all be a little more like that and think of our own time as the way the Lord chose to use Esther . . . for such a time as this. We all have the opportunity to be used by God -- if we keep our eyes on Him.

[Ronnica]

Wow, that's awesome. It's a great reminder that we too need to be on the look out for ways we can bless others. Thanks!

[Julia]

you made ME cry with this one! and I dont cry easily!

[Melanie @ Notebook Learning]

How very sweet of her!

You should right that up and send it in to HeroicStories.com

What a wonderful woman, and how awful for you to go through all this AGAIN. Hugs.

[Chris]

I'm a member of the same club. Mine was grabbed in a Sam's Club parking lot.

The worst part is the violation you feel over the whole thing. I don't think I'm over it yet, and it happened 10 months ago.

Hang in there!

[Stephanie]

((((Hugs to you)))) Isn't that just like Jesus to see you in your need?

[Queen B]

That rocks. Not the purse thievery. The kindness.

A good reminder to slow down and notice people in need. Not just big needs, but little needs. And a good reminder to have courage.

And a good reminder to wear a backpack.

[dcrmom]

THAT is a beautiful story. What a lesson for all of us!

[MSM]

You don't have to explain to any woman that "I know it was just a purse".

And I wouldn't have to explain to any woman why this post made me cry.

I just can't let my kids see me right now. . . .

[Happy Mommy]

What a wonderful gesture! I am really sorry your purse was stolen!

[Kara]

I love the small acts of service that restore our faith. That made me cry (of course being pg, everything makes me cry these days lol).

[Nic]

Oh my, how horrible for you! Thank goodness for the kindness of that lady!

[Karol]

Wow...people are good! God Bless.

[Jennifer (mon of4)]

What a great RAK (random Act of Kindness) I post a RAK linky on my blog every other Monday. It's great to see what a little kindness can do for someone.

So sorry about your car and purse!!

[Jeni]

I got all teary-eyed just reading this. What a kind person, to step right in and offer you comfort - she's just GOT to know Jesus.

[Alicia]

So many thoughts. First, crazy that someone stole your purse in those conditions. Second, it's completely understandable to be upset by this. Besides the frustration of canceling all those card and getting new ones, there's no way you didn't feel violated. And third, what an awesome encounter with a total stranger. I love it!!!!

[chilihead]

I love that she was able to get outside of herself and offer you some comfort. These days that's hard to come by. I hope many of us would have the courage to do the same for someone else.

[Mary]

At the ripe old age of 72, I have finally learned a couple of things. One is that I only carry backpack type purses which leave my hands free and I never go anywhere without it unless I am at home. I have it on my back even when I go in a public restroom so no one can snatch it over the door. I try to not make it too heavy and make sure all the zippers are closed unless I am in it for something. I hope your items get back to you unused but I am so glad someone gave you a kindness. They were blessed as much as you were. May you pass it on. God bless you richly!

[Miss Elisabeth]

I just love when God sends those little hints...I'm still here...still with you...always...

Our van was broken into on a trip with our dance group - the thieves, who were staying in the same hotel on stolen credit cards, stole my mother's purse, my purse full of sewing stuff, my dad's satchel full of hand transcribed music and all of his instruments, coats, etc. Everything. They even could have stolen the car, they found the keys. They left the accordion, though, and praise the Lord, I had brought my computer into the hotel room.

And two wonderful friends spent a morning in which they could have been in the pool helping a nearly sobbing me clean out the broken glass and sort through the stuff.

Just that gesture of complete willingness to lend an entire morning to me . . . has stayed with me for a long time. God works in amazing ways.

[Karen]

Oh gee, now I am fighting the tears. I am so sorry this happened to you again, but so glad God used the experience in such a sweet and wonderful way.

[Karen (Simply A Musing Blog)]

Gosh, what a beautiful gesture...but I still want to give a good talking-to to the thief who stole your purse.

[Jenny]

The bad days must be going around! I had one on Thursday that involved not being able to get my gas cap off! I was already on the light, late for work, and could not get that crazy cap off! It didn't get better after that either!

Have a great week!
Jen

[Alisa]

Some people are still good. Thanks for sharing this heartwarming story. And for reminding us to help out more and not just walk away with our sympathy and empathy.

[Courtney]

That is awesome. So sorry about your purse and your car though! Ugh! Not in Mayberry?!

[Rebecca]

I leave my purse in the car all the time. I try to stash it kind of out of sight, but still...

What kind of person DOES that? Do they wander around with hammer in hand, just waiting for the opportunity? And is it full-time work, looking for purses sitting in cars waiting to be stolen, or maybe just a sideline to their regular job?

I just don't get it.

What a unique illustration, though, of people using their talents for good or for evil. Makes me eager to be a light in someone's day today.

[Jen]

I think you could definitely use a trunk monkey.

Bat-snot? This is a new one to me. I knew I shoulda had a boy in there with all these girls.

(I am truly saying a little prayer for you now). Tomrrow is another day and His mercies are always new.

[Sarah]

Praise God for that lady! And you're right...it is a great lesson. I know I need to pay more attention to those around me!

[emily]

am so sorry this has happened to you again. how frustrating. sometimes life just isn't fair. i'm glad someone was there to bring you a bit of cheer.

[We are THAT family]

Oh my goodness. You need to buy a really ugly purse and put something really yucky in it, you know, for next time. I hope that made you smile, because you sound like you need it. I know that this is a very violating and disturbing feeling and I'm sorry it happened again. About that ugly purse, seriously . . .

[kellie]

This makes me weepy myself!

God is merciful. And He is so tender to send you encouragement as just the right time.

God's Providence. It gives me goose bumps every time.

[Linda Sue]

Oh Shannon I'm so glad that angel (I mean kind person appearing in a parking lot at just the right time with cold water and flowers - yeah like that happens a bunch) was there for you. I'm sure you have been Jesus' hands more than a few times and glad you had some kindness shown to you also. So sorry about the purses and hassles and invaded feelings and things being rough lately. Except for the purse part - Sista I'm with ya! Best thing about tomorrow - is is NOT today! Bless you dear lady.

[Corrie Merricks]

Okay, I just found your blog on the giveaway, and when I read this post I guessed that your daughter's name is Corrie. It is my name too, and I love it! I haven't met many others with the name, but I'm an adult and still love being unique and being named after Corrie ten Boom. :)

[lomagirl]

Man, much as I want it, I hope she wins the ice-cream. What an angel- and a good reminder to us all to be on the lookout.
I've had my bag stolen from the car when I was just gone 1 minute, too. Arghhhh.

[jolyn]

You got me all choked up, innocently taking a break from yard work here. I, too, have been given flowers in times of great emotional and spiritual need. But not by a perfect stranger in the street. God bless her. And thank you for sharing this and reminding ALL of us what a difference we each can, truly, make in another person's life. If we all reached out to just one...

[jenny]

Shannon, I'm so sorry that you have to go through the whole purse ordeal again. That really stinks!

How awesome about the flowers and cold water!! You are right... a little kindness does go a very long way!

[Veggiemomof2]

THANKS ALOT! I have been on the verge of tears since I hit a parked car in the church lot last night. We are both going to need body repairs, but I am thankful there's no mechanical damage. I cannot stop beating myself up & to make matters worse, DH is out of town, unreachable by cell. He isn't going to throw a fit, but I get overwhelmed easily & really needed him. Luckily I had 2 men @ church whom I trusted to help me (1 being a cop)& the lady was SO understanding.

Oh well, I knew the tears would fall eventually, at least it was kinda happy tears.

[The Roost]

I am so sorry about your purse but that was a very encouraging and touching ending to a bad situation! Thanks for letting us be apart of it.

[CP]

MY eyes are welling up! That is such a beautiful story. Thanks for restoring my faith.

[Emily]

I admit it. Your blog intimidates me and encourages me and gives me a little bit more faith in the goodness of people.

Dear Jesus, bless the woman with the flowers and thank you for the woman that wrote about her.

(also The Flower Man by Mark Ludy might interest you immensely)

[Kristen]

Shiver dots all over me! What a wonderful story, thank you for sharing!

As Chris mentioned, I am also a member of the club...but my purse, along with all of my bridesmaids' purses was stolen, FROM THE CHURCH, DURING MY WEDDING. I spent 1/2 of my reception time filling out reports for the police. Then after the reception, during the party at my parents' house, I was at the DMV, getting a new license so I could go on my honeymoon the next day. I think I'm over it now, nearly 12 years later, maybe. What kind of person does this stuff, anyway???

[PENSIEVE (the ROBIN one)]

Beauty in the broken.

Quite literally this time :/.

Lovely...simply.lovely.

:)

[Elaine]

I just recently posted about a little angel too, one that came into my life in a scary moment. Thank God for these moments.

So sorry about your purse...

[franticallysimple]

What a blessing. Thanks for sharing.

[Pam]

Hugs to you.

[Sara@MillerMoments]

Makes me want to go put some water bottles in my van cooler right now! What a sweet lady. T-town can be awesome, sometimes.

So sorry about the purse.

So happy that your hubby could help right when you needed him most.

How was the Compassion table the other night in BA? Wish I could have gone - but I had just heard about that concert a few hours prior and had plans.

Thank you for all you do on this blog! You are much appreciated!

[HeresTheDiehl]

This made me cry. What a great example of someone being the hands and feet of Jesus. Thanks for sharing.

[Teresa]

Isn't it so great to see HIS fingerprints on every aspect of our lives? I'm truely sorry about your purse and all the complications that go along with having it stolen...but how wonderful the Lord worked that day by using that kind woman to comfort you!

[Lisa]

I do the EXACT same thing -- leave my purse in the car if I'm just running in for a sec or two. And then last Friday, a man I didn't know stopped me as I was leaving a store, pointed at my car, and said, "M'aam? Is that your car?" When I said yes, he gently but sternly cautioned me that it was a bad idea to leave my purse on the front seat... not just in that parking lot, but anywhere.

I smiled and thanked him, but honestly, I was taken aback, and the more I thought about it later, the more indignant I became. Most days it feels like I've got MORE than enough people telling me how to run my life -- and I kept telling myself that I could do without direction from a perfect stranger.

Your post made me realize that that man wasn't offering criticism -- he was offering flowers and cold water. And I was too stubborn to see it at the time.

Thanks for letting God use you to point that out to me... =D

[Crazy Daisy]

what an amazing story! brought me to tears!

[Elizabeth]

Been there (also twice in a short period of time) and am glad for you that someone was there to share such kindness -- *Ü*

[KathrynB]

My 25 day old baby boy is in the hospital recovering from open heart surgery when he was just 5 days old.. This weekend has been minor setbacks and YOUR post helped restore MY faith in the "order of the world".. Thanks, Shannon. It's gonna be OK.

[Kelli]

Thank you, Lord.

[Jamie]

Thanks for sharing that! We need those reminders!

[d]

So sorry this happened to you but this a good remember for me to be thoughtful to those around me, even strangers.

[Jenn]

I love when God sends Angels :)

Too bad about your purse and car though...but here's a nice thought, isn't LOST back this week???

[warillever]

So sad, so sweet.

Thank you for *being* that bottle full of flowers for me this afternoon. I really needed to hear this story.

[amy c]

The kindness of a stranger offering comfort in time of crisis is the picture of the love of our Heavenly Father. Who knows why someone would steal a purse, maybe they needed the money to eat. I dunno. But the picture of someone paying attention to your needs and stepping out to meet those needs really strikes me. How many times do I go through my day self involved, never paying attention to my fellow man? Thanks for sharing your story.

[Shalee]

Oh my, Shannon. What started out as an awful situation turned into one of pure beauty. God is so good to us in so many ways. And yes. I'll find someone today.

[mummymac]

Incase you think you're the only one and get the feeling people would say "you think you would learn after the first time" - this happened to me twice within about 3 weeks.

Before kids, while working I had a purse stolen from my office at work, then a few weeks later I had one stolen right out of my bag as I walked along the street! I'm not sure what's worse - the fact that someone goes out of their way to do it or the fact that you have all the cards to sort.

Thanks for the challenge for us all to step out with kindness.

[Jennifer (Et Tu?)]

What an amazing story. Thank you so much for sharing. I am so sorry that your purse got stolen again, but so very glad that someone was there to make your day a little brighter.

[Robyn]

Boo for thieves. Hooray for flower/water giving people. Hope you get all your personal stuff cancelled, etc. so the boo thieves don't continue to steal.
I learned a lesson, though. I leave things in plain sight all the time. No more.

[Ericka]

I absolutely can NOT believe it happened to you again. Truly. Unbelievable.
Just so glad you and Corrie are ok and as for the stranger - May God bless her back a 100 times. How incredibly sweet.
Here's to a quick recovery of your 'stuff.
Lots of HUGS!!!!!!

[Marla Taviano]

Awwww.... Praying for you, girl!

[Fiddledeedee (It Coulda Been Worse)]

I had no idea that angels come equipped with flowers and bottled water. God thinks of everything. :)

I'm glad you're okay.

[Kara Messner]

Wow! People don't know what that kind of kindness can do for a person. My sis was having a particularly difficult day at the dr's office one time and she was starting to break down. Her son was also losing it. A kind stranger came up and first of all offered my sis a hug and then she gave my sister's little son a dollar and changed the whole mood of the moment. Small acts of kindness.......God is definitely in those! Cool story.

[kj]

I love kind people! If this makes you feel any better: in 15 months my cousin's home has been thoroughly burglarized twice, one car stolen, another attempt made on another car, and her purse was stolen, and on her way to the DMV to replace her driver's license, someone crashed into her car!

[Llama Momma]

Beautiful. Not the purse, of course, but the grace.

[tiffany McGuigan]

I'm so sorry this happened to you. How great is God to send you some comfort in your time of need from a complete stranger no less.

[Mrs. Nicklebee]

That is so precious, Shannon! *sniffle* God cares, and He made people with hearts like His who also care.

[Marcy]

Glorious post. Took me to a totally different place than it began...

I too had my purse stolen from my car 4 months ago. I understand the pain of it. And guilt since it is avoidable.....my husband was pretty mad I left the purse in the car in the first place. But we repair- and we go on.

I always want to be that stranger for someone. I hope I have helped people like the flower/cold water lady....how joyful and kooky and unexpected God can be. That silly God of ours.....This post deserves the "Falling Up" award. When something starts bad- and well, ends good- despite the odds and gravity

[Rebecca]

Wow! I love people like that, I wish I were that person more often. That brought a tear to my eye. Thank you for sharing.

[Mrs. Annie]

Praise God through whom all blessings come.

[Summer]

Thanks for this post Shannon. It truly touched my heart.

[Amy @ By His Grace]

His "knowing" is amazing. I'm glad no one was hurt.

[BrownEyedGirl]

Awww, sometimes I just love people... sometimes I don't but SOMETIMES I do! :)

[Patty]

That is beautiful, I am sorry that some jerk decided that they needed your purse more than you did, but at least God was there to show you that good people still exist.

[Darcy Fraser]

She was an angel, sent from the Lord.

[Jamie]

I'm so so sorry about your purse and car. I would have cried, too.

What an angel that woman was!

[Carol ~ I Throw Like A Girl]

I call those "Hugs from Jesus"! I love when that happens and it probably does more than we are aware of.

[Deb]

That was a Divine appointment just for you:)

[The (Almost) Amazing Mammarino]

I am so sorry you had to go through this!

I just bawled when I got to the part about the flowers. How precious!

Hope your week gets better!!!!